Taxing the rich, Long Beach flag dispute

Billionaires, we need your help

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s "tax the rich" measure targeting pied-à-terre luxury apartments ["New tax proposed for second homes," News, April 16] is very wrongheaded. Democrats need to speak for the middle class who can no longer sustain the tax burden in this country.

Therefore, instead of attacking the rich, we the middle class should tell them that we need their help. It is time for the wealthy to step up and come to the aid of the country that allowed them to make their billions and supplied them with the legal tax loopholes they use to their advantage. Any billionaire who comes out in favor of paying their fair share will be welcomed by the masses.

Phil Tamberino, South Huntington

Outrage over flag dispute

I was incensed when I read that the City of Long Beach offered Michael Wasserman $50,000 to settle his First Amendment lawsuit and he turned it down for much more money ["Trump fan refuses $50G settlement with Long Beach in flag flap," Long Island, May 6].

I do not live in Long Beach anymore but when I did, I well remember the profanity on his flags that flew from the balcony of his home, as well as on his two cars parked in plain sight on Broadway. I understand that people feel passionate about the candidates they support, but I do not think they have the right to fly flags with expletives about the candidate they do not support.

I myself called the police many times over the years asking how the city can condone such despicable behavior. I was told that they tried many times to speak to this man, to no avail.

It makes me wonder if there is any decency anymore. This man deserves nothing.

Karyn Rhodes Dornfield, Westbury