Letters to the Editor
Hoping Gov. Ehrlich Is Smart with Smart Growth
Gov. Robert Ehrlich deserves praise for some of his decisions this year, such as signing our medical marijuana bill into law. However, I must agree with Bay Weekly that “Gutting Smart Growth [is] a dumb idea” [Vol. XI, No. 27: Editorial, July 3] and hope he will not continue to let this happen.
You stated, “Unfortunately, libertarianism doesn’t work when it comes to protecting Chesapeake Bay.” A good friend recently told me that the Green Party is made of more humane Libertarians, and I’m coming to believe this is an accurate description. My main objection to Libertarian philosophies is that they feel colder and lacking in compassion at times.
Whether speaking of medical cannabis, or protecting our environment, we need to remember the human elements involved. The worst mistake I see being made in our nation today is a tendency toward dehumanization of all we find inconvenient, expensive or offensive. There needs to be a deeper respect for one another and the gifts we take for granted all around us.
However, I see tremendous opportunities to bring more humanity back into our lives. The more wonderful folks I meet in our state, people who are generous and thoughtful though diverse in their beliefs, the more encouraged I become that there’s a strong and universal desire to rediscover a gentler and more honest way of life.
With these beliefs in mind, and having seen Gov. Ehrlich honor his campaign promise to protect Maryland’s patients who use marijuana, I hold out great hope he will do the same with respect to Smart Growth. As he said, “Smart Growth to me is a lot of common sense.” Governor Ehrlich seems to try to be an honorable and sensible leader, so I’m feeling encouraged he’ll realize his error, and protect this program in the future.
— Mrs. Erin Hildebrandt, Smithsburg
In Search of Chesapeake Beach’s Old Icehouse
Dear Bay Weekly:
My husband and I are looking for any pictures of the old ice house that used to be in Chesapeake Beach. If any of your readers has such a photo, we ask them to please call 304/535-2626. We will reimburse you for the phone call, as well as for the cost of a reprint. It will be a gift to a well-deserving man who fondly remembers the ice house.
— Diama Collins, Harpers Ferry, WV
In Search of Calvert Country Market
Dear Bay Weekly:
I enjoyed reading about the Calvert Country Market [Vol. XI, No. 28: Dock of the Bay, July 10], but nowhere was there listed an address provided for us northern Marylanders to refer to in the event we may wish to visit some Wednesday or Saturday for produce.
Could you please provide me with one? Thank you.
— Inez Olson, [email protected]
Editor’s reply: Find the Calvert Country Market in Prince Frederick Shopping Center, on the southeast corner of the intersection of Routes 2/4 and 231 in the Calvert County seat, Prince Frederick.
Department of Corrections
In “MFA Celebrates 40 Years with a Rich Mix of Old and New” (Vol. XI, No. 28: On Exhibit, July 10) Margaret Farmer should have been described as a founding member of Maryland Federation of Arts.
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