I would like to add something to Rosalind Finn’s Forum letter (“Teach This at Dartmouth,” March 22).
I have also been traumatized by Dartmouth students stepping into the roadway without looking where they were going, and without taking into consideration the conditions of the roads — whether they were slippery, or whether there was adequate visibility at night.
When a student could have waited a few seconds for my car to pass before stepping out in front of me, I also feel a bit resentful having to stop quickly, and then step on the gas to resume driving, which is in effect, a poor usage of gasoline.
When I lived in Munich, Germany, for a year, I wondered why I was almost getting hit by a car every time I stepped out to cross the street. Finally, while walking with a German friend, I proceeded to step off the curb when she grabbed me by the arm and pulled me back. She explained to me that I could not walk out into the road willy-nilly. I could cross only in designated areas and only when the walk sign was displayed. She explained to me that in her country, if you were hit by a car, the driver was not held responsible. In Germany, pedestrians were responsible for crossing the streets in a safe and orderly manner and if they did not comply and were hit, it was their own fault.
When gas prices went up some years ago, I realized that Germans, who paid a premium for gas at the time and probably still do, had a point. They did not waste gas stopping and starting for pedestrians.
I certainly don’t wish to adopt the Germans’ philosophy on crossing the road, but it can be something to think about for Dartmouth students who are concerned about global warming and the use of fossil fuel. Every little bit of savings can make a difference.
Fran Peront
Thetford
I have written before about your “A Life” feature, in appreciation of its thoughtful and inspiring reflection on the life of someone from our community. After reading a recent column, I feel the need to add gut-wrenching to that list of adjectives.
“When Your Child Is Sick, What Are You Willing to Do to Save Them, to Help Them? Anything” (March 20), told the story of George Iskandar’s complex life and his tragic death by drug overdose. It conveyed the humanity of a family that struggled for years to hold on to one of its members and was ultimately willing to share its heartbreaking account with the hope that it would help others.
It is never easy to capture the spirit of a life in the pages of a newspaper, and it is even more difficult to cover the news of a death with compassion, grace and honesty. Thank you to the Iskandar family and to the Valley News for sharing this story.
Richard McNulty
Hanover
I am writing in response to the March 20 article, “A Life: George Iskandar: ‘When Your Child Is Sick, What Are You Willing To Do to Save Them, to Help Them? Anything’.” I want to thank the Iskandar family for the transparency and heartfelt honesty that they have exhibited after the death of their beloved son, brother, father and friend, George Iskandar.
Many families and friends are impacted by addiction. By sharing the many dimensions of George Iskandar’s life, the Iskandar family has managed to capture George’s strengths while also shining a light on the struggles surrounding substance use disorder. We appreciate that the Iskandar family suggested that people may make a donation in George’s honor to Headrest.
I wish I had known George Iskandar as my overall impression from the article and letters that we have received was of a kind, gentle-hearted man. Looking to the future, it is my honor to work with the clients, staff and volunteers at Headrest who are all working together to combat the ravages of substance use disorder on individuals and families throughout our community.
Hilde Ojibway Headrest interim executive director
Lebanon
Our sincere thanks go out to staff writer Aimee Caruso for her outstanding job presenting “A Life: George Iskandar: ‘When Your Child Is Sick, What Are You Willing To Do to Save Them, to Help Them? Anything’,” March 20. Caruso was very attentive and helped us capture everything that we hoped to convey about George. She understood our intent and was able to deliver this message flawlessly.
George and Bonnie Iskandar
Lebanon
Amy Margolis
West Windsor
Most faith traditions call on us to be kind. Despite his amassed wealth reported to be a billion dollars, President Trump is consistently unkind to those who have no monetary assets. He who cannot afford to be kind is truly poor.
Jane Masters
Hanover
I am disappointed by the Senate’s vote on Resolution 69 to allow the killing of baby animals on refuges throughout Alaska. This act will allow Alaskan officials to prioritize hunting over other public uses of the refuge system, such as nature photography and fishing. What’s worse, most Americans, including Alaskans, oppose these highly controversial, extreme measures that could reduce or eliminate predators across entire landscapes.
One of Congress’ first priorities seems to be attacking our wildlife refuges in our wildest state — Alaska. It’s only a matter of time before they come for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The Alaskan delegation has already introduced language to drill through the biological heart of the refuge — the coastal plain. One of our nation’s most majestic places, the refuge is home to the porcupine caribou herd, musk oxen, wolves, imperiled polar bears and nearly 200 species of migratory birds that migrate to six continents and all 50 states. On behalf of all Americans, I urge our New Hampshire and Vermont senators to vote to support leaving the costal plain and Arctic refuge in their sustainable, natural state for future generations.
Carol Perera Weingeist
Hanover
In reading the March 22 issue of the Valley News, I was astonished that Ruby Hill hugged and commiserated with James Ribeiro, who hit and killed her son, Steven Lapre, on June 9 while driving down River Street in Springfield, Vt. (“Man Sentenced in Pedestrian Death”).
I am also appalled at the leniency of the court in giving him only six months of home confinement. I realize he immediately regretted what happened, which did, in fact, cost another human being his life. It was not premeditated — but what has happened to holding people responsible for their actions? It seems that our court system is far too lenient. Although he showed remorse, he needs to have some time behind bars to think about what his actions cost — the life of another human being.
Lorraine Zigman
Perkinsville
Castleton University will ban smoking in the future! That is wonderful news and, pardon the pun, “a breath of fresh air.” I graduated from Castleton State College many moons ago and I did not smoke, but many students did smoke, too. Now, a hope and reality of smoke-free campus.
Roxanne Shelton
Springfield, Vt.