Buffalo killings, gender identity and Putin

We must stop this murderous plague

Before the memorial services en for our fellow Americans taken from us in Buffalo, before the politicians conclude their condolence visits, before the outrage and protest of this tragedy fades and becomes another painful memory, we must begin in earnest to find a solution to this murderous plague ["Police: Buffalo shooter sought out Blacks," News, May 16].

How does a white 18-year-old young man develop such a hatred of Black people? Didn’t anyone notice? Where were his parents, relatives, neighbors, classmates and teachers for 18 years? Did they look the other way? Did they feel it wasn’t their responsibility? Did they fear being in violation of privileged information?

The solution to the problem lies within the answer to these questions and in performing greater scrutiny into the history of troubled souls like his.

It is time to declare war on aberrant behavior, and the most potent weapon in any arsenal is collecting good intelligence.

Ed Weinert, Melville

If the Buffalo massacre was terrorism and fueled by "Fox News’ Tucker Carlson host,or any number of right-wing radio talkers — or perhaps on a QAnon website" ["Buffalo attack was terrorism," Editorial, May 16], why are they not on the terrorism list?

It is up to all of us to speak up, call people out when we hear or see racism of any type whether by the police, politicians, our religious leaders, business people or our neighbors, friends or family. We must speak up against this systemic horror.

Kathryn Meng, Westbury

Abhorrent statement at board meeting

The statement by Mike Simonelli at the May 10 Smithtown Central School District Board meeting was abhorrent ["Politics' effect on school board elections," News, May 9]. Despite proclaiming membership in the Suffolk County Police Department Gay and Lesbian Fraternal Organization, Simonelli's statements, available on the district's YouTube video, were homophobic.

After mocking a display about gender identity made by Smithtown East High School students and a gender sexuality alliance student club, Simonelli stated many "effeminate boys or girls that are tomboys … will outgrow these phases naturally." For those who don’t outgrow this phase, Simonelli wished for them to "find happiness or the help they desire.”

Gender, in my view, is a social construct. Throughout recorded history, various cultures have recognized and integrated more than two genders. Simonelli’s wish for students to find help implies there is something wrong with our kids if they don’t fit into the male/female binary system.

Simonelli further declared that our children's "lives are not on the line" like his colleagues' lives. LGBTQ youth are at four times the risk of suicide than their peers, not due to their gender identity and sexual orientation but because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized by society. Simonelli’s statement put the lives of our children on the line.

Rosaria Sasso, Smithtown

Putin a pathetic man lost in his own muck

Much is being written lately about Finland and Sweden wanting to join NATO, and Russian President Vladimir Putin claiming such action would bring serious consequences  [“Sweden seeks to join NATO,” News, May 17]. Well, he brought this on himself, and I hope most Americans also feel sick and tired of his bullying ways. 

He flaunts the characteristics of a true bully in all that he does and says. He lacks empathy toward others. He likes to blame his victims as if it was their fault that he had to behave so badly.

Putin should wake up because the free world is coming after him. The world has never seen such a despicable human being since World War II. It must be reassuring to mimic the man who his homeland hated the most. I guess that makes him proud of who he is — a weak, pathetic man lost in his own muck.

Michael Filaseta, Ridge

Two tennis greats criticized Wimbledon’s decision to exclude Russian and Belarus players from this year’s Wimbledon tournament ["Nadal, Djokovic criticize Wimbledon exclusions," Sports, May 2]. I disagree with the judgment of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic. Russian President Vladimir Putin controls the information that the Russian people receive. As a result, many Russians do not know or believe there is a war in Ukraine. And those who do know that Russia is perpetrating a war against Ukraine believe the war is a noble and laudable venture. When the Russian people realize that Russian and Belarus players are not at Wimbledon, they may begin to question the reasons for this absence. Questioning can lead to truth, which may lead to Russian opposition to and termination of this war.

Edward Dermon, Roslyn Heights