LIRR M9 trains, COVID-19, plant-based foods, and more

LIRR makes demands on M9 manufacturer

While we don’t necessarily agree with all the state comptroller’s findings, we are aligned that the issues related to the Long Island Rail Road’s M9 cars contract are unacceptable ["LIRR late again on bad cars," Editorial, April 4]. That’s why the railroad continues to require Kawasaki Rail Car Inc. to make improvements to its manufacturing process. To date, at LIRR’s demand, Kawasaki has initiated additional worker training at its Lincoln, Nebraska facility, increased the amount of quality control inspectors on the shop floor, and implemented additional “hold points” in the production process to allow LIRR’s resident inspectors to examine the quality of assemblies prior to installation into the car.

No one wants to see the new M9s delivered, safety-tested, and put into service more than we do, and we will not accept anything less than the high standard of quality, safety and comfort that our customers demand and deserve. It’s worth noting that the M9 cars already in service have been well-received by LIRR customers and are exceeding contract requirements on performance reliability.

John McCarthy, Manhattan

The writer is Metropolitan Transportation Authority chief of external relations.

Let's stay vigilant against COVID-19

In the article "Answers elusive for children with long COVID" [News, April 4], one fact was glaring. None of the children suffered from chronic illness before becoming infected with COVID-19, highlighting that COVID is unpredictable. We understand that people with a history of diabetes, heart disease and advanced age are most likely to develop severe and life-threatening complications from COVID.

However, in this young group, all of these children were previously well. Long COVID may occur in up to 30% of the adult population and possibly the same in children. This means with a virus as contagious as SARS CoV-2, even though most of the cases will be mild, we could expect a large group to become debilitated for an uncertain amount of time.

Thus, we should still be vigilant, especially with new variants -- not as stringent as last year with full masking and social distancing but using commonsense precautions. If a variant is spreading, consider wearing a mask in situations where you are exposed to thousands of individuals in a closed event or if you are ill.

Unfortunately, COVID is still here and may be for a long time. Using sensible precautions will help reduce more unfortunate stories.

Dr. Glenn Messina, East Setauket

Plant-based foods can help cut inflation

Can you believe the meat price increases predicted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service -- 15% for red meat and 11% for fish and eggs, way over the predicted 8% inflation rate ["Strain on LI food banks," News, March. 6].

The obvious solution recommended by nutritionists is fresh vegetables. They contain all the nutrients required for healthy living and no saturated fats, cholesterol, hormones or antibiotics present in some animal products. They do contain complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential vitamins and minerals. They offer vastly reduced risk of contracting heart disease, stroke, some cancers, diabetes, and obesity. Prices of fresh vegetables are going up only 4.3%.

A University of Michigan research report found that replacing 50% of animal products with plant-based foods would prevent more than 1.6 billion tons of greenhouse gases by 2030 -- President Joe Biden’s target date for a 50% reduction in emissions.

In an environmentally sustainable world, we need to replace meat and other animal products with vegetables, fruits and grains, just as we replace fossil fuels with wind, solar and other renewable energy sources. This outrageous meat price increase may be our blessing in disguise.

Nathan Daniels, Melville

New Yorkers should not pay these Bills

As I write my New York State income tax check, it is reassuring to see my money will not be wasted. Another billionaire team owner threatens to move his team if he does not get a new stadium paid for by taxpayers ["Parsing the governor's Buffalo Bills deal," From The Point, April 2]. Though each NFL team receives $321 million a year from media rights, owners cannot pay for their own seldom-used stadiums. Call it what it is -- corporate socialism. If the Bills don't foot the bill to build their stadium, let them move. I will gladly help them pack.

Vincent Walsh, Huntington