LETTERS: Cyberbullying, church credibility and more

Parents responsible for online conduct

Much of the online cruelty known as cyberbullying is generated on home computers where parents, many of whom lack technology skills, are unaware of the activities their children are engaged in .

Parents can no longer afford to use "technology ignorance" as an excuse for inaction or for indulging their children's demands for the latest gadgetry and unrestricted access to the information highway. Parents must take responsibility for knowing how it's being used in their homes and provide children with clear parameters and consequences if it is misused.

Recent tragedies should serve as a wake-up call to push cyberbullying to the top of every educator, parent and legislator's list of priorities. The outrage prompted may well be what motivates our legislators to pass laws that will directly address the issues of online cruelty and give schools and parents the tools to respond when children are targeted.

Johanna Mathieson-Ellmer

Levittown

Editor's note: The writer is director of safety education for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island.

No surprise to see church lose credibility

How could anyone be stunned to hear that the Catholic Church has lost all credibility in Ireland? . The institutional church has lost its credibility everywhere the priest scandal was covered up by those who were supposed to be "tending the flock."

The institutional Catholic Church, which is different from the Catholic Christian faith, needs a total overhaul, starting at the top. The present leaders lack the wisdom, courage, understanding, knowledge and fortitude to implement change. Sadly, they are content to keep rearranging the "deck chairs on the Titanic." And we all know what happened to the Titanic.

Judith B. Flinn

East Northport

Marine upheld ideals of service

The article "The lives he saved" [News, April 5] was an outstanding tribute to Marine Libardo Anthony Jimenez.

In addition to showcasing the rewards and benefits of being an organ donor and saving the lives of perfect strangers, it demonstrated to the public who Marines are, and what we do.

The Marine Hymn says it best in its last stanza: "We are proud to claim the title of Unites States Marine." Rest in peace, Lance Cpl. Jimenez.

William Ober

Huntington

Editor's note: The writer is a Vietnam era Marine veteran and commandant of the Huntington detachment of the Marine Corps League.