Patch's Comments of the Week: Dec. 12-16

What people are saying about these top stories:

“I thank the County Police for issuing this clarification to the public, as I was beginning to be alarmed. We still need to remember to lock our cars and be more careful with packages that might be visible when shopping. Have installed a dimmer switch so that I now can afford to keep my back deck lights on longer.” --Charles L. Garris



“Anyone who thinks that this will scare away a big developer is obviously ignorant of the development process. The developer is coming because the area is an attractive investment. Wheaton commercial real estate is very cheap relative to other areas near a Metro stop. An enlightened developer would welcome such an agreement and would look to foster good community relations. In the long run, it will be to their benefit, especially with younger people who not only expect engagement, but demand it.” --SWN



“Almost 9000 people live in Leisure World! Supposedly the US Post Office decided to make closings based upon their specious assumption that "everyone" uses computers for all purchasing needs. I'm certain there are a number of computer-literate seniors in Leisure World, but isn't this an illogical location choice to close? What about those who use the Leisure World shuttle to get to that post office?. How will they get to another P.O. branch? This branch should NOT ONLY STAY OPEN..but have it's extended hours added back.” --Margarete Levy



This has to have been the most creepy and interesting article I have ever read on Patch. "Further south, in sunny Sicily, the Italians eat the cooked wheat berries on Lucia’s saint day because the cooked wheat berries suggest Lucia’s eyeballs allegedly slashed by the Roman authorities." I am totally celebrating St. Lucia Day from now on; time to get me some wheat berries. --Corbin Dallas Multipass


“I don't understand the grading system anymore. When I was a kid, anything in the 90s was an A, 80s was a B, and so on. Now my kid can get two wrong, it will be 92% and a B! I don't get it...(I'm not sure WHY it bugs me so much, but it does)” --Maggie Spitler



Why no points? If the cameras are REALLY about safety, put points on the offender's record. The points system was set up to ID bad drivers and suspend their licenses after they accumulate too many points. To do other than the above, coupled with lower fines than regular tickets (an 8th Amendment violation) gives the perception that the cameras are more about money than safety. --Paul Henry