LIADA Newsletter    April 2003   

FROM THE DESK OF... Judith Maxwell & Howard Werner, LIADA Co-Presidents

In March 2003 our executive board meeting was open to the general membership and was held in Stony Brook to give our Suffolk County members an opportunity to meet with their US Congressman, Tim Bishop. Mr. Bishop is new to Congress as he unseated an incumbent in the last election.

Congressman Bishop is an eloquent speaker who explained the difficulties that are involved in trying to have his positions put forward because he is a member of the minority party. All the same, he has managed to sponsor programs that help the environment on Long Island. His comments made it clear that it is necessary to have bipartisan sponsorship of any bill which a Democratic congressman wants the House to consider. Congressman Bishop is someone we can and should full heartedly support!

A delegation of the Long Island chapter of ADA recently met with a representative of Hillary Clinton's staff. As we all know, Senator Clinton voted to support the Bush proposal, Resolution 114, for war with Iraq. It was not surprising to hear that the Senator supported the proposal in order to let Iraq and the world know that this country is serious about the UN's resolution 1441 and that noncompliance with that resolution will have dire consequences for Iraq.

Unfortunately, since the War Powers Act allows a president to declare war and not report to Congress for 60 days, there has been no position taken by the Senate with regard to the war and to requiring the President to provide Congress and\or the American people with a realistic picture of what the war and reconstruction of Iraq will involve. Although the fighting may end shortly, America's involvement cannot end shortly if the aim of our policy is to bring about a stable, democratic government in Iraq. What type of government do the Iraqi people want? What will it take for the Iraqi people to trust our motives when we left them out to dry after the Gulf war?

In the past, President Bush had no interest in involving this country in the problems of the Middle East. But now that he is in the process of unseating the Iraqi government, he has created a responsibility for his administration that must involve committing this country to finding solutions for peace in the Middle East. We must have a balanced position that helps our allies, but also helps find long term solutions to the problems of peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.

This is the time for this administration to put forth a complete policy with respect to the Middle East. That policy must respect the rights of all the people of that area. Unfortunately, this is an administration that is so partisan and self-interested, that it is difficult to believe it can put the hopes of the people of the Middle East ahead of partisan politics and profits.

LIADA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

The LIADA is happy to announce that Evelyn Weinstein has once again offered her lovely waterfront home in Great Neck for our annual meeting:

Date / Time: Sunday, May 18, 2003 /10:30-12:30

Address: 10 Romola Drive, Great Neck, NY 11024

Cost: $15.00; free to members

We will be honored with two featured speakers: Frederick Brewington: Resident of Freeport, Renaissance Man, tireless volunteer, community activist, champion of civil rights, and a lawyer who is sometimes called the Thurgood Marshall of Long Island.

Tom DiNapoli: Resident of Great Neck, in his eighth term representing New York State's 16th Assembly District, advocate on health care issues, leading voice on environmental issues, and sponsor of Kieran's Law, which enables parents to access criminal background information on caregivers.

Make sure to attend to hear the latest ADA Chapter news, offer your input meet friends, and hear our exciting speakers. Guests are welcome (free if they join the ADA that day.)

The meeting will be held outdoors, so bring a jacket.

Coffee, bagels, and ... will be served.

RSVP Please to LIADA2002@aol.com or 516-482-4192

Driving Directions: Cross Island Parkway North to Northern Blvd. E. After 1-1/2 miles make a slight Left onto Great Neck Rd. Great Neck Rd. becomes Cutter Mill Road, then becomes Bayview Ave., then West Shore Rd. Left onto Romola Dr.

For a map, go to www.mapquest.com.