The Daily News - Serving Galveston County since 1842

Letters for September 3, 2010

The Mosque Is Already There

I have been reading all the ongoing discussions in The Daily News about the mosque in New York. I seem to be confused.

It is my understanding that a mosque currently exists and has been at its location, four blocks from ground zero, before there was a World Trade Center, which now is trying to build an Islamic center for the mosque, not a new mosque.

I have been to a few Islamic centers that were similar to fellowship halls that usually are next to or near churches. The new Islamic center will house a gym and a large kitchen where they hope to give culinary training to people from the neighborhood. I do not know how many of you have been to this part of New York, but in proximity to the proposed location and even closer to ground zero, as I recall, there is an Irish pub, a McDonald’s, a Burger King, the New York Dolls Gentlemen’s Club, the Pussycat Lounge and many sidewalk street vendors.

It is a very diverse and vibrant neighborhood that has had no issue before or after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with its neighborhood mosque. It is my understanding that there is strong support in the neighborhood for the building of the Islamic center.

There are good and bad in every socioeconomic class, religion, culture and group that exists. It is a shame to paint all of any group with the same brush because of the actions of a few.

History has shown us that people of virtually every culture, religion and class have at some point in time been the victim of or the perpetrator of persecution from another culture, religion or class.

It appears that while history is a great teacher, we the people of the world seem destined to keep repeating history, rather than learn from it.

Jon Johanson
Texas City

Invest In A Living Trust Versus Wills

In response to Stephen Tobelman’s letter “Dying without a will is a costly business” (The Daily News, Aug. 23): Sadly, even if you have a will, your estate might go into probate. There is a better way, and it will avoid probate and expensive attorney’s fees. It is a living trust.

If a person’s estate is small, with little or no value, and few survivors, a simple will is all right. But, the larger and more complex estates can be managed with a living trust. Google — making a living trust. Nolo (www.nolo.com) has free legal advice.

Bill Cochrane
Galveston

Don’t Be A Lazy Voter

In response to Gina Gentile’s letter “Clark Right To Stand Up For Taxpayers” (The Daily News, Aug. 24): While it is painfully obvious that the current far-left administration is not performing in the best interest of the country, I might add that it also is not in the best interest to simply vote a straight ticket, regardless of party.

I hope people take the opportunity to research their candidates and vote for the ones who make the most sense to them. The laziness of voters is part of what has contributed to the mess this country is in.

Ron Fontenot Jr.
Texas City

That Ticket Was An Injustice

My name is Alicia Jena McAfee, of Texas City. I was wrongfully cited in Dickinson with running a stop sign on Spruce Street at FM 517 — a stop sign behind the Pizza Hut.

I was pronounced guilty by Judge Richard J. Cope, with prosecutor Ellis Ortega. I pleaded not guilty. I had three exhibits to show, but I still was guilty.

The policeman didn’t have anything to show. I did, but I still was guilty in the judge’s eyes.

I know after the storm Dickinson needs money, but to get it from a single, older woman ... they must need my money. I have to pay $107.10 court fee, plus defensive driving — more money to pay.

The first payment of $53.55 is due on my birthday. The second is due two weeks after.

I’ve tried to locate Quanell X. Help me, please, residents.

I hope everybody is lucky driving in Dickinson.

Alicia McAfee
Texas City

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