NYS gun laws, drunken driving, gas prices, climate change, and more

Weakening NYS gun laws big mistake

Most Supreme Court justices as well as many states' legislators are determined to protect and save lives. That is, the life of the fetus. Unfortunately, most states that have enacted strict anti-abortion laws also want lenient or no gun restrictions. The Supreme Court is now deciding on whether New York will allow concealed guns to be carried anywhere in our state [“Court could loosen gun laws,” News, June 5]. We read about random shootings in schools, supermarkets, and subways as well as on city streets. We constantly read about the killing of innocent children and adults. Where are the anti-abortion advocates when it comes to these pointless deaths? These murdered people are somebody’s children or parents. We hear no outcry about these unnecessary deaths. The hypocrisy of advocating for the life of a fetus at conception while people are continually being killed by guns is appalling. The same Supreme Court that is expected to strike down Roe v. Wade will also likely vote to have New York’s tough gun laws stricken. This focus on ending abortions while allowing guns without regulations is shocking.

Sue Wallace, Bayside

Something for abortion advocates to consider: Had your mother chosen differently during her pregnancy, your voice would never be heard, and the good you have done in your life would be erased. Sadly, your children would not have the opportunity to make a difference in this world. Reminds me of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life."

Robert Sommers, East Islip

Republicans have worked tirelessly for decades to have Roe v. Wade overturned, and there is a good chance they will soon get their way. Many legislators in states such as Arizona and Oklahoma are salivating at the chance to enact laws forcing women and children to be legally responsible for carrying a rapist’s baby to term. So, the rapist victimizes a female twice.

Bob Bascelli, Seaford

Strengthen laws so no one drives drunk

I worked for Nassau County's drug and alcohol addiction programs for about 20 years -- outpatient, inpatient and the Stop DWI program. What a reader said is all correct ["DWI solutions aren't easy to come by," Letters, June 8].

New York State allows drivers to consume alcohol. It has taken decades for the state to lower the legal rate of blood alcohol content to 0.08%. But drunken drivers are still killing people.

Any amount of alcohol and driving is dangerous. Most European countries enforce a driving limit of 0.05% and some have zero tolerance. What are we waiting for? Restaurants, bars and other venues that serve alcohol should be held responsible for serving patrons and allowing them to get behind the wheel to drive home. They should take the car keys away, period.

People who are arrested for DWI should be directed to attend a 12-step program and/or treatment coordinated by the court or probation department.

Ronald McLean, Westhampton

Blame game on gas prices costs all of us

The oil companies are making record profits on gasoline ["Greed causing many current problems," Letters, June 16]. Democrats blame the oil companies. Oil companies blame the Democrats for forcing them to cut back on production to battle against climate change. The oil companies know that voters likely will blame Democrats, not the companies, so they continue business as usual. The voters will elect Republicans, who say that climate change is a hoax. Republicans then tell the oil companies to pump as much as they want. Big win for the oil companies. Big loss for the world.

Eugene Jarva, Huntington Station

A reminder that state must resurrect electric bill

Our warming climate is triggering massive flooding like the one this week in Yellowstone National Park, from which more than 10,000 visitors had to be evacuated [“Flooding pummels Yellowstone Park, region,” Nation, June 15]. Put that together with early wildfires and staggering drought in the West, and there’s no doubt that the climate crisis is already here.

In the face of these facts, though, New York's State Legislature punted the All-Electric Buildings Act, which would have banned gas hookups in new construction starting in 2024 for smaller buildings and 2027 for larger ones, lowering greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel interests are so vocal that this simple step was not even brought to the floor for a vote.

Karen C. Higgins, Massapequa Park