The way Fauci was grilled reveals rifts

The vendetta against Dr. Anthony Fauci underscores the descent into a toxic brew of irrationality and political opportunism ["Vendetta against Fauci is a disgrace," Opinion, Aug. 5]. It sidelines understanding and increases risk.

A deadly, novel virus was rapidly spreading. It was causing high rates of serious illness and death. A growing and expanding dread was palpable. An effective vaccine did not exist. Political leaders looked to public health officials for answers. Public health officials drew upon existing methods to help break possible avenues of transmission; biomedical scientists worked to create treatment and preventive products.

Today, we see senators in Congress hurling foul-mouthed outbursts at Fauci. This is the antithesis of reasoned thinking. It will not help us better understand that horrific period.

Sen. Rand Paul, chairman of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, and his colleagues would show more responsibility by working to establish a study body that adheres to scientific methodology to help us better understand our nation's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will not be the last significant chemical/radiation/biomedical or climate challenge we will face.

Howard Lerner, Commack

As an independent, I waited anxiously for Anthony Fauci's testimony before Congress. Surely, with 10 years of immunity from prosecution for any wrongdoing, we would get to the truth. Were there mistakes made? If so, what were they, so they are not repeated? That was nowhere to be found in Fauci's "testimony," yet Cathy Young saw fit to defend someone who invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times.

When so many millions of people die because of COVID-19 around the world, including more than 1 million Americans, more is expected of public officials who see fit to play partisan politics, and the Fourth Estate, whose job it is to act as a watchdog over government and protect society. No wonder younger generations in America want change from this insane status quo.

I hope we uncover more from that diary that contains what Fauci learned from battling COVID-19. For certain, the many millions who died deserve more than this, as do future generations that I hope will not repeat the same mistakes.

John Vatalaro, Sayville

Liberty rate hikes stem from inaction

The article on Liberty Utilities' proposed 37% rate hike captures community outrage, but it ignores why residents remain trapped ["Advocates push for Liberty Utilities takeover," Our Towns, Aug. 5]. Liberty's 37% increase is not an isolated proposal. Since 2024, Liberty has hiked water rates 13%-17% annually. In total, Liberty caused water bills to nearly double for more than 100,000 customers since 2022.

Consistent and significant water rate hikes will continue to be problematic for residents because of government inaction. New York State created the South Nassau Water Authority in 2021 to acquire Liberty's water infrastructure. Five years later, the authority has failed to complete a takeover or finalize an acquisition contract. In fact, the SNWA has not even started negotiating the takeover with Liberty Utilities.

It is not enough for our elected officials to denounce Liberty's rate hikes. They hold actual power to fix this as the Town of Hempstead and Nassau County Legislature appoint the SNWA board members to two-year terms. Despite appointing every single member, our elected officials have applied zero public pressure on the SNWA or Liberty to move quickly. This slow, drawn-out acquisition is unacceptable.

Until our elected officials hold their own appointees accountable, residents will continue paying higher rates for government inaction.

Michael Vanunu, Merrick

Pick contraception, not killing, for deer

It really is upsetting and sad that someone would think that deer, beautiful, nonpredatory animals, are in the same category as rats and mice ["Deer are pests, not Disney stars," Musings, July 13]. And why would someone think that deer have no feelings? They hurt no one. They were on Long Island long ago, and we are the ones who pushed them out of their natural habitat. We took the land away from them to build the very house that he likely lives in.

So now, they are the enemy. I have news for you. Ticks are everywhere, even dropping out of trees onto your clothing just like they drop onto deer. Deer become nuisances to him because they eat his flowers? What do you expect them to do?

Legislators could vote to shoot darts containing contraceptive vaccines at the females instead of killing them. Vaccines are more effective. There are always better solutions than killing innocent animals that are just trying to go about living their own lives, too.

Carolyn Newson, Riverhead