Put down devices, bring back outdoor dining, more

Kids: Put down devices and talk to friends

I have always thought that the internet would be the ruination of society. It seems I was right. Young people spend far too much time on devices. When you look at young people today, their phones are extensions of their hands.

We have to get back to some old-time values, and our young people won't have time to be depressed, as some appear to be. Device time must be limited, along with social media. They should spend more time with friends in person, not on a phone. I have seen parents  having dinner in restaurants with their children, and no one is talking. They are all staring at tiny screens.

Kids need structure and discipline. They need homework, hobbies, chores around the house, curfews and a dress code at school. If people are properly dressed, I believe they conduct themselves more professionally. Yes, school is a profession for teachers and students alike. If young people are busy with school and friends, I believe they will be happier. It's just common sense.

Valerie Romeo, Bayport

Bring back outdoor dining, which we need

How disappointing it is that so many restaurants have taken away their outdoor dining areas. How are people with compromised immune systems, or other health issues, supposed to eat at restaurants that have taken their outdoor seating away?

I'm sure many doctors have told their patients that eating inside restaurants is not the best thing for them. As a person with a compromised immune system, it upsets me that I'm limited even more now that it has been taken away.

Please reconsider bringing back outdoor dining for people like me, who have been waiting for spring and summer to be able to go out to eat.

Barbara Nathan, Wantagh

Nonunion candidates fight uphill battle

The letter "School boards need free-minded members" [Just Sayin', April 30] couldn’t be more accurate. Teachers' unions have taken over school boards across Long Island, but never as obvious as right here in the Sachem school district. In fact, if this year’s teachers' union slate wins, all nine board seats will be occupied with handpicked teachers' union candidates. This is just plain wrong.

School boards should represent the interests of the community and students, not the teachers' union. The track of these union-backed elections is nearly perfect because candidates who are not endorsed by the union cannot compete with the money and campaign volunteers poured into school board elections by the teachers' union.

It’s time for the community to fight back and vote for candidates not endorsed by the teachers' union.

Rich Sayres, Holtsville

Let's memorialize those who died of COVID

Has the anger and discord over masking and vaccinations made us forget the millions here and worldwide who have died from COVID-19? Because many did not learn or remember the history of the 1918 flu, they were not prepared for this pandemic. Along with a national memorial, a day and time should be established for our nation to remember and mourn the 1 million Americans who died. I hope Congress will act quickly to memorialize our loss and also educate future generations, so they are ready for the next pandemic.

Leonard Urban, Halesite