LA protests, ICE raids, terrorists, Army parade, rezoning Nassau Hub

Law and order in LA? Jan. 6 needed it more

A reader compared the protests in Los Angeles to the Jan. 6 insurrection [“Fiery reactions to events in LA,” Letters, June 13]. It would be laughable if not so sad. The reader asked how many stores were looted or cars burned on Jan. 6. The Capitol, our nation’s symbol of democracy, was attacked without provocation. For three hours, President Donald Trump idly watched the riot unfold on TV.

The need for law and order was required even more in the Capitol than in Los Angeles because of the limited local resources. The lives of good people were lost.

— Paul Spina Jr., Calverton

On. Jan. 6, feces were spread in congressional offices that were ransacked. Items also were stolen from offices while Donald Trump did nothing. His own vice president, Mike Pence, was threatened with lynching. Where was the National Guard that day?

— Bob Horsham, Ridge

The reader’s letter sums up the problem we face. Everything is OK if you sympathize with the aggrieved. I find it to be most apt to point out the hypocrisy of condemning some and excusing others. I condemn all violent disruptions.

— Michael Hunt, Franklin Square

ICE outfit has no place in LI school

As a nurse, I was shocked that an Amityville elementary school nurse allegedly wore a jacket with ICE spelled out [“Union head: School nurse wore jacket with ‘ICE’ on back,” Long Island, June 11]. This appears to be a blatant act of intimidation in a school that is 60% Hispanic.

That this adult feels emboldened to have children intimidated by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement jacket shows how far our country has fallen. Parents and administrators should be concerned about what else this person may do. Our children deserve better.

Hate and fear have no place in our schools. The American Nurses Association’s code of ethics states that nurses should practice with “compassion and respect for the inherent dignity and worth of every individual.” We are better than this, and I am devastated by the hate that has filled our communities.

— Pamela Ginex, Syosset

Any child, regardless of race, creed, or citizen status deserves to attend a place of learning that is safe and free from fear. The employee who wore the jacket in question made a choice to ignore the feelings of the students, their parents and guardians, and her colleagues. Her actions were unprofessional.

— Elizabeth Aquino, Amityville

Talks with terrorists would lead to nothing

Hats off to Israel for attacking Iran [“Wider phase of conflict,” News, June 16]. Iran is a sponsor of terrorism, and it’s about time someone did something about it. President Donald Trump has to realize that negotiating with terrorists is a lost cause, and if it comes down to it, I hope he supports Israel in its efforts to stop Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.

— Wayne Mortak, West Babylon

When you are threatened and told, “We will wipe your country off the map,” you don’t sit and wait for it to happen. You attack your enemy by destroying its military bases and leaders. The scourge of Iran, however, directs missiles into Israeli civilian cities, attacking women and children. Iran is a threat to world peace.

Israel must be defended, not attacked verbally by the biased left.

— Pat King, Sycamore

Military parade only celebrated our Army

Saturday’s military parade was a celebration of the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary “Thousands gather for ‘No Kings’ rally,” News, June 15]. It was not about hatred, immigration, or President Donald Trump. These protest groups seem to be bent on eroding our country’s pride and in this case disparaging our country’s treasure.

— Martin Stevens, Centerport

Community supports rezoning Nassau Hub

I’d like to correct an impression that the local community is largely opposed to the Town of Hempstead rezoning of the Nassau Coliseum site [“Sands folded, but stage is set,” News, June 15].

As a Uniondale resident who attended and spoke at the earlier town meeting — and who has sat through multiple hearings in the Nassau County Legislature — I can attest that a strong majority of residents supports the rezoning and the opportunity it represents to finally redevelop this area.

Everyone can express an opinion, but the misinformation spread by some speakers is not helpful to anyone. What the town approved is a zoning update — not a building permit. Every future project on the site will still require review and a site plan.

This was a courageous, pro-community vote. Long Island needs jobs, investment, and energy, not another generation of decay at the Nassau Hub. Most of us understand that, and we are ready to move forward.

— Mariano Ugalde, Uniondale

The writer is president of the Uniondale Chamber of Commerce.