Trump's FIFA meddling, teachers' pay, Mangano sentence, credit cards, data centers

Trump interference deserves red flag

I am a fan of American soccer, but by phoning FIFA president Gianni Infantino, President Donald Trump appeared to be putting a finger on the scale to influence the decision to lift the red-card issued by the referee [“Source: Trump asked for red-card review,” Sports, July 6].

Unfortunately, his action brings embarrassment and scorn on the United States.

— Elaine Feldis, Rockville Centre

Donald Trump will leave a legacy that many Americans admire, but he will also leave a record of trying to reshape outcomes whenever they do not align with his preferences [“FIFA furor spreads after Balogun cleared to play,” Sports, July 7].

This pattern appears in settings as small as golf games and as consequential as phone calls or public statements aimed at securing results favorable to him.

Many people would agree that a victory achieved through manipulation is tarnished. One principle should remain constant — interference in the outcome of a regulated professional sporting event must never be tolerated.

Red-card calls, such as against a striker, American Folarin Balogun, are at the very heart of fairness. The World Cup must have sporting integrity.

— Neil Bueno, Blue Point

Teachers are worth more than they get

Given the profound effect a good teacher has on our children, the long, extra hours they work, the daily strain of dealing with difficult students, parents and administrators, the Newsday headline should have read “Median teacher income only $120G” [“Median teacher pay exceeds $120G in Nassau, Suffolk,” News, July 6].

— H. Mitchell Schuman, Brightwaters

Free Mangano now, 12 years is too long

I agree with attorneys for former Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano that his sentence for corruption should be reduced from 12 years to 5 years [“2 views on resentencing,” News, July 2].

Besides Mangano being a “model inmate,” his punishment is way out of proportion to his crimes of misjudgment. He is no danger to anyone. What purpose does a 12-year sentence serve?

When I think about what people get away with, for example, the Jan. 6 insurgents who were pardoned although they put people’s lives at risk, I believe it is unconscionable for Mangano, whose crimes were not physically injurious to anyone, to have to complete a 12-year sentence.

I say, “Free him now!”

— Harry Katz, Southold

I’m no fan of Edward Mangano or most Republicans. However, Mangano has served more than enough time, changed man or not. His crime does not compare with the violence perpetrated on Congress and our democracy by the Jan. 6 seditionists who were pardoned and released too early from prison.

— Carol Reden, Hicksville

AI can help decide credit cards to use

So, many consumers find credit card rewards and points programs too complicated to manage [“Boosting card rewards without too much effort,” Business, July 5]. That point is well taken. For many people, the problem is not whether rewards have value, but whether they are worth the time and attention required.

One practical follow-up would be to show readers how AI can simplify the process. I have used AI myself when making a couple of large purchases, asking it to compare which of my existing cards gave the best cash back, warranty protection, or purchase benefits. It helped turn a confusing decision into a simple one.

Consumers do not need to become points-and-miles experts. AI can help create a basic “use this card for groceries, this one for gas, this one for large purchases” plan, while also warning people not to open new cards or chase perks unless the value is clear.

This seems like a useful way to make rewards easier for many readers.

— Blaine Atkins, Bay Shore

Pause to consider data centers’ impact

Count me in as backing the data center pause [“47% of LIers back data center pause,” News, June 30].

A data center in Yaphank sucking up precious water from Suffolk County’s sole-source aquifer could lead to an environmental catastrophe. And what would be its effect on the electric grid, and on ratepayers? Or would the data center offer to build its own power plant, harming the surrounding communities with air and noise pollution?

A one-year moratorium passed by the State Legislature will give time to evaluate the power, water, and health impacts of these projects and develop guidelines to protect the environment and the surrounding communities. Gov. Kathy Hochul should sign it without delay.

— Karen C. Higgins, Massapequa Park