County's quarries shouldn't be sites for development
The Wiseburg Community Association strongly urges the Baltimore County Council to review and reverse plans for more than 1,000 homes on tracts of land that border two quarries in the county ("Proposal jeopardizes development of quarries," July 21).
Other community associations should join this fight against 800 homes proposed at the Green Spring Quarry along Greenspring Avenue and 220 homes at Delight Quarry in Reisterstown.
In The Sun's article, Bob Barrett, assistant to County Executive Dutch Ruppersberger, was quoted as saying he doesn't want to see a development plan that was devised eight years ago for Delight Quarry "undone."
But things change over eight years. They haven't changed for the better in these burgeoning areas. The county needs to "undo" some things.
The Baltimore County Council must vote to renew its authority to approve development plans for quarry sites.
Councilman Kevin B. Kamenetz is absolutely right that council members should have the same authority over these sites as they have over all other properties in their districts ("Frozen in time," editorial, July 24).
In addition to their impact on the county's infrastructure, quarry developments could be the site of many deaths from drownings and boating accidents. These aren't quiet, shallow lakes: They are deep-water death traps, which should remain places to dig up rocks and sod.
That's what quarries are for. County officials should realize this before they allow developers to further overpopulate Baltimore County's west side.
David Boyd
White Hall
The writer is president of the Wiseburg Community Association.
Water shortages may cause conflicts around the world
I found Ann LoLordo's article on the conflict between Palestinians and Israelis over water ("Water demand great in Mideast," July 19) very frightening -- not just because the dispute may aggravate existing enmities between these two peoples, but because of what it portends for other peoples around the world.
The Middle East is not the only area facing serious water shortages. India and China, the world's two most populous nations, are also experiencing depleted water supplies. Even the United States is facing a squeeze.
Population growth makes this problem particularly frightening. If we face water shortages in a world of 6 billion people, what can we expect when global population reaches 9 or 12 billion, as some estimates suggest it will in 50 years?
Today, an estimated 400 million people around the world lack adequate water supplies. By 2050, that number could be much larger.
Nations could end up going to war over water, just as they have over oil. Scarcity does not encourage people to behave kindly.
If we don't wake up to the world's population crisis, we will be facing a calamity that makes the present conflict in the Middle East look like a minor spat.
Howard Bluth
Baltimore
U.S. should sit out future Kosovo-style wars
Richard Reeves' prediction of more Kosovos is greatly disturbing ("There are more Kosovos in this new world order," Opinion Commentary, July 19). However, by recognizing the political flaws of Operation Allied Force, Americans can stop these adventures before they begin.
Our Constitution does not mandate that we become the world's police force. The next time NATO or anyone else comes calling, we should just say no.
The United States may have the world's greatest military, but that doesn't mean we should constantly deploy it.
Let the Kurds, East Timorese, Basques, Eritreans and other neo-nationalists scramble for their 15 minutes of fame. But the next "humanitarian war" is one America should sit out -- unless our national security is clearly at stake.
Rosalind Ellis
Baltimore
State's gun merchants must always check buyers
In her recent letter Jeanne Ruddock wrote, "Right now, anyone can buy a gun from a flea market or a gun show without going through a background check, and that is one of the biggest loopholes that give criminals access to firearms." ("NAACP right to confront NRA and the gun industry," July 20)
But here in Maryland, it is unlawful to transfer a handgun to anyone under any circumstances without doing a background check.
David A. Titus
Baltimore
Going overboard in search for Kennedy?
I agree with the Rev. Edward Warfield's statement in his recent letter that "the victim's wealth and fame should not make one loss more prominent than another." ("Kennedy tragedy shouldn't overshadow other losses," July 22). But I don't think he went far enough.
During my 30-year career in oceanography and as a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, I have participated in many search and rescue operations.
It is well-known among Coast Guard officers and men that, after an optimum number of ships and planes have been deployed in a search operation, adding more equipment does not increase the chance of success.
Indeed, excess resources become a problem as the additional vessels strain overall coordination.
Therefore, for an ordinary lost citizen the Coast Guard will expend the optimum time and effort -- and no more. The Coast Guard must, after all, live within a budget and even a minimal search costs hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But when celebrity victims with White House connections are involved, all available resources -- including the Navy and Air Force -- are poured in, and never mind that this is like shooting a mosquito with an elephant gun.
As a Christian, I was brought up to believe that all lives have equal value. But in such search missions, they aren't treated that way.
J. E. Johnston
Baltimore
The public and media outpouring of love and support for the Kennedy family during its recent tragedy is probably unprecedented.
The lengths governmental agencies went to in search and recovery of the bodies and debris from this private accident may also be unprecedented. That effort must have cost the taxpayers millions.
At the appropriate time, I hope the Kennedy family will consider reimbursing the government for this recovery work.
I am sure the family can afford to do so, and it would be a wonderful way to thank the taxpaying public for its support during the family's time of tragedy.
Herman M. Heyn
Baltimore
25th Street development doesn't hurt Charles Village
As a longtime Charles Village resident, I take exception to Lynda Case Lambert's letter, "Saving the 'Book Block' " (July 24). While I agree with some of Ms. Lambert's laments, I'd note that many of the houses on Charles Street are already abandoned and vandalized and that by no means would the entire 25th Street block be demolished for the planned CVS store.
The Safeway store Ms. Lambert calls "gargantuan" is a great addition to the neighborhood not only for its convenience, but because it replaced both the abandoned former school headquarters and a closed Cadillac agency.
I think that the Anderson automotive showroom she criticized is also a positive influence in the area. It brings dollars into city coffers and supports many local endeavors.
Every time I walk to one of those places, I feel fortunate not to be out in the boonies and a slave to an automobile.
Robert E. Greenfield
Baltimore
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