Reckless driving and changing demographics

Reckless driving must be punished

We read countless headlines, from inflation to supply chain issues to the war in Ukraine. Yet it's especially heartbreaking to learn of innocent lives cut short because of a selfish driver with no apparent regard for life or law ["Cops ID 3 killed in crash," News, May 24] . Seven years ago this July, eight young women were added to decades of statistics as their limousine was struck, killing four and injuring four. As a parent of one of the survivors and spokeswoman for the eight families, I emphasize that these families have endured pain and are left asking, “Why are careless drivers involved in fatal crashes allowed to drive again?” Still no justice has been served, and accountability has not been established.

We remind  everyone that summer is fast approaching and people are emerging out of pandemic seclusion. It is time for fun, exploration, proms, graduations, wine tours and countless other activities. Don’t be a victim. Be an advocate for tougher laws and strict punishment for noncompliance by those who do not follow laws of the road. Remember those who live with these daily reminders of crash events. Reckless driving needs to be punished severely.

Nancy DiMonte, Elwood

Demographic shift articles fuel racism

In the wake of the Buffalo shooting, blame has been alleged to Fox News' Tucker Carlson for espousing the theory that immigrants or nonwhite people are taking over our society. I can’t express my shock when Sunday I read Newsday's cover headline “Changing face of LI schools” [News, May 22]. The article noted that children of color make up the majority in 32 districts. After the recent Buffalo massacre by a suspect whose manifesto was in response to thwarting this change in society, was this not poor timing? Such articles on demographics only continue to fuel racism and hatred. We will never be free of racism until we all see people as just people and not by their color, race or religion.

Paul Spina, Calverton