Trump, Jan. 6, states' rights, buying near airports, and more

Trump can give sworn defense any time 

A reader said that the Jan. 6 congressional hearing is unfair and former President Donald Trump's "constitutional rights have been so violated" ["Trump deserves chance at defense," Letters, June 15]. We have heard damning testimony from his inner circle of appointees, not just from his opponents. In addition, Trump can testify anytime he wants but has never volunteered to speak under oath and has fought every subpoena for documents or testimony, saying it would be a "perjury trap." Americans would love to hear his sworn defense.

Les Schad, Rockville Centre

Knowing states' rights is important

Two letters on June 2 caught my interest. One stated that there should be a “national executive order,” presumably by the president, that convicted drunk drivers would receive a lifetime driving ban ["If convicted of DWI, lose license forever," Opinion]. Does the writer not realize that the 10th Amendment states that “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution . . . are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people”? Such a law wouldn’t stand a chance in any federal court. The next letter had a retired college professor advocating for the permanent cancellation of the state Regents U.S. History and Government exam ["Regents exams a waste of time"]. As if there aren’t enough Americans who are clueless about how our federal government is structured, the rights each branch has, and the checks and balances between the three branches that are embedded in our Constitution.

These two letters are connected but not in a good way.

Jeff Fass, Sayville

Greed causing many current problems

In this country, greed has run rampant, particularly by the oil companies. They’ve had outrageous first-quarter profits that are off the charts. Yes, the evil that Russian President Vladimir Putin has unleashed on Ukraine and the rest of the world is one reason. However, not everything can be attributed to this, even though President Joe Biden likes to blame almost everything on the war ["Inflation soars in May on LI, nationwide," News, June 11].

Soaring food prices are also choking Americans. Just look at the shrinkage of many grocery items with high prices such as cereal and coffee. I blame it on greed. How many prices will be lowered when the invasion of Ukraine is over?

Like most Americans, I’m dreading heating my home this winter. I can’t afford these climbing oil prices. I’m very afraid of the path my country is on.

Terry Sherwood, Farmingville

Getting short end of deal with new homes

It's so nice to know that after living in Hicksville for 40 years, I will be paying more taxes for my three-bedroom residence than the new five-bedroom, five-bathroom house just erected around the block and listed for $1.4 million ["Nassau tax break for new houses shifts the tax burden," News, June 5]. Every day, it seems more of these homes are being built that are twice the square footage of their neighbors' homes. Perhaps none will have children to go to our schools or additional cars to stress our streets. Construction lobbyists got what they wanted. Is there a lobby that represents taxpaying, middle-class homeowners?

Peggy Theis, Hicksville

Walkers, bikers should be a focus of classes

I enjoyed the article on pedestrian and bicyclist safety in select areas ["6 LI communities where walkers are at risk," News, June 12]. I enroll in a defensive driving course every three years or so to slightly reduce my auto insurance costs and would like to see pedestrian and bicyclist safety emphasized more. Once, I reported a nonfunctioning pedestrian signal light to the Suffolk County Police Department's non-emergency number, 631-852-COPS (2677), and officers responded quickly.

Many side roads in the Nesconset and St. James areas do not have sidewalks. Not all drivers seem to accept my presence as a pedestrian along those roads, despite my continuing efforts to stay to the side. Many drivers seem to think that the 30 miles per hour limit does not apply to them and, unfortunately, many of my fellow adult pedestrians are careless about staying out of the way of drivers.

Bill Piel, Nesconset

Buy near an airport and you'll hear . . .

Anyone who bought a home near the East Hampton Airport before 1937 has a right to protest the airport because they were there before it opened ["Town to begin full closure of airport," News, June 8]. Anyone who bought into the area after that knew about it before they bought. Now they want it dismantled. Don’t buy near an airport, farm, or railroad station and then complain of noise.

Jeff Ward, Medford