Gangs Due

To Failed Policies

To the Editor:

In the July 31, 2009 issue of the Garden City News, a letter from Sarah Garland, the author of a newly released book entitled "Gangs in Garden City" raised several issues regarding the proliferation of gangs on Long Island and the possible contributing factors for this growth. I would like to comment on several of her statements and conclusions, but before doing so, I believe it is relevant to provide my background in the field of violent street gangs.

I spent approximately thirty years with the Federal Bureau of Investigation before retiring at the end of 2008. The last five years were spent stationed on Long Island overseeing the FBI Office in Melville. I also ran the FBI's Long Island Gang Task Force which in partnership with members of the State, County and Village Police Departments, Sheriffs Department, and federal prosecutors, made significant strides in combating guns, drugs and the violence associated with street gangs in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Upon my retirement, I and several other retired FBI Agents formed Pathfinder Consultants International, LLC, an investigative and consulting firm based in New York City. Our firm continues to provide valuable expertise and insight into the field of violent street gangs; and earlier this year, at the request of the Garden City PTA, I provided a presentation on street gangs which took place at the Garden City High School. While I have never spoken or met Ms. Garland, she does quote me, as well as other members of the FBI's gang task force, in her book. Lastly, I am a resident of Garden City.

In her letter Ms. Garland states the title of the book is in part metaphorical, cites certain idealistic beliefs as to why gangs exist, and a hope that the title would promote discussion. While I do believe that all of the aforementioned factors were a consideration in the titling of her book, I also believe that careful thought was given to selecting a book title and jacket which would turn heads, grab attention, and in turn, promote and sell her book. Providing the impression, falsely, through a jacket and title that implies a community such as Garden City is battling a gang presence certainly fosters that goal. It also shows little regard for the chilling impact that impression may have upon the commercial establishments in Garden City, especially in the current economic environment, who base their livelihood on the ability to attract individuals from outside the village as patrons of their businesses.

Ms. Garland also puts forth a bold, and I believe unfounded, conclusion that Garden City, or any other affluent community, contribute to the proliferation of gangs simply by virtue of being affluent. As she stated in her letter "active efforts (emphasis added) to prevent people of color from accessing the same opportunities, from crossing town lines." As the editor of the Garden City News aptly pointed out in that same issue of the News, Garden City and its residents have a well documented history of supporting the Village of Hempstead as well as numerous other towns and villages on Long Island through patronizing of businesses, employment of hundreds of individuals from outside of the village, charitable endeavors and through the New York State tax base. I know of no collective "active effort " to exclude anyone from a presence, employment or residence in this village and intimating that is both baseless and offensive.

Those facts aside, during my tenure with the FBI and my oversight of the gang task force, hundreds of interviews of gang members from violent street gangs such as MS-13, Salvadorians with Pride, 18th Street, Netas, Latin Kings, Bloods, Crips, Pagans and Hells Angels were conducted by members of the gang task force. Based upon the information derived from these interviews as well as other intelligence gathered by the FBI domestically and internationally, I can state with confidence the primary reasons for the gang proliferation we see today across the United States are a failed immigration policy and the breakdown of a traditional family structure. In turn, these failures have led to increased gang membership and gang recruitment by teenage and pre-teen youths who seek the status, physical and emotional bonding, protection and guidance that has eluded them elsewhere. Unable to obtain these basic human needs through traditional and legal means, the gang members turn to guns, drugs and violence in an effort to compensate. Once indoctrinated into the lifestyle of a gang, these youth care little about education, affluence, real or perceived town/village lines or for that matter, themselves. They care about the gang, nothing more.

MS13, the Hispanic gang which has garnered the most attention of the press and law enforcement in this country, based largely in part for its propensity towards violence, has its roots in El Salvador. While with the FBI, I had the opportunity to travel to El Salvador and take part in discussions regarding this gang. Since that time, I have continued to see countless MS-13 gang members who were found to be residing in the United States illegally, deported to El Salvador and other Central American countries. I have also seen several of these same individuals back in the United States subsequent to their initial deportation. Sometimes, this exercise is repeated several times. In a post 9/11 environment, where homeland security has taken the forefront, all of us should find it quite concerning that relatively uneducated, unfinanced individuals, lacking organizational backing, some gang members, some with criminal backgrounds, can repeatedly enter this country undetected. Pause and reflect upon what well educated, financially backed and organized terrorists might be able to accomplish.

