Suicide prevention, politics and health care, LIRR changes
A reader involved in suicide prevention writes about the importance of educating people about warning signs. Credit: Getty Images/Kinga Krzeminska
Role of education in preventing suicide
This was an important and very thoughtful piece about those struggling with suicidal thoughts and those at great risk for suicide “Adopt this suicide prevention approach,” Opinion, Jan. 8]. Having lived though both parents dying by suicide, 26 years apart, I have often hoped for better screening and care protocols. I serve on the local chapter board for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. One of our goals is education. Educating others on warning signs, how to speak to someone that you may be concerned about, how to help them seek services. The more we can create awareness, we hope the more lives that can be saved. The more we can learn about best practices in identifying and treating individuals, the more successful we may be in suicide prevention.
— Mindy Davidson, Bethpage
National politics and health care
This open letter to Congress is written from the perspective of a non-party-affiliated, 20-year Navy veteran who commanded two ships and taught national security affairs at the Naval War College.
In my view, it is time to:
Initiate impeachment proceedings against the president and those who initiated war without congressional approval. Demand that not one penny be authorized or appropriated to “run” Venezuela. And instead of wasting money for wars and occupations, let’s make the Department of Veterans Affairs a health care model — and not cut tens of thousands more jobs there.
In a democracy, the government derives its just powers from the consent of the governed, through our elected representatives in accordance with the Constitution and law. The president does not accept these limitations and operates by his whim often to advance his own selfish interests.
— William Keller, Freeport
Health and Human Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has reduced the number of pediatric vaccines recommended for young children, stating that he wants to follow the Danish model [“Vax recommendations cut,” News, Jan. 6].
Never mind that Denmark and the United States are vastly different countries. But if Secretary Kennedy wants to adopt a Danish model, why not recommend we adopt the comprehensive health care system available to Danes?
— Maria Luisa Candelore, Sayville
What was the purpose of publishing the names and addresses of Jan. 6 defendants who were pardoned? “14 current and former LIers clear since pardon of Jan. 6 charges,” News, Jan. 6.] This isn’t news that most of your readers want, and for those who do, I ask why? How petty, Newsday.
— Richard Vitelli, Farmingdale
Higher fares, other changes on the LIRR
On Sunday the Long Island Rail Road increased fares and instituted new policies “LIRR raising fares, changing ticket policies in ’26,” News, Dec. 29]. The most egregious of these policies decreased the length of time a ticket is valid from 60 days to a single day (the day it is purchased until 4 a.m. the next morning). The LIRR cited riders who used the railroad’s electronic system and failed to activate their tickets before boarding trains as the rationale for this policy change. Technological failures should be solved by upgrading faulty technology.
Why should riders who purchase paper tickets, many of whom are senior citizens, be punished?
It is now necessary to arrive at the train station early enough to stand in a line, purchase a ticket, run to the departure platform, and still catch the train if you’re lucky.
— Lauren Siegel, Patchogue
Style point
In one of Anthony DeStefano’s write-ups anticipating 2026 news he uses the word “Mafia” to describe alleged Italian American crooks involved in the NBA game-fixing scandal [“What LIers can expect in 2026,” News, Jan. 4]. Of course, the Mafia resides in Sicily.
— John Mancini, Floral Park
The writer is the executive director of the Italic Institute of America.
Correction
A letter published Thursday inaccurately referred to those “killed and injured” defending the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. At least five people died in the riot and its aftermath, one of whom was Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. He died after battling the mob, but a medical examiner found his death was from natural causes. More than 140 law enforcement officers were hurt.
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