We all received a irate letter from Greg Ball yesterday. Filled with hyperbolic apologies like "Sick to his stomach," "livid" and a little song and dance in "night and day." What merited this massive overkill of a mailing to every constituent in Putnam County? Apparently, a local reporter's use of two words.
It's all about a State Veterans' Cemetery Ball's working on for the county. The reporter called in some unnamed paper state money budgeted to initiate the work a "grant." Ball furiously objects noting it's actually only "an approved allocation of funds." The cemetery turns out to be an example of government being good for the economy. It makes money! About $62,000,a year by burying the close relatives of the Vets. Ball, however strenuously objects to the reporter calling this a profit rather than "revenue."
Technically, Ball's right, but get a grip Greg!
As we used to say in the high suburbs of Northern Westchester, when a kid called his red sneakers, "red Keds." What's the diff? Why the big deal?
Ball calls this reporter's word choice "appalling." I just wish he'd use the same zeal to address real issues like Veteran's benefits, hospital care, or our tax structure. Greg, get a life!

Jonathan -

I had exactly the same reaction to this letter. I am appalled to - I'm appalled that he is able to use our tax money to pay for this nonsense.

Margaret Yonco-Haines