LETTERS: Patronage jobs, war taxes and more
No patronage jobs
need be saved
According to "Plan would merge OTBs" [News, Nov. 25], Democrats are rushing to merge the Nassau OTB with that of New York City, in an effort to keep patronage jobs.
The Republicans, who will own the majority in the Nassau County Legislature come January and thereby the rights to place their own friends in patronage jobs, are crying foul. Many of these do-little jobs come with salaries around $100,000 per year. Unfortunately we have seen the "heck of a job" many recipients of such patronage jobs are capable of.
We should be terminating all such political payback jobs, especially in light of our current unemployment numbers. What ever happened to hiring the right person for the job?
Bruce M. Resch
East MeadowHow could this
be justice?
Bernard Madoff put thousands of people into a living nightmare and was sentenced to 150 years in prison for swindling. That's justice.
Maureen Lambert is accused of stealing the life of one little girl ["Trail of evidence," News, Nov. 27]. And if convicted, Lambert could face just seven years in jail for leaving the scene of an accident?
Linda Behrman
North MerrickWhy not a war tax?
The vast majority of Americans have not been asked to make any personal sacrifices for the U.S. wars, while a few are giving their lives.
If the American people want these wars, shouldn't they support them with a special war tax? It costs $1 million a year per U.S. soldier deployed. Then there are the ongoing costs of those who come back grievously wounded in body or mind.
Why not a law that any future declaration of military action must include a special tax to cover the costs and give the American people a sense of participation?
Nancy Dwyer
Valley StreamQuestions extend beyond Walmart
After reading "New revelations on deadly Black Friday" [News, Nov. 24], I think that perhaps Leana Lockley should have thought about her baby in the womb on Black Friday last year instead of some sale at Walmart. A seasonal worker for Walmart was trampled to death trying to protect her, and now she has filed a suit against Walmart!
She should not get a penny. What happened in Valley Stream is a reflection on our society, and the finger should not be pointed just at Walmart, but at everyone who was at the store that day.
Donna Rees
Island Park