It should also be pointed out that while there is a gang presence in the Village of Hempstead as well as several other communities in Nassau and Suffolk Counties, the overwhelming majority of the individuals residing, employed and business proprietors in these communities, are decent, law abiding citizens who are as much opposed to gangs and what they represent, criminal enterprises, as the residents of any other community on Long Island. Unfortunately, due to the failed policies of a variety of agencies and organizations spanning all levels of government, dealing with gangs has been left to a law enforcement solution; and that will never eradicate the gang presence on Long Island or for that matter, anywhere in this country.

Robert Hart

Book Facts Incorrect

To the Editor:

I read with interest Meg Norris's editorial re Sarah Garland's book: "Gangs in Garden City". She expressed my own feelings when I first read of the book in an article by Ms. Garland in the June 21 edition of The New York Times.

My question was "Who titled the book?" One has to assume it was done to call attention for sales. Cheap trick. Shame on Ms. Garland. She is described in her appearances and the book flap as a journalist. If so, she owes all other journalists an apology for the pretense perpetuated by the book title.

In reading the NY Times article, I noted a sentence that described "hundreds of handball games on the court between Hempstead High School and the Garden City golf course..." Just where would that be, I wonder? The only golf course I can think of anywhere near that vicinity is Cherry Valley and it does not, as far as I know, border Hempstead High School. Maybe my memory of that area is faulty. If so, perhaps your readers can correct it for me.

But, if my memory is correct, it was a simple mistake, similar to those pointed out in Meg's editorial and certainly unworthy of a true journalist.

I don't know her journalistic background, but I'd like to. It is always possible, of course, that she is not the one who made the mistakes. All working journalists know that mistakes can be edited in.

But, frankly, it's those simple mistakes that make me wonder about the facts in the rest of her story.

I worked as a journalist, while living in Garden City for almost 30 years and covered many stories there for the NY Times.

We moved to Ohio four years ago, but still read the daily NY Times and keep up on Long Island stories.

And, it still bothers me when the facts are not reported correctly.

Thanks, Meg, for clarifying the issue. Let's hope Ms. Garland will do the same.

Terry Considine Williams,

Hudson, OH

Response To Author

To the Editor:

In response to the author Sarah Garland: If the title was "metaphorical", can you explain why that wasn't evident? No, because you were not titling it for any other reason except to be misleading. And, also to divert from your central argument: that the division between places such as Garden City and Hempstead is ONE reason why suburban gangs are thriving in 42 States - because the premise is not plausible. Anyone who did a true history of gangs would know your "central argument" carries no weight whatsoever. I have lived in Garden City for 42 years and I've worked in the courts for 10 years. Did you also research all the assistance Garden City has given to Hempstead?

It seems anyone can write a book today and have it published but to do it to provoke class warfare or to establish an excuse for gangs is absolutely not contributing to identifying the problems of gangs or to assist in curtailing them. Shame on you!

Gerri Moratti

Response To Letter

To the Editor:

This letter is in response to "An Exercise in Indoctrination" pertaining to one of the summer reading selections assigned for the Fall 2009 Speech and Exposition course at the Garden City High School. A little over a year ago as a senior, I was enrolled in this Speech and Exposition course. This class was one of the most useful classes I took during my four years; preparing me for what was going to come in college. During the first half of the course, we learned how to prepare and deliver a speech. Part of this process included watching speeches. We viewed the GC High School commencement speech given by the former mayor of New York City, Rudolph Giuliani and a speech made by our current president, Barack Obama during his campaign. Our assignment had nothing to do with the politics of the speech or the political views of the teacher or the English Department, but all to do with delivery and effectiveness of the speaker. As we took notes, we discussed things such as their hand gestures, the tone of voice, body language, and how they engaged their audience. While I believe that everyone will agree that JFK, FDR, Lincoln, and Reagan were outstanding communicators, I personally believe that young people benefit from identifying with contemporary figures. Our president is a young, current public figure and politics aside a well-spoken and effective communicator.

