Venezuela, first aid for seizures, violence, veterans, road repair
Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, arrive at a heliport as they are escorted to federal court in Manhattan on Monday. Credit: Bloomberg/Michael Nagle
Anger over attack on Venezuela
This administration defies not only our Constitution but international sovereignty [“U.S. ousts Venezuelan leader, will ‘run’ country for now,” News, Jan. 4]. The blatant capture of the leader of another country gives permission to China, Russia, Iran or any other nation to do the same. It puts the world in a more dangerous position.
— Diane McGuire, Northport
If the U.S. attack on Venezuela is about stopping the flow of drugs to our nation, as President Donald Trump proclaims, then why not attack Mexico or Colombia instead? They manufacture and ship more drugs to the United States than Venezuela. No, this is all about access to Venezuela’s vast stocks of petroleum, pure and simple. To believe otherwise is a fantasy.
— Martin P. Skrocki, Wading River
Learn first aid for seizures
The recent articles about the tragic loss of Laney McGowan to a rare form of epilepsy and the memorial basketball game honoring Christopher Battaglia, who died from an epileptic seizure in 2024, are heartbreaking reminders of the very real dangers seizures pose — especially for children living with epilepsy. “Remembering girl who inspired others,” News, Dec. 23, and “Kellenberg wins second Battaglia,” Sports, Dec. 23.]
Epilepsy is often misunderstood, yet seizures can be unpredictable and life-threatening. One of the most devastating risks is SUDEP — sudden unexpected death in epilepsy — which claims thousands of lives each year. On Long Island alone, more than 35,000 people live with epilepsy, many of them children whose families carry the constant weight of worry about when the next seizure may strike and whether those nearby will know how to respond.
We can honor these lives by raising awareness, learning seizure first aid, and committing as a community to protect those in need. The Epilepsy Foundation Long Island offers free training, education, and family support to help communities respond safely and confidently.
Through action, awareness, and compassion, we can help prevent future tragedies.
— Lisa Burch, Rockville Centre
The writer is the president and CEO of EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies and Epilepsy Foundation Long Island, located in East Meadow.
A false equivalence of condemnation?
I agree with Rep. Nick LaLota that Democratic lawmakers should have been more forceful in their condemnation of rioting protesters and deaths in the wake of George Floyd’s murder [“5 years after Capitol riot, views differ,” News, Jan. 6]. Vandalism and mindless violence are always wrong, and more should have been made of it. However, to equate the destruction of something like a Starbucks in Portland with an attack on the Capitol in an attempt to overthrow an election displays a lack of self-awareness about the importance of his job that should be disqualifying.
— Paul Gott, East Setauket
Safeguarding those who protected us
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed legislation on Long Island aimed at protecting military veterans from an increasing number of scams that exploit their service, including pension poaching, benefits theft, and fraud “Minimum wage going up as new state laws kick in,” News, Jan. 1].
Under this new law, known as the GUARD VA Benefits Act, sponsored by Assemb. Steve Stern and State Sens. Siela Bynoe and Steven Rhoads, scammers who falsely claim they can help veterans access benefits will face a $10,000 fine. The act establishes a fund to collect these penalties, which will be distributed to veteran service organizations.
These deceitful individuals attempt to trick our servicemen and women into paying for assistance they are entitled to receive for free.
— Lonnie Sherman, Northport
The writer is co-founder of General Needs, a Long Island-based nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless veterans.
Missing road an emergency
More government idiocy! “FEMA aid for dam repairs unlikely, officials say,” Long Island, Jan. 1.] Make the Stony Brook Grist Mill generate electricity using water power to qualify for FEMA assistance, then use the power for Stony Brook hamlet. Now restore the beautiful pond and fix Harbor Road! This missing road is an emergency for police, fire and ambulances and should be temporarily fixed immediately. An aluminum temporary bridge should do the trick. This is a local emergency! That missing gorgeous pond with its wildlife and beauty is hurting all of us!
— Alan H. Cohn, Nesconset
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