Banned books, Nassau Hub, and church sexual abuse

Put ‘banned’ books in special section

A reader says “banned” books is a misnomer [“Parents want a say in books kids access,” Letters, May 1]. I disagree. Banning is exactly what it is when a small group of parents want to make decisions for all children, not just their own.

I trust an educated librarian or teacher to direct my children and grandchildren to books that can address their questions and concerns way before I would trust another parent. Particularly one with certain biases and agendas!

In a perfect world, each child would feel safe at home asking “uncomfortable” questions, but “reasonable people should be able to agree” that what we have is far from perfect.

Let’s compromise: a “restricted” library section where parental permission slips grant access for students. Those wishing to deny their children access may do so, but not make decisions for other parents.

Knowledge is power. Children comprehend much more than given credit for. I remember being given a booklet in fifth grade regarding changes happening to my body. Schools have been helping children by exposing them to important information in a safe, controlled environment.

If the reader believes children won’t be exposed to “graphic descriptions” or “unnecessary” information with a book ban, she has never ridden a school bus with adolescents.

— Barbara Dreyfus, East Setauket

Conflicting views on Hub proposal

Nassau County has been falling behind for decades, thanks to its extremely high taxes, lack of affordable places for our youth to live, and underdeveloped towns and villages.

As an owner of businesses in Baldwin and Freeport, I and many others — including our elected officials and leaders — know that a primary way to grow local talent, nurture and develop diverse communities, and create tax relief is to bring in investors and businesses to generate new revenue and opportunities.

This is often done by developing empty or abandoned lots — just like the Las Vegas Sands proposal aims to do at the Nassau Hub. Except in this case, the proposed development would be a regional asset that goes beyond revenue generation and makes our county a center of tourism and entertainment for families near and far “Nassau casino will have human costs,” Opinion, May 16].

We need Nassau County to thrive. It’s been stagnant for too long, with unattainable and unaffordable conditions for young people, new businesses, and the next generation of professionals. Let’s grow and develop our businesses together supporting projects like this one.

— Jenny Jorge, Merrick

Comparing the benefits of a casino versus affordable housing for a community is a complex issue that depends on factors such as the community’s needs, values and priorities. Investing in affordable housing is likely to pay off in the long term, especially for our youth, compared to a casino.

Affordable housing can provide young people with a stable and safe environment in which to grow and develop, and it can lead to better educational and career opportunities. This can lead to improved economic outcomes for the community.

Providing safe and affordable housing for young people can help reduce homelessness, poverty and crime rates, which can have significant social and economic benefits.

Although a casino can provide short-term economic pluses such as job creation and increased revenue, it can also have negative social and economic consequences such as addiction and crime.

Casinos are often associated with high-risk behaviors and may not be consistent with a community’s values or long-term goals.

— Mark Stern, Westbury

Bishop should teach us about our priorities

Last year, Pope Francis ushered in laity participation in a worldwide synod to help reflect God’s presence in our world and the Catholic Church. Never received yet is information on financial transparency and consequences to our churches and victims from sexual abuse as well as for the Catholic Ministries Appeal, which says that all money goes only to ministries.

Catholics have requested education on Catholic social teaching to foster increased compassion and caring for all, and a leading voice from our local bishops on immigration, gun violence, nuclear disarmament, racism, bias of all types, gender issues, and housing (with currently empty schools and convents).

Official supportive Church documents, teachings integral to our faith, already exist but are relatively unknown to our people because of the silence from our local bishops.

Bishops elsewhere in our country and outside our nation are not silent and are teachers so that faith instead of partisan politics is forming consciences and determining morality.

Perhaps if Bishop John Barres of the Diocese of Rockville Centre would teach as well as respond to heartfelt letters and requests to meet with faith-centered groups or individuals, I could offer a more positive assessment [“Six years into tenure, LI Catholics assess Barres,” News, May 8].

— Barbara Androu, Valley Stream