Save, don't pave
A Feb. 4 Record-Eagle article announced the paving of the last 6.5 miles of the Leelanau Trail. As a Leelanau County resident who uses this part of the trail daily for walking and biking, I feel I must make a plea to keep it as a "natural" trail, i.e. without paving an eight-foot wide path of asphalt.
A trail surface, such as the Crystal Lake portion of the Betsie Bike Trail, would maintain a more environmentally compatible surface while preserving the rural character that is part of Leelanau County.
Save — don't pave; nurture nature.
Jill Henry
Traverse City
Maybe not so confused
The Republican candidates and those who head their party have got me somewhat confused. How can they blame President Obama for the failure of our economy and loss of jobs, then, when the recovery of both appears to be taking shape (which the president said would take between four and six years), the Republicans now determine that the president's policies have had nothing to do with our present recovery.
It seems to me that the Republicans just can't get their facts straight. Let me help them. The recovery of the auto industry can be directly related to our president's policy, an industry that Romney said should "be allowed to fail."
On second thought, maybe I'm not as confused as they are.
Jerry Papazian
Lake Ann
Not merely statistics
On Jan. 25, 2012, the Greater Traverse Area Continuum of Care conducted a tally of homeless people in the five-county region. Due to the difficulties inherent in locating homeless individuals, this year's actual number is probably greater than last year's count of 740.
The astounding generosity of the people of the Traverse City area, as well as the many organizations that focus on the needy, is undeniable. However, it's important that we always keep in mind that "street people" aren't merely statistics. Each of the 740 is a story of struggle, survival and endurance.
Some can't afford the minimum cost of filling their propane tanks and are forced to seek warmth in places other than their own homes.
"Margaret" had to escape a violence-filled home, visits day-shelters and rides buses all day just for somewhere to go.
Others suffer from depression.
"Neil" has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
None of them can afford the necessary medication or treatment that would help them cope with their social disabilities.
There — but for good fortune, fate or the grace of God — goes any one of us.
Martin Pavlock
Traverse City
Know what's going on
New Year's resolutions for Michiganders:
Shop only at businesses that pay taxes; small businesses are paying no tax. They're supposed to hire tons of people, but how many employees do doctors, dentists, restaurants, clothing and hardware stores have?
Support clean energy; I'm tired of not being able to eat the fish in our lakes. Clean coal is BS.
Support people who don't push jobs that pollute. If you don't you won't live to enjoy your retirement and you'll take a lot of nice people with you.
Support people who won't mess with our medical marijuana. Watch out for Michigan's Attorney General, Senate and Legislature.
Vote, and try to know what's going on, what are lies and what aren't.
Don Dierkes
Interlochen
Youngest-ever Speller Disappointed by Mistake
2 American Tourists Kidnapped in Egypt
Chen Guangcheng: 'Historic Transition' in China
New York City Seeks Big Drink Ban
Los Angeles Bans Plastic Grocery Bags
Raw Video: SpaceX Dragon Leaves Space Station
Police: Gunman Kills 5, Self in Seattle
Experts: Americans Must Prepare for Storm Season
Forest Fire Becomes New Mexico's Largest Ever
Montreal Police: Mailed Body Parts From Same Man
Facebook Expands Campus As Stock Shrinks
