Thugs, not law, killed bouncer

To The Editor:

Re “Bouncer’s death sparks anxiety over smoking law enforcement” (news article, April 16):

My heart goes out to the family of Mr. Blake, the bouncer who was murdered by simply doing his job. This was a indeed a tragedy. However, I hope that when they are able to see beyond their grief, Mr. Blake’s family will realize that it was not the new protective no-smoking law that caused this unnecessary death. The death was caused by the two smokers who clearly have no respect for the sanctity of human life — not for their own lives, the lives of other patrons in the bar and certainly not for the life of Mr. Blake, who was enforcing a much-needed law. I hope that the anger against this law will be re-directed to where it belongs — on the cold hearts of the murderers.

Eileen B. Weiss

Village keeps getting more elitist

To The Editor:

Re “Christopher woes tied to W.T.C., quality of life” (news article, April 9):

As a longtime Village resident, I continue to feel it is Manhattan’s safest neighborhood. Nothing has changed — except for the fact that the young L.G.B.T. people that enjoy themselves in the Village are now more often people of color. Years ago when older L.G.B.T. residents that now complain about quality of life used to hang out on the same streets doing the same things, the entire scene was predominately white. The Village has always been known as a liberal activist community. I am deeply saddened to see that it is becoming increasingly elitist and conservative. As for the businesses that are leaving, this is the result of the ever-increasing gentrification of the area, a problem directly and indirectly fueled by the “quality of life” activists. Many of the small businesses are simply being priced out. For example, my favorite restaurant, which recently left its location just east of Sheridan Sq., had to leave because the landlord informed them that their rent would be tripled. The restaurant’s owner and staff love the diversity and livelihood of the neighborhood and were all very sad to leave. Unfortunately, with that sort of a rent, we will certainly be forced to accept a large chain store with zero interest in the well being of the community. If we want to help businesses to stay, we must make sure that their landlords do not gouge them. Removing the excitement and livelihood that attracts them (i.e., the open reputation of our community) will only lead to the death of the Village we all love.

Aysata Ba

Bush’s next target: our water

To The Editor:

Are you aware that Iraq is not the only hot topic for America as well as New York City residents? There is also something that the Bush administration is trying to take away from New York City residents: clean water. The Clean Water Act, which was created in 1972, has protected New York City waters for more than 30 years. The C.W.A. will be weakened if the Bush administration has its way. I am a student who has researched this topic and has found that if the Bush administration changes become effective, more than 20 million acres of “isolated wetlands” in the watershed supply of New York City water will be unprotected, and we may have to spend $4 billion to $8 billion on a water-treatment plant. The money will be taken from our taxes to be put towards the plant and in addition to that water rates will rise. All this can be changed if you, the readers, the community, the voice, take a stand. Get educated, spread the word, write to the senators, to Bush, to the E.P.A. Tell them that every drop of water is as valuable as the next and we have the right to clean, inexpensive water. Fight for the right for clean water. Every person can make a difference. Is that person you?

Sasha Tiffany Medero

Medero is a junior at East Side Community High School