Kimmel's punch line, organ donation in NY
Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel is embroiled in another free speech controversy. Credit: AP/Chris Pizzello
Kimmel's gloves not off with punch line
I cannot believe some people have fallen for President Donald Trump's insistence that Jimmy Kimmel's late night talk show be canceled over a small part of a comedy skit last week ["Kimmel's ‘joke' merits canceling his show," Letters, April 29].
Kimmel was not promoting violence. His joke was based on the 23-year age difference between Trump, 79, and his wife, Melania. Thus, the line about the first lady having "the glow of an expectant widow."
My needing to explain this joke is a sad commentary on some Americans' thinking and political biases. But, then again, this administration is indicting former FBI Director James Comey over a picture of seashells on a beach ["DOJ indicts Comey again," State & Nation, April 29]. Go figure.
Dom Gervasi, Wantagh
The basis for hate speech comes from Donald Trump ["Trump calls for ABC to fire Kimmel," flash!, April 28]. If he could think longer before speaking and eliminate the hate from his diatribes, the world would be better off.
Gerald Slochevsky, Islip Terrace
Let's move NY up in organ donor ranking
Different and moving articles highlighted important aspects of organ donation ["Seeking living donors," News, April 19].
The first article highlighted the long wait times and possible delays in obtaining a transplant. New York State consistently ranks among the lowest of all 50 states for the number of registered organ donors, so the waitlists and times are very long.
The second article highlights the success with transplantation survival improving over the last many years. More education and awareness are needed. Fortunately, living donation is now possible for more organs than before. Deceased donation is successful for all types of transplantation. Living donors also do very well.
April is National Donate Life Month. Motorists should check their driver's license — a small heart and the words "Organ Donor" would confirm that they are a registered organ donor.
It is easy to register online to be an organ donor through the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Dr. Lionel U. Mailloux, Manhasset
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