The Manganos, Putin's options, Mike Bossy, and Don't Say Gay law

Why weren't Manganos locked up right away?

Nearly six years after their arrest, and after many long delays by their lawyers, on Thursday, former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano was finally sentenced to 12 years and his wife, Linda, 15 months ["Ex-County Exec Mangano's sentence: 12 years in prison," News, April 15]. They both still showed no remorse and claim they did nothing wrong. Amazing. Each walked out of the courthouse and doesn’t have to start serving their respective sentences until June. Why? Why weren’t they immediately locked up after all this waiting? Didn’t they have enough time to get their affairs in order during the past six years while they were free? It will also be interesting to see where they serve their time and how much of their time they will actually serve.

And their many Mangano supporters at the courthouse — what exactly were they supporting them for?

H. Lloyd Miller, Jericho

Prison time for former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and his wife, Linda, seems just, besides the additional devastating consequences that their transgressions have already had on their lives. But who among us has never made a mistake and tried to rationalize before coming clean? As Edward Mangano is accurately accused of greed in this life episode. 

During the sentencing, he claimed, despite his misdeeds, that he put his heart and soul into his work. One cannot help wondering whether our mistakes in the long run truly define us. In all fairness, readers should also see reporting on Mangano’s eight years as county executive, the pluses and minuses.

Fred Barnett, Lake Grove

Putin left with two options in Ukraine

It doesn’t take a seer to know how Russia’s war against Ukraine will ultimately play out [“Ukraine: Offensive in Donbas has begun,” News, April 19]. This war is personal to Russian President Vladimir Putin and, in my opinion, leaves him just two options.

He’s already indicated that the West and the rest of NATO and the European Union should stop sending weapons to Ukraine or risk having Russia unleash targeted nuclear weapons at Ukraine with devastating consequences. In other words, if he can’t have Ukraine, he’ll turn it into ash. Suffice it to say that the longer this war drags out, the more frustrated, humiliated, angry, and desperate Putin will feel.

The second option for him is to claim he was successful in repatriating a good portion of Ukraine back into the fold of Mother Russia. He’ll project himself as a hero on state TV and save face in the eyes of Russians. The way this will end is hinged wholly upon how far Putin is willing to go to satisfy his own pride and ego.

— Martin Geller, Manhasset

Bossy a class act away from spotlight, too

I’m not sure the kids will remember this, but Mike Bossy was escorted by me each Christmas to visit sick children at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center ["A devoted Islander, real gentleman," Sports, April 16]. His only condition was that no one was to know — no media. The lights in those eyes were his gift. That was who he was.  His memory will definitely be a blessing.

Dr. Gilbert Dick, Great Neck

Cartoon unfairly portrays Florida's new "gay law"

The Buffalo News cartoon featuring Disney's Evil Queen and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is offensive and, frankly, misleading [Cartoon roundup, April 16]. The wording “Don’t say gay” was never mentioned in the Florida bill signed by DeSantis. The governor is listening to his constituents. Many parents there do not want to have the schools discussing gender choices with young children, especially without a parent present. This topic is totally inappropriate and an invasion of parental rights. Parents feel that their children should be taught reading, math, writing and other traditional school subjects. Gender issues are to be handled by parents. If the schools are concerned about how a child with gender issues may be unfairly treated within the school setting, there is a perfect solution. Little children need only to be taught the Golden Rule. That will prevent any bullying if it is taught and encouraged in all classrooms. End of discussion.

Patricia Goldman, East Northport

The writer is a retired elementary school teacher.

Ferry easy to drive to? Who is he kidding?

When I read that Brookhaven Town Supervisor Edward Romaine said, "Long Island ... has 2.8 million people who don't have to take a ferry or bridge," I thought that's true ["Courting 'SNL' stars' ferry," News, April 11]. When I then read that he also said, "We have roadways that will get people to wherever they choose to dock," I almost choked on my spaghetti. After recently driving friends to Kennedy Airport, it took me three days to stop rattling from driving on those roads with potholes the size of a small auto. Even the asphalt-filled holes are deadly to your car and insides. That's when you can actually travel the speed limit. Most of the time we are crawling along, seeing disabled autos and accident sites. The boys from Staten Island would be wise to leave the orange ferry there.

Carol Galati, Ridge