Letters: U.S. must counter ISIS ideology
Displaced Iraqis from Ramadi rest before crossing the Bzebiz bridge after spending the night walking towards Baghdad, as they flee their hometown, 65 km west of Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 16, 2015. Credit: AP
Although a military response to the Paris atrocities on Nov. 13 seems inevitable and probably necessary, I believe it alone will not stop the spread of the dangerous theology of the Islamic State or similar groups, and will not prevent future attacks .
The United States and its allies are doing nothing to counter the ISIS theology effectively. Some in public life even hesitate to call the ISIS ideology a religion or theology; this is only a form of denial. This theology is the only thing ISIS has to offer. It offers paradise after death.
Fortunately for humanity, the majority of religions do not concentrate on the benefits of martyrdom. The beginning of the battle against the ISIS theology must be the idea that right and wrong depends on whether a behavior causes harm or well-being, and whether misery or happiness is the result. The argument against a harmful terrorist theology must also include the idea that we, as humans, are fallible. Our opinions on the existence of God, and our knowledge of God's intentions, are not facts themselves.
Gerry Dantone, Coram
After the tragic Paris attacks, the media reported that the terrorists used apps on their phones and computers that encrypt their messages so well that even the companies that produce and sell them can't break the codes ["In the city: NYPD armed and ready," News, Nov. 17]. These companies should be shut down and the apps dismantled. These can be considered a weapon and should not be available to the public.
Jerry Trappe, East Islip
Nassau residents can afford tax hike
The vote by Nassau lawmakers to override County Executive Edward Mangano's veto of the property tax hike was not in the interest of residents ["Nassau showdown," News, Nov. 14]. An average $23 annual increase -- or $1.92 per month -- would allow the county to maintain services that could now be eliminated.
This increase is something we can afford. No homeowner would be hurt by this increase. I did not hear the public condemning this increase. There was no uproar. All it would mean is one less dinner out per year, or one time you forgo lottery tickets or a pack of cigarettes.
If anyone feels his or her taxes are too high, I recommend filing a grievance to lower them. Now, the Nassau Interim Finance Authority plans to reject the budget as submitted, and return it to legislative leaders for $12 million in new cuts, which will affect our residents. This really was a bad legislative decision.
William Keats, North Merrick
Suffolk GOP needs Conservative Party
In a Spin Cycle item, Suffolk County Republican chairman John Jay LaValle went far beyond politics with a personal attack on me: "People are disgusted by him" . LaValle could learn a lot from me on a personal level, but also how to be a successful party leader.
November's elections in Suffolk were historic victories for the Conservative Party and a huge disappointment for the Republican Party. LaValle predicted his party would pick up as many as five seats in the county legislature. He got none.
In fact, in every competitive race that a Republican won, the Conservative line was the margin of victory. In most Suffolk races, our line got at least 10 percent of the vote, and in some legislative races 15 to 18 percent.
What is most perplexing is LaValle's vitriolic comment after it was his decision that he didn't want the Conservative Party as a partner. It's a suicidal decision for the Republican Party that he purports to lead. Nothing demonstrates his lack of intelligent leadership more than his treatment of Riverhead Supervisor Sean Walter. Honest, popular and successful, Walter was abandoned by his own Republican Party leaders. With only the Conservative Party's support, he won a historic victory without a major party line.
The Republican Party needs to ask itself whether it wants to try to win next year's elections without Conservative Party support. Republicans also need to ask themselves whether they want to keep allowing LaValle to lead them into oblivion.
Edward M. Walsh Jr., East Islip
Editor's note: The writer is the chairman of the Suffolk County Conservative Party.
