Missing classified documents, COVID-19, gun laws, and LIPA

Missing classified documents ghastly

Did anyone in the mob that attacked the Capitol, ostensibly to “take back our country,” have a warrant to forcibly enter the building on Jan. 6, 2021? No. Some of these same people complain about the FBI’s legally obtained warrant to enter Mar-a-Lago to take back the documents that belong to the United States and, by extension, to you and me [“GOP unifies for Trump,” News, Aug. 10]. Why?

It’s horrifying that so many documents were classified secret and top secret. It’s even more horrifying that folders marked “classified” are empty. Where are those documents?

What was former President Donald Trump’s motive for taking them? Why did he refuse to return them when requested? Why did he leave their storage at such a risk?

With the failed Jan. 6 coup, did he plan to sell them to a hostile foreign power and take down our government another way?

 — Frances Arnetta, Selden

Remember when presidential candidate Donald Trump incited his followers to chant “lock her up” because the other party’s candidate, Hillary Clinton, may have destroyed classified emails?

Now, there’s the erasure of Secret Service emails on Jan. 6-7, 2021, and Trump’s possibly confiscating classified documents [“Trump must let process unfold,” Editorial, Sept. 1].

Many Trump followers who said they supported law enforcement — except perhaps when attacking them on Jan. 6 — now chant “Defund the FBI,” lest their leader gets locked up. Times change.

 — Ray Boivie, Kings Park

And while they’re at it, maybe ask how they feel about pardoning people convicted of all the other crimes committed on Jan. 6. If you “back the blue” and support “law and order,” only one answer is acceptable. This should be something every American, regardless of politics, should agree on.

 — Dominick Ninivaggi, Nesconset

Dislike new gun laws? Then dump all laws?

I’m tired of reading letters saying only law-abiding people follow laws, and criminals do not, so we should not have firearm restrictions [“New state gun laws require top training,” Letters, Sept. 5]. Does this logic apply only to firearms, or should we get rid of all laws?

 — Dennis Dunne, Selden

I am still shaking my head in response to what Gov. Kathy Hochul insists is a brilliant idea — gun-free zones. Does she think criminals and crackpots will obey? Just look at how our city, state and country has been targeted by criminals.

When we are going about our days as law-abiding people, at our houses of worship, dropping off our kids, riding to work, or enjoying a meal, I only hope there is a “good guy with a gun,” should the need arise.

 — Nancy Romano, Massapequa

Spitting could help spread COVID-19

The article “Colleges feel optimistic as COVID rules ease” [News, Aug. 25] says, “COVID-19 infection rates on Long Island remain high.”

Here’s a medical issue that needs to be addressed, not only during the current pandemic but also in “normal times.” It is incredible that spitting is allowed to continue in sports, especially baseball.

It is well known that spitting can transmit a multitude of diseases and needs to be eliminated. Dr. Francis Collins, the now-retired director of the National Institutes of Health, said last year that a study in Nature magazine showed that the virus that causes COVID-19 can infect cells in the mouth and salivary glands. This suggests that saliva may play an important role in spreading the virus.

Considering how COVID-19 has impacted baseball, other sports and society, spitting must stop. Health protocols must be enforced.

 — Dr. Harvey J. Miller, Islip

Add LIPA’s opt-out to other higher costs

Groceries cost more, gasoline has spiked, home heating oil is expected to go through the roof, and the Long Island Power Authority wants its share [“Customers irked by LIPA smart meter opt-out plan,” News, Sept. 3].

Now, LIPA’s opt-out customers must pay a service charge. Why?

These companies’ top executives likely will be getting hefty paychecks, perks and bonuses — all on the backs of the middle class. When will this stop?

 — Barbara Hansen, Smithtown