Believe Epstein's survivors, not the rich

Cathy Young seems like another enabler of our president [“Latest Epstein files may benefit Trump,” Opinion, Feb. 4]. Her column reads like a public relations meme for Jeffrey Epstein, President Donald Trump, and others cited in the Epstein files.

Saying new complaints after charges are brought in such cases are “magnets for attention-seekers or mentally ill individuals”? Saying the “story” has become a “witch hunt”? It’s insensitive, abandoning the victims and protecting adults whose money can buy them anything, including sex trafficking, abuse of minors, and money laundering. Epstein and his friends and enablers have done that for decades.

Trump and Epstein settled several cases out of court. Young is falling into the well-traveled lane of chauvinism and misogyny instead of believing the victims.

A former British ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, stepped down from the Labour Party on Feb. 1 amid accusations involving Epstein, and two days later retired from the House of Lords. Why aren’t we forcing the same response here?

Michelle Urso, West Babylon

The Jeffrey Epstein survivors -- the vast majority of whom were children at the time  -- have been suffering for decades from unspeakable crimes perpetrated by Epstein and his co-conspirators, and they're still fighting for justice ["Maxwell repeatedly takes Fifth," Nation, Feb. 10]. But President Donald Trump says it's time for the country to move on.

Trump's loss in the 2020 presidential election was more than five years ago and confirmed by some 60 court cases. Yet that's not enough time for him to move on? His hypocrisy is off the charts.

Paul M. Eckstein, Bayside, Queens

I think it’s noteworthy that an-ex Bay Shore teacher, Thomas Bernagozzi, is being tried for sexual misconduct after former students have come forward with accusations ["Focus shifts to grooming," News, Feb. 10]. So, why after hundreds of now adult women in the Epstein files have done the same thing, not one person besides Ghislaine Maxwell and Epstein have been charged with any crimes against minors?

It's awful that many people are using the term "young women" rather than "minors" who have filed numerous credible reports against their predators. If similar evidence came out against an average person, I doubt he would get away without being charged.

Bill Lapof, East Islip

Ban gambling ads to protect the kids

Perhaps a small but significant step in preventing more of our youth from getting addicted to online sports gambling would be to ban or restrict forms of gambling advertising on TV, radio, the internet and cellphones ["Sports gambling imperils kids," Editorial, Feb. 8].

More than 50 years ago, in 1971, the federal government banned all TV and radio cigarette commercials primarily due to cigarette's addictive qualities and severe health risks.

If a total ban on gambling advertising isn't possible, then put in place advertising limits that target our youth. Let's go even further by banning all billboards and electronic displays at sporting events.

It may not be too late to save a young generation from the pain and misery of being addicted to gambling.

Peter Pellegrini, Seaford

Bad Bunny's show gave us a good tale

The NFL did not decide to use Bad Bunny to annoy a small group of people ["Bad Bunny's show has me hopping mad," Letters, Feb. 10]. They wanted the most popular act they could get, and this year that was this performer. I do not often defend the NFL’s greed, but this is business.

The NFL has many viewers beyond our borders. I like halftime shows, but sometimes they have had acts I did not like, so I didn’t watch. How many people go to an Italian opera yet do not understand Italian?

Bad Bunny did not seem as politically charged until President Donald Trump made it political and racist. Was the choice of the Super Bowl's "alternative show" performers not political, laced with Trump allies?

I do not speak Spanish, but what I witnessed was a stage filled with talented people and a wonderfully orchestrated show. I’m sorry if anyone's America and English first sensibilities were hurt for a few minutes. I’m sure many of the reader's friends were not happy to see Green Day, even in English, perform during Sunday's opening ceremony.

Robert Broder, Stony Brook

I enjoyed the halftime show. I have watched numerous Super Bowl shows where the performers' English sounded more like gibberish to me. Bad Bunny gave us a visual tour and and cultural story, and I had the feeling of being in each moment such as in the fields and at the wedding. Bad Bunny and the dancers looked like they were having fun. He displayed no ego by sharing the stage with Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin. This was a celebration of what is good about life.

Howard Lev, East Meadow