New high court judges, red flag laws, the Manganos, and more

Newest justices a danger to all of us

The decision by three new antediluvian Supreme Court justices to limit the authority of the government’s ability to compel polluters (read “wealthy men who care only about profit and not about civilization”) to control and limit the emissions of poisons, carbon dioxide and other pollutants by their industry has created a recipe for disaster not only for us but for the entire world [“Top court curbs EPA powers,” News, July 1].

I hope and pray that public pressure and Congress will find a way to mitigate their cataclysmic decision.

In what condition will we leave the world for our children? These three justices have more power than our elected representatives. Their attitudes, both on pollution and gun carrying, especially by miscreants, defy logic and are major threats to public safety. What part of a “well regulated Militia” (as required in our Constitution) are these gun-toting civilians? The three justices truly present a clear and present danger.

 — Howard Mandell, East Northport

The Supreme Court’s decision to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s decision-making powers on curbing greenhouse gas emissions from power plants indeed is a loss for our planet. Fortunately, in New York, we are relatively insulated. The suit was brought by coal companies, which no longer operate here. In fact, their numbers are radically going down across the nation for economic reasons.

What’s crucial now is for Gov. Kathy Hochul to act on the state level, getting the gas out of buildings and transportation with all-electric buildings and electric vehicles.

It’s time, too, for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to put forth a serious climate investment agenda for the July work session. We must get around this court’s decision and limit climate-killing greenhouse gas emissions in other ways.

 — David Bissoon, Bay Shore

Justices should read FDR’s ’33 bestseller

I thoroughly enjoyed the editorial “Time to think about freedom” [Opinion, July 3]. I liken it to former President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s bestseller, “Looking Forward,” which I recently perused. It’s a compilation (and worth reading) of his articles and speeches that are apropos of these tough times. Though published in 1933, Roosevelt argues for government reforms that are needed in our society. He stresses that the Constitution is malleable and must be reflective of the needs of the present-day people. I would hope that members of our Supreme Court would pick up a copy and take his words to heart. I only ask: Where are the leaders akin to Roosevelt these days?

 — Leslie Hand, Sound Beach

Give ‘red flag laws’ a  more honest name

Illinois’ so-called “red flag law” did not prevent the dangerous Highland Park, Illinois suspect from purchasing guns, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of these current laws [“Cops: Shooter considered 2nd attack,” News, July 7]. Proposed red flag laws do not adequately convey the horror of school and other mass-murder shootings that call for such laws.

Uvalde, Texas fourth-grader Miah Cerrillo recalled how she covered herself with the blood of a classmate and teacher in a bloody classroom. I say it is imperative these proposed laws be more honestly and accurately named “bloody shirt” laws.

 — Richard Siegelman, Plainview

Time to put Manganos behind bars already

Just put these two away already. Former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano and his wife, Linda Mangano, are going to minimum security prison “camp” for short terms [“Delay for Mangano,” News, July 6]. Enough stalling!

White-collar criminals should be put with the general population in “real” prisons. If minimum security camps weren’t an option, I’d bet a lot of white-collar crime wouldn’t happen.

 — Michele Brass, Bethpage

While people starve, no end to this silliness

Another Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest has come and gone and with it another Coney Island contest in which people with questionable judgment consume as many hot dogs as possible in a time period [“Chestnut is top dog for 15th time,” News, July 5]. They are cheered on and are awarded prizes while people are starving all over the world. As long as this gluttonous behavior is encouraged and rewarded, it will continue.

 — Alan End, Woodbury

Older cemeteries need constant care

It was a relief the Davis Family Cemetery in Coram had restored many headstones [“Grave undertaking,” Our Towns, July 1]. As a historian, I  am all too familiar with the deterioration that takes place in these older cemeteries. They require nearly constant cleaning and vigilance against the weather, well-meaning but unskilled visitors, and outright vandalism.

 — Norm Davis, Douglaston