Published: March 23, 2009 11:55 pm      

LETTERS: Wegmans: No food for thoughts

Hurtful feelings over lack of diplomacy

Hearing President Obama make his comment about the people who are involved in Special Olympics was not only shocking, but eye opening. His response to Jay Leno demonstrates to me his lack of experience as a leader. Frankly, seeing him appear on this show in the first place is another testament to him lacking in good judgment. As a parent of a beautiful little girl with Down Syndrome, who had to fight for her life after she was born and spent many days in the ICU, I was sadden by his remark.

His apology was unconvincing and his request to have an individual with Down Syndrome visit the White House is only a self-serving public relations stunt. Tim Shriver, chairman of the Special Olympics, made the comment that he was moved by Obama’s apology. The only thing Shriver needed to do was to accept the apology. The uninformed remark should never have come from the president of the United States. He, of all people, ought to be privy to the idea that hurtful words continue to perpetuate discrimination and ignorance regarding the abilities of people with disabilities.

Along with an apology, the president should make a large donation to Special Olympics.

Lisa Lequeux

Wheatfield



Wegmans: No food for thoughts

In a recent letter published in the Gazette, the writer made an accusation regarding our store, Wegmans on Military Road, that was completely untrue. How disappointing that the Gazette did not verify the false allegation that Wegmans provided free food in exchange for customers’ support for the sale of wine in supermarkets. He is simply wrong.

On Feb. 21 and 22, our stores were indeed giving customers an opportunity to express opinions on this issue, just as liquor stores have been doing with their own petitions for weeks. That same weekend, our store was also conducting separately a hot dog sale to benefit hunger relief in our area. At no time was free food provided to anyone, and certainly not in exchange for support for wine in supermarkets.

Over 1,000 customers expressed their support at this one store in only two days, and that same weekend, over 44,000 customers did the same throughout all of our New York state stores. This response is consistent with independent research indicating that 70 percent of the population wants wine in supermarkets.

Fact: Customers want to purchase wine in their supermarkets.

Fact: The governor’s proposal is expected to generate $159,000,000 in the first two years for a state that desperately needs revenue.

Fact: When other states have allowed wine in grocery stores, wine sales have significantly increased, thus creating new jobs in retail, farming and the wine industry.

Let’s stick to the facts. Free food for wine isn’t one of them.

Jim Mapes, store manager

Wegmans

Military Road