LETTERS: Census, National Day of Prayer and more

Is the census really necessary?

The recent census data request raises the question, does America really still have to conduct such a formalized census with all the databases available ?

While the Constitution calls for us to take count of ourselves every 10 years, it does not specify how. With the advent of the Social Security system, I cannot imagine that the government does not already have an excellent count of the country as well as where we reside. When a child is born, the hospital provides the parents with a Social Security number application for the child. On your tax return, not only do you provide your own Social Security number, but those of all dependents.

Why then do we have to spend an enormous amount of funds to get information that the government already has?

Michael C. Lefkowitz

East Meadow

Prayer day ruling would hurt believers

It is devastating to read that the National Day of Prayer, this year set for May 6, has been declared unconstitutional . I respect everyone's beliefs or disbeliefs. That is their business as long as it does not hurt anyone, but trying to put a stop to my belief is hurting me.

The National Day of Prayer is a good day for all concerned who attend and pray during their lunch hour or wherever they may be. It is a beautiful moment that on this day, many people get together and put up their requests to God at one time. For those who do not agree with it, it is their right not to be a part of it.

Phyllis Catania

West Islip

To save 6-day mail, raise postage on junk

No more Saturday mail? I get pounds and pounds of ads and junk mail by the day. If the Postal Service is so strapped for funds because of e-mail, why doesn't it simply raise the postage for all of that junk mail?

You can believe that there would be a few dropouts from the advertising mail - or is it just accepted practice to charge us poor sheep more to mail a birthday card than an advertiser pays to send junk mail?

Jerome Nathanson

Deer Park

Lost bag might make you a carry-on convert

I agree with a recent letter writer that it is annoying to wait for fellow airline passengers to stuff bags into overhead compartments.

However, I wonder if she has ever flown to Asia, South America or Europe as I have with nine prescription medications including an inhaler for asthma and prescription eye drops, as well as contact lens solutions. If these were in my checked bags and lost, they would be impossible to replace upon arrival.

My checked bag was lost just going upstate to a business trip, and I had to attend a meeting in the jeans I was traveling in when a "power suit" was required. So, why won't I "stop being so cheap" and check my bag? This is not just a money issue.

Arlene Sapoff

Nesconset