I do not believe that political discussion can or should be completely removed from the high school classroom. After all, aren't we going to school, at least in part to become critical thinkers? I am about to begin my second year of college and during my first, diverse political conversations came into play on a regular basis. Political discussions come up in a debate class or in ethics, finance, government or history classes. Politics and different viewpoints are everywhere and are going to come up in conversation. How will a student succeed in the business world or a career in journalism if they are not able to hear varying opinions, think critically and make their own decisions? We can listen, form our own opinion and decide to agree or disagree.

Right now, I think we have a few other more critical issues that need to be faced for the youth of Garden City. While I agree with the mayor that the supervision of the 14-18 year olds is important, I believe another, more pressing issue is the root of ignorance, insensitivity, and intolerance exhibited by the behavior of what I hope was only a few young people drawing swastikas and other racist symbols around town.

Elizabeth Ford Goldschein

A Pep Rally

To the Editor:

On Tuesday I attended the Draft Generic Environmental Impact Study public hearing for the Lighthouse Project at Hofstra University. I attended on behalf of the Eastern Property Owners' Association (EPOA) to deliver our remarks, drafted by EPOA president Walter McKenna and approved by the EPOA board of directors. Also there were Trustee Nick Episcopia from the east, Village Administrator Bob Schoelle, who spoke on behalf of the Village, and Chamber of Commerce president Roger Eltringham, among others.

This was an environmental hearing in name only. In reality, it was a pep rally for the Lighthouse Project. Charles Wang and Bishop William Murphy were the rock stars of the day. Sharing in the glow were Tom Suozzi, Hofstra president Stuart Rabinowitz, NCC president Sean Fanelli and North Hempstead supervisor Jon Kaiman, all of whom spoke in favor of the Lighthouse.

Representatives from the Sierra Club and the Friends of the Hempstead Plains expressed environmental concerns with the project. Mr. Schoelle and Mr. Eltringham presented Village and Chamber concerns with the size and scope of the project and its negative impact on business, water, traffic and other areas. The EPOA focused on three areas of concern-the project's massive size, water safety and traffic. In addition to our spoken remarks, we have delivered a detailed written statement to the Town of Hempstead.

I want to express my personal thanks to Trustees Nick Episcopia and Dennis Donnelly for the countless hours they have spent behind the scenes addressing this issue.

Christine Mullaney

EPOA Corresponding Secretary

Backpack Collection

To The Editor:

We are James Moore and Molly Galvin of The Andy Foundation. The main goal of the foundation is to help children less fortunate than most. In recent years our fundraising efforts have allowed us to: fund and build a playground at the Nassau Suffolk Services for Autism (NSSA) Martin C. Barell School in Commack NY, generously support the Winthrop Cancer Center for Kids, purchase two horses and fund various programs for Pal-O-Mine and equestrian center for children with all types of disabilities. We have also supported The Anchor Program in Long Beach, NY. Please visit our website www.theandyfund.com for more information on The Andy Foundation.

Last summer The Andy Foundation donated 150 new backpacks filled with school supplies to the Mary Brennan Inn located in Hempstead NY. It gave the less fortunate children in the area the goods they needed to begin the school year successfully. We were very happy with the results.

The Andy Foundation's goal this year is to supply 300 backpacks to areas all over Long Island, New York. Our problem is the cost of all of this. We are asking for assistance from you so that we can achieve our goal of 300 backpacks. The Andy Foundation would be grateful if you would be willing to sponsor a backpack. We will include a card in the pocket of the backpack so the receiver is aware of your generosity. You will be acknowledged in all press releases and on our website.The cost of one backpack is $40. Any donation is welcome. Please make checks payable to The Andy Foundation and write backpack on the memo line. Donations are tax deductible donations may be mailed to:

The Andy Foundation

P.O. Box l7512

Garden City, NY 11530

James Moore

Molly Galvin

Exciting News!

