Murphy a friend to small businesses
Recently, you published a story about Congressman Scott Murphy's proposal to help small business with the new health care program. Congressman Murphy believes small companies are the backbone of our economy; and he doesn't just talk about it, he tries to do something about helping small business!
As a matter of fact, our company is proof that the congressman and his staff saved our business from overkill by the federal bureaucracy.
Our company moved from a partnership to an LLC in January 2008. All of the paperwork was submitted to the Secretary of State of New York state and approved by the state. The Secretary of State issued our new federal employer identification number. We then submitted our Brewer's Notice informing the Federal Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco of the change.
In January 2010 the federal government told us it had not approved our becoming an LLC and issued a stop business order. What are you supposed to do with your employees? It was ridiculous! Then, the feds issued a fine that reached $22,952 with the penalties and interest for 23 months. Does anyone in his right mind think that such action shows that the federal bureaucracy is interested in the people or small business? Then, the feds imposed a directive: pay the fine or go to federal court!
Congressman Murphy appointed a key staff person, Mark Luciano, to resolve this nightmare. Mr. Luciano contended that the federal bureaucracy should have informed our company soon after January 2008 if they were fining us and not compound the fine over 23 months.
Hats of to Congressman Scott Murphy and Mark Luciano for coming to our rescue in a logical and forceful way.
Stan Hall
Cooperstown
Hall is the owner of the Cooperstown Brewing Co. in Milford.
Peaceful Muslims need to speak up
I would be opposed to Christians during the crusades.
I would be opposed to Christians during the period of colonial expansion and the murder of millions of indigenous people.
If there was an attempt to raise a statue of General Custer next to the Battle of Wounded Knee monument dedicated on the anniversary of the massacre, I would be opposed.
A militant branch of Islam has a stated goal to kill or convert all non-Muslims. They care not if they die; it is only important that they kill the infidels and establish their version of Islam in the world.
I remember the images of a 50-something-year-old Muslim woman cheering in the streets for the victory over America on 9/11. She forgets the deaths of 13 year-old boys who blow themselves up for Allah and the discrimination and abuse she suffered as a Muslim woman.
Just as Catholicism was reformed 600 years ago to change into a more humanistic force, it is time for the majority of Muslims who are opposed to the violence to speak up and post their thesis on the mosque door. Islam must become a peaceful and tolerant force in the world or risk turning its followers into a permanent pariah caste doomed to another millennium of poverty and suffering.
Edward Stammel
Stamford
