DOJ getting involved in Massapequa mascot ban is a distraction

I am concerned about the U.S. Department of Justice getting involved in the New York State ban on Native American mascots, names, and imagery [“NY mascot ban referred to DOJ,” News, June 18]. I have no comment regarding the mascot ban, but I hope that residents of Nassau County realize that recent discussions surrounding the ban appear to be a carefully orchestrated diversion by the Trump administration — a deliberate attempt to shift focus away from their cruel and unjust actions regarding migrants.

Specifically, actions like the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents taking Fernando Mejia [“Uproar as ICE takes a bagel store manager,” News, June 18]. Authoritarian governments often deploy distractions when scrutiny becomes too intense. By amplifying our outrage over cultural symbolism, they redirect public discourse away from policies that dismantle rights, sow division, and perpetuate harm against vulnerable communities.

The true crisis facing our communities is not a mascot, but rather policies that endanger our freedoms, erode our democracy, and undermine our humanity.

We cannot afford to be sidetracked. Let us demand accountability where it truly matters — on issues of social justice, economic fairness, and fundamental human rights.

— Ken Feifer, Massapequa

The Massapequa School District should drop its grievance with New York State and demonstrate respect for the Indigenous people who occupied Long Island and this nation. It appears blatantly political by enlisting the U.S. Secretary of Education and President Donald Trump for a sentimental cause. Can’t anyone come up with a new mascot?

Why not have student artists create a mascot to represent the education and athletic communities. Like some districts, why not encourage a districtwide vote? The existing mascot of the Indigenous chief with headdress is not wholly original.

I grew up and taught in Brentwood schools, where the coordinator of art designed the iconic Brentwood Indian mascot featuring an identical figurehead. Long before the state ban and out of respect, Brentwood began its transition by changing its logo to a student-designed letter B with two feathers, which since have been removed. I am unaware of anyone complaining.

We need to put politics aside, forget the diversity, equity and inclusion and “woke” labeling grossly applied throughout the country and embrace adopting these new mascots. Let’s allow the young students to associate with a new mascot representing their time in their beloved schools.

— Tom Olivieri, Smithtown

It would appear to be Custer’s last stand for the Massapequa school district. The all-knowing, omniscient, and omnipotent state Education Department has denied the district’s request for an extension to comply with the ban [“Mascot extension denied,” News, June 21].

For decades, school districts across Long Island have been proud of the connection with Native American names but have now spent thousands of dollars to erase that connection. When we studied our Long Island history in school we learned about the tribes here and their contributions to this land. Roles like chief, warriors and braves held a certain respect, and I for one have been proud to say I’ve lived here among them.

I can understand erasing the imagery but the names? It’s like erasing the people who were here first — again.

— Susan Hennings-Lowe, Huntington

The AH-64 Apache is a twin-engine, four-blade attack helicopter. It’s the primary attack helicopter for the U.S. Army and is used by numerous international defense forces. The Apache is known for its advanced sensors, powerful weaponry, and ability to operate in various conditions, including at night and in poor visibility.

It’s an interesting name for a U.S. Army helicopter, eh?

— Kevin Elder, Moriches

Many people could use our extra ‘stuff’

When I read “Goodbye, stuff” [act2, June 22], I laughed thinking of two dear friends who have a big house and three storage units. Or my late father-in-law. When we cleaned out his house, we filled three large dumpsters and still were not finished.

Have you ever driven in your neighborhood, saw a garage door open and figured a car would never fit in there? Instead of calling it a garage, they could just call it added storage space.

We all want to hold onto things that bring back happy memories, joyous moments. The late Rev. Billy Graham said something akin to, “I never saw a U-Haul behind a hearse.” It’s a powerful reminder that material possessions don’t follow us after death.

So many people have needs such as a pair of shoes or a jacket. The challenge is to look in your closet and ask yourself, “Do I really need 10 pairs of shoes?”

— Tom McCormick, St. James