To The Editor:

Things and Stuff will be re-opening with a new owner and manager. Teresa Korszun-Adams has assumed ownership of Things and Stuff and, along with her experienced manager, Meghan Donohue, will bring back the warm and friendly atmosphere with the energy and vitality that our long-time friends and customers came to expect.

Teresa and Meghan echo the same care and attention to detail for your shopping experience at Things and stuff. They have been busy planning for the Grand Opening so watch for this special event. Teresa and Meghan look forward to becoming a part of the Garden City family so please join us in welcoming them to Seventh Street and the community.

Linda Moskovitz

and Elliott Tulkoff

A Sad State Of Affairs

To The Editor:

On Tuesday, August 4, the White House put out a blog featuring a three-minute Youtube video of Linda Douglass, Communications Director for the Office of Health Reform. This blog, titled Facts are Stubborn Things, and video address opposition to President Obama's goal of creating subsidized healthcare. Naturally, this blog seeks to discredit the opposition who want to keep the government out of the healthcare industry, but it goes far beyond that in calling on Americans to "snitch" on anyone who may voice their concerns.

"There is a lot of disinformation about health insurance reform out there, spanning from control of personal finances to end of life care. These rumors often travel just below the surface via chain e-mails or through casual conversation. Since we can't keep track of all of them here at the White House we're asking for your help. If you get an e-mail or see something on the web about health insurance reform that seems fishy, send it to flag@whitehouse.gov.(emphasis added)"

This message smacks of "Tough Police" propaganda and Newspeaks fit only for the pages of Orwellian fiction, and certainly not a free society.

Our first government under the Constitution added the First Amendment because of their understanding that in order to keep a free society thriving, open dialogue and discourse must be protected. Most of our founders accepted that simply adhering to a radically liberal Constitution was not enough. They knew that without the explicitly stated right to freely express one's ideas and concerns, the government often becomes the sole source of informative, silencing critics and misleading the people. Although I personally oppose government subsidized healthcare, healthcare is just a fraction of the whole problem, the proverbial "tip of the iceberg." We are seeing a contrived plan to increase the size, scope, and power of the federal government, which will have serious, unintended ramifications for our nation in the not-to-distant future.

The message from the White House quoted above typifies our government's presumption to private information that it has no right to seek. Even President Bush's draconian anti-terrorism legislation such as the Patriot Act was passed under the pretense of protecting our national security, but why the government needs or even wants to know about what we say in private conversations or on the internet about health insurance is beyond anything I can fathom. Will the White House use the information it gains to launch media attacks against its critics? Will the Obama public relations team put into play a barrage of propaganda addressing the arguments made against them? Will phones and homes of critics be bugged for information to be used at an unspecified future time? These possibilities may seem like far-fetched paranoia, but I cannot imagine any benign uses for these measures. Furthermore, the administration's statement makes the assumption holds a monopoly on the facts. This notion is both shared and extremely dangerous.

Throughout the history of the world, government censorship has proven to be on the wrong side of the facts. this was certainly true before we invaded Iraq in search of WMD's and it is probably true today. I do not object to the President having an opinion that is different from my own, or even one that is radically outside the American tradition of free-market capitalism, but he should use logic to make his argument, and refrain from asking the help of citizen "tattle-tales." By monitoring and possibly suppressing our free speech, the President charts a dangerous course. Not only will honest debate be squelched by one-sided partisan rhetoric, thus forcing a potentially disastrous healthcare bill down our collective throats, but our rights to privacy will deteriorate, leaving a once free country by the wayside with the likes of other dilapidated empires. While we cannot control what goes on the President's website, we can insist that our congressional representative, Carolyn McCarthy, knows that her support for increasing government intrusion in our lives must not continue. Her Washington, D.C. office telephone number is (202) 225-5518, and she can be reached at her Garden City office (300 Garden City Plaza Suite 200) at (516) 739-3008. I urge you to voice your concerns.

Stephen Childs