Letters / Our readers speak out

>Butler enriched WNY community

A unique athlete has retired for the Buffalo Bills, one that our community will sorely miss. Brad Butler.

I've known Brad Butler the past three years. Having met him at the Sabres games, we never discussed football. Hockey and everyday life were the main topics.

Brad has done many things under the radar. Besides working for Jack Kemp in Washington, he also visited our troops in the Middle East. A year ago at Christmas, Brad helped a number of charities and never asked for anything. The only payment he ever received was a ride on the Zamboni between periods of a Sabres game.

Brad once asked me if I wanted to see him play, and I said only if I could wear a No. 60 autographed jersey, which I received. Unfortunately, Brad was hurt [in Week Two] before I got to a game. The knee injury did not hurt Brad's class, though.

A couple days after getting injured Brad asked how my son Brett was doing. Brett was serving in Iraq with the 2nd Infantry Division. I mentioned the soldiers needed toiletries, etc. The next day on crutches Brad went shopping and sent the troops a box of things.

Brad, thanks for being a good friend and for being a great humanitarian. Good luck.

Bill Sim

Hamburg

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>Miller's mask showed his colors

It was a wonderful time watching Team USA play in the 2010 Olympics. Ryan Miller and the young guns showed great grit and determination with a never say die attitude.

The most impressive thing I saw was the Uncle Sam picture painted on Miller's mask. With many young people watching hockey throughout American seeing this patriotism displayed, it may influence people to be more patriotic, especially in these hard times.

Gregg Pfeiffert

Tonawanda

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>Time to give Miller his key

Mayor Brown gave a key to the city to a washed-up football player who never did anything to improve Buffalo's image. You think he'll consider giving one to Ryan Miller? He was just chosen the most valuable player out of the best in the world.

Jim Reeves

Boston

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>Columnist praised for Vancouver work

Thank you, Buffalo News, for having the foresight to send Bucky Gleason to the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

His daily reports were interesting, informational, insightful, and very well written.

It was refreshing to have someone following the athletes from Western New York. His coverage of the events themselves as well as the stories behind the scenes demonstrated journalism at its best.

A touch of humor throughout completed the picture. His take on curling was awesome.

Kudos, Bucky. Keep up the good work.

Ed Riederer

Hamburg

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>Offseason the time to change chemistry

At the trade deadline Darcy Regier said, "We didn't move any defensemen because we think we've got a pretty good team. We don't want to upset the team chemistry for the stretch run."

I agree to a point. But does this imply something might happen in the offseason?

I think our defense has been spotty and sometimes very mediocre. They have trouble getting the puck out of their own end under pressure; they leave opponents open in front of their net.

The forwards have had their problems too. Almost every time a forward chases a puck into the corner with an opposing player, he pulls off to avoid taking the hit. Often times the forwards are slow back-checking, sometimes especially on odd-man rushes. We'll be watching the offseason.

Mike Daniels

Kenmore

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>Outdoors letters ignored the facts

My comments are about two letters in last week's News.

In regard to Will Elliott's African hunt, two facts are being overlooked. They are the economic support to the people of South Africa and the simple rights that belong to any licensed and lawful hunter. Most, if not all, the meat is distributed locally to people.

Second, the criticism for the WNY Sport and Travel Expo shows a lack of understanding for the hard work and financial risks undertaken by the organizers. In order to fill the buildings, they include vendors who are not directly connected to outdoor sports. Given the state of the economy, how are these vendors detracting from the overall experience?

It's true, there are some outfitters from other states (and countries) that offer hunting and fishing destinations associated with travel. It is called the Sport & Travel Expo. Most people like to expand their hunting and fishing experiences beyond the borders of New York.

Let's take some pride in our local people and events.

James S. Monteleone

Williamsville

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>Hunters' thrill of kill pathetic

I read Will Elliott's "African plains game hunt can be plain fun." Every time I read an article about hunting, I shake my head in disbelief because hunters are always pushing for the opportunity to kill a living creature so they can hang a trophy on their wall and be photographed smiling while holding their dead victim.

After a rare report of an animal being killed by a bear in New Jersey, hunters quickly filled the papers with calls for a bear hunt. How disgusting. Of course I wouldn't want a bear to kill a rabbit, but I don't want a hunter to kill a rabbit either.

The New Jersey Fish & Wildlife Web site says: Small game hunting in New Jersey provides hours of recreating afield every hunting season. From abundant native populations of rabbit and squirrel to elusive ruffed grouse, there are ample opportunities for sportsment and women to enjoy the pursuit of game.

In other words, hunters kill for fun. How pathetic.

Barbara Metzler

Brookside, N.J.

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>Shaw has Lockport ready for playoffs

Congratulations to head coach Bill Shaw, assistant coach Pete Dickinson and the Lockport girls varsity basketball team.

Lockport recently won its second straight Section VI, Class AA basketball championship with a win over Williamsville North. Coach Shaw always seems to have his team ready to play come playoff time. This is coach Shaw's 12th sectional championship, quite an accomplishment.

Dave Sobieraski

Lockport

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