Letters: Can't understand quarantine protest

I can't believe there is such dialogue and controversy about doctors introducing a deadly, contagious disease to this country ["No easy answers on quarantines," News, Oct. 28].

I agree there are issues. The doctors have a right to freedom of movement, and the public has a right to be safe and secure.

But a doctor or doctors introducing the deadly, contagious Ebola virus to this country? Somehow it just doesn't sound right.

Thomas Duignan, West Islip

I read "Fear-mongering stokes Ebola panic" by columnist Cathy Young [Opinion, Oct. 21]. A couple of days later, I happened to see Congressman Peter King on TV saying the doctors are wrong, and the Ebola virus can be airborne.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. This was a perfect example of what Young was saying in her column. It's wrong for an elected offical who should know better to make such an outrageous and irresponsible claim at a time when everyone is nervous about this virus.

I felt this was done for political gain two weeks before an election. The only way to stop this type of scare tactic by our politicans is to stay informed, especially us seniors, so these people can't bamboozle us.

Ann Leahy, Wantagh

Lives lost along Long Island's roads

I am horrified by the number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians that occur not only on Route 110 but also all over Nassau and Suffolk counties ["Cyclist killed in car accident," News, Oct. 21]. It's not uncommon to see a story each week about a driver striking a cyclist or a pedestrian.

Many streets on Long Island lack lanes for bicyclists and runners, which increases the chances of fatalities, especially on major streets such as Route 110. On July 13, 2011, Newsday reported that "the bicycle crash death rate on Long Island far exceeds that of New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut." It seems that not much has changed.

Some accidents result from inexperienced or irresponsible teens driving, while others occur because of the negligence of an adult. However, it's easy to blame the driver; the bicyclist can be at fault as well.

When I was younger, I lost a teacher I really cared for to an accident. She was running alongside a road where there should have been more done to make pedestrians and motorists aware of each other. People should not lose their lives over an inability to share the road.

Totianyu Guadalupe, Deer Park

Trains, planes and too much noise

In "$8M noise studies get green light" [News, Oct. 29], Newsday reports on airplane noise and its effect on neighborhoods.

Here is an important part of that article: Noise levels that average 65 decibels or more over 24 hours are considered too high for residential neighborhoods, and Congress has set aside money to help pay for noise mitigation that could include soundproofing homes. Len Schaier, head of Citizens for Quiet Skies over North Hempstead, said 55 decibels is an average used around the world, except in the United States.

It makes good sense to use the lower standard, because excessive noise can cause hearing damage. So, why is it OK for the Long Island Rail Road to sound its horn four times at railroad crossings at 96 to 110 decibels? This happens 24/7/365.

Thousands of neighbors live within earshot of the tracks because of the density of the population on Long Island. I hope that someone can explain why we must suffer.

Charles Naftal, Mineola

Social Security payments to Nazis

It's such a sad situation when we've paid into Social Security for so many years while working, and have received such small cost-of-living increases, that Nazis living in Europe still get Social Security payments every month ["Payments to Nazis opposed," News, Oct. 21]. Is there something wrong with this picture?

We are struggling to pay our bills. Food prices have gone up, and we do without some of the things we truly enjoyed. Utilities, gas and taxes take a large chunk of our money, and what is left over is not much.

How are we, who worked so hard for all of our younger days, supposed to get by with what our government is giving us? This is truly outrageous.

Camille Morselli, Islip Terrace

Too many calls from politicians

I am fed up with the excessive calls, recorded or live, that I have received within the last week from politicians and their supporters.

These calls come in day and night, with many from area codes outside the local area. Enough already!

Bruce L. Hecht, New Hyde Park

To all you politicians, friends of politicians, spouses of politicians who have been calling me at home for the last few weeks between 6 and 9 p.m. with your recorded messages . . . please note, you lost my vote.

Rich Romanik, Hicksville