Letter: Give a fair deal to Nassau unions

In "Inside Nassau labor deals" [News, March 23], writer E.J. McMahon of the free-market Empire Center for New York State Policy states, "If these deals go through it's a win for the unions and a loss for taxpayers."

Our county's services are much needed -- we all benefit from them -- and their unions should be strong. I've read too many horror stories about public union busting, for example, in Wisconsin. I would not want that to happen in our beloved Nassau County or New York State.

Jeanne Klein, Williston Park

A few individuals, too much influence

I believe that our democracy is rapidly becoming an oligarchy where power lies in the hands of a few people ["Campaign finance plan questioned," News, March 15].

Reforms to campaign finance, as New York is discussing, are essential. I'm concerned that our country's course can be determined by extremely wealthy individuals. It is becoming inordinately influenced by people like the billionaire Koch brothers.

In the Citizens United decision, the Supreme Court overturned parts of the bipartisan McCain-Feingold Act, which limited the ability of individuals, in the guise of corporations, to channel influence (money) across the country.

Now the outcome of elections can be indirectly controlled by a few, rather than directly by the electorate. I don't have the answer, but I view this as a huge and increasing problem. Solutions anyone?

Joel Becker, Hauppauge

Dangerous prisoner release demanded

In "Jailed Palestinian a key to Mideast peace talks" [News, March 20], you report that Marwan Barghouti "is serving multiple life sentences for his alleged role in killings of Israelis."

There is nothing alleged about his role. Barghouti was convicted in court of several counts of murder and attempted murder. He was one of the major leaders of both the First and Second Intifadas, and is the founder of the Al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigade, which has been designated as a terrorist group not just by Israel, but also by the United States, Canada, Japan and the European Union.

What does it say about Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinians that they insist that they cannot talk about peace with Israel unless Israel agrees to release convicted terrorist murderers from prison?

Allan Mosak, Cedarhurst

College athletics bring opportunity

Columnist Ellis Henican just doesn't get it when he complains that college athletes are unpaid ["The NCAA's real madness," News, March 23].

Ninety percent, probably more, will never earn a dollar with a basketball in their hands. A much larger percentage would never have attended a quality university without hands on a basketball, never would have received the key that opens the door to a life of opportunity. Not all of life's riches involve rectangles of paper with dead presidents on them.

While it is true that some college coaches make large salaries, those schools participating also profit in the form of a wider spectrum of athletics and finer facilities, including academic facilities.

Jim McConville, Shirley

No playtime on corporate battlefield

While I agree with columnist Anne Michaud's recommendation that workers increase their playtime -- who wouldn't? -- the reality is that in the cold, cruel world, employers could care less about the optimal balance most people attempt to achieve, or the negative effect overwork can produce ["Don't fear adding to life's juggling act," Opinion, March 20].

What they demand is your complete, unadulterated, absolute attention and availability, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. "There are 24 hours in a day, feel free to use them all," is the corporate mantra, and most employees, regardless of their location in the food chain, do.

I'd like Michaud and Wharton School business professor Stew Friedman to know that no matter how talented, educated and experienced you are, there are two overarching entities ever present: the door, and that eager, panting replacement salivating over the possibility that you may use it.

As much as play sounds like an effective means to productivity, most employers on this bloody corporate battlefield will tell you to reserve that luxury for prekindergarten.

Michele E. Garafolo, Lindenhurst