LETTERS: Education's not free for taxpayers, combat stress in dogs

Education's not free - for taxpayers

The New York Civil Liberties Union was quick to point out that New York State law entitles all children to a free public education .

Education is, indeed, free to those who do not pay property taxes. I, as a homeowner, am forced to pay a public school tuition under the guise of school taxes, which add up to a major portion of my property taxes. These taxes increase yearly as the school system continuously becomes overburdened with the children of illegal immigrants, making Long Island harder and harder to afford.

I do not have children, yet I must pay for the free education of others' children. Illegal immigrants should not be entitled to public assistance. Why is the taxpayer forced to pay for their entitled services? Why can't those not paying property taxes pay school taxes? Where is the fairness and equity? We need to make this country less attractive to those who will not or cannot contribute.

Eric Scheriff, Holbrook

This is another reason to start enforcing immigration laws. Strapped school budgets, rising school taxes, cutbacks galore and amazingly as per Plyler v. Doe, you don't have to be here legally to have access to the school systems we so dearly support.

So now you can add education to the list of freebies undocumented immigrants receive. When does it end? While I would not block a child from going to school, this is becoming unsustainable in so many ways.

John Tofalli, Amityville

Dog's combat stress mirrors that of troops

It's a shame that we expose innocent animals to human combat . Although, if it protects the lives of American servicemen and women, I approve.

What disturbed me was that Gina, the German shepherd with post-traumatic-stress disorder, may return to "hazardous duty." Why not give Gina a break and let some family enjoy her company for the duration of her life? She's earned it.

Peter Kelly, Medford

As a clinical social worker, I am aware that our soldiers are repeatedly redeployed to combat despite their pleadings to mental health professionals that they can't return to the front due to the physical and emotional impact of post-traumatic stress. I question the decision to force obviously war-traumatized men, women and yes, highly trained dogs, back to the battlefield.

Morally and ethically, forced redeployment decisions are inhumane and unconscionable for soldiers and also for their four-footed guardians.

Lois A. Carey, Southold