Ukraine, Regents exam, college debt, and more

Pondering the world after war in Ukraine

When the term “post-Ukraine war” period is mentioned, what does that really mean? It can only mean that Russian President Vladimir Putin no longer holds any power or, put another way, is dead [“Russia asserts progress,” News, May 29].

Ideally, the will of the Russian populace and/or members of the Russian intelligence or autocracy communities will rise up so Putin effectively goes the same way as Italian Prime Minister Benito Mussolini.

In a “poetic world,” Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny would become president of Russia and form democratic bonds with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for a better world. Such poetry would mitigate, if not end, the need for NATO based on its initial founding purpose.

Some of the money to rebuild Ukraine already exists in the seized accounts and assets of Putin and his associates, and that would increase even further with the end of Putin’s regime.

Believe that this cannot happen to a person who likely will be prosecuted as a war criminal with genocide on his hands? Then that is to not understand how quickly “strongmen” can be overthrown and prevented from causing more harm to humanity.

Steve Swalgen, Farmingdale

Even-year vote is exactly what we need

Newsday's editorial board is wrong on election reform ["Even-year vote plan premature," Editorial, May 31]. Consolidation into even years would remove the "off year" election, a sure benefit. It would also save county boards of elections plenty of money. Turnout would surely increase from the low rates in off-year elections. Because we currently use paper ballots, the ballots might have to be bigger, but scanners can handle it.

Further, we already have too much voting: May is school budgets; June (March in some villages) is local mayors and trustees as well as major party primaries; November is the general election; and December is for special districts. Enough?

Finally, if we really want to reform, end the election of judges who appear on our ballots and have them instead appointed with a nominating commission process, as is done for the Court of Appeals. That would drastically shorten the ballot and presumably lead to a better judiciary.

If the reform passes, it won't take effect immediately, allowing plenty of preparation time.

I vote "aye."

David Zielenziger, Great Neck

Lowering Regents criteria is wrong answer

I disagree with revising the Regents exam rules to allow students to graduate with scores as low as 50 [“Regents exam relief,” News, June 1]. The state’s actions defy logic, claiming that the increase in COVID-19 cases has created ample disruption to the educational process to justify this decision. At a time when U.S. students’ math and science rankings continue to drop compared to other countries, this decision (albeit temporary) sends the wrong message. Earning a Regents diploma once was met with respect and admiration.

Extended time for teaching and test preparation with delayed exam schedules would have probably been a more sound approach to address this, but that requires cooperation and agreement by the educators, parents and students. Was this option ever raised? Instead of acknowledging and confronting the fact that lower educational scores likely have a long-term impact on the United States remaining competitive in the world, the Board of Regents’ decision points us in the wrong direction.

John Santamaria, Farmingdale

Debt? Colleges should give students refunds

If President Joe Biden wants to forgive student debt, he should have these overfunded and rich colleges give students a refund for selling them degrees many will be unable to use to get a job ["Alternatives for student debt," Letters, May 31]. Why should the taxpayer underwrite these students while colleges continue to profit on our dime? Take the problem back to its root.

Frank Grunseich, Deer Park

Use Lotto millions to help feed students

As an educator in my 25th year, I’m still trying to understand how our system has benefited from the millions of dollars we are supposed to receive yearly from our state lottery ["Free school meals for all kids ends in June," News, May 31]. With the free meal plan set to expire at the end of this year, and estimates that it will take $200 million to continue it in New York, is it too much to ask that we use that lottery money and put it to actual beneficial use in our schools? Let’s not let our kids suffer needlessly with inequal access to basic foods. Relying on an ineffectual Congress is not going to solve more related issues.

Tom Sena, Merrick

LIRR's new terminal a long time coming

Making the dreaded commute into New York City shorter and a more world-class experience will help Long Islanders get off their Zoom calls and back to their offices when the Long Island Rail Road opens its new terminal in December ["It's Grand Central Madison," News, June 1].

Laura Schultz, Syosset