I work at New York Methodist Hospital. I think we've posted to each other before. What bar did he break up? I would have loved to have helped!
Here's the letter I just sent to the principal.
I love your description of the neighborhood! I call it the "P:eple's Republic of Park Slope". They've never met a dictator they didn't like around here.
LoneConservative
Dear Mr. Castelli,
As a graduate of the NYC Public School system, as well as the son of two retired Assistant Principals, I find these letters to be an insult to everyone who has worn a uniform in the service of his or her country.
As a onetime resident of Park Slope, I am not surprised by the attitudes expresed by your students, given the political viewpoints held by many adults in what I like to refer to as "The People's Democratic Republic of Park Slope". However, I do believe that Mr Kunhardt has a responsibility to teach his students how to write a letter without resorting to insults and generalizations such as the ones printed in the New York Post and other papers.
I am in no way suggesting that your teachers censor their students. However, along with free speech comes responsibility. By releasing these letters, you are reinforcing the idea that insults and bullying are acceptable in "Politically Correct" circumstances rather than reasonable debate and concern for a US Army PFC far from home.
XXX
Bayside, New York
Jamaica HS Class of 1983
It was one of the few that at the time wasn't a lesbian joint, on Fifth near 2nd street. I lived on 3rd Street thirty years ago and my dad was born in a house on 5th between Sixth and Fith Avenues back in the twenties. The Eurotrash and US born flotsam really f***ed that nabe up royally.