It’s a sad day in Debateville.
Being the doubly hated person that I am (not that I am a doubly hated person), I was not at all surprised but deeply saddened by the disaster that was Thursday night’s presidential debate. [“Clash focuses on economy, other issues,” News, June 28].
It is simply terrifying to think that these two men – a convicted pathological liar and an infirm, confused old man – epitomize the politicians of our great country.
The current state of American politics should be unacceptable to any fair-minded, rational, patriotic American. One can only imagine what our enemies are thinking, given the quality of our leadership. It is time for a complete overhaul of our system to truly clean up the Washington quagmire.
It is my sincere hope that one day America will once again have a leader we can all be proud of.
— Joel Reiter, Woodbury
The debate confirmed that both candidates are who we thought they were: President Joe Biden is a well-meaning but frail old man, and former President Donald Trump is not only a convicted felon, but also a self-centered, immoral and pathological liar with no clear plan to solve any of the country’s problems.
Neither of them are fit to run in November, God help us.
— Robert Nicolai, Northport
I was embarrassed listening to the presidential debate between the former and current US presidents. Instead of addressing issues of vital importance to the nation, they spent their time accusing each other of being the worst presidents in history. It was unfortunate that they focused on such trivial issues as golf handicaps.
Given the pressing challenges facing our country, they should be ashamed of their behavior during the debate.
— Martin Blumberg, Melville
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg served so long that she helped overturn Roe v. Wade. Could another great American remain on the bench for so long that she could end our democracy?
Donald Warbeck Locust Valley
I am not defending former First Lady Melania Trump, who did not attend her husband’s debates, nor am I defending former First Lady Jill Biden, who took advantage of her husband by encouraging him to continue campaigning so she could realize her ambition of remaining First Lady.
It is a wife’s duty to protect her family from humiliation. Hopefully, television viewers noticed that at the end of the debate, the First Lady had to grab President Joe Biden’s hand and lead him off the stage.
— Myra Shea, Hewlett
Unfortunately, the takeaway for me from this debate was to confirm what I have been thinking for months.
Paul Simon wrote, “No matter how you look at it, it’s a loss.”
Is this the best that has been offered to guide us?
— Michael J. Genzar, Shoreham
Battery slowdown delays climate change action
It’s unfortunate that many towns on Long Island are leery of battery storage systems. [“Battery storage plans stall,” News, June 10]Gas and oil facilities don’t seem to be subject to as much scrutiny.
Battery storage is a vital part of getting more zero-emission offshore wind and solar energy onto the grid, storing it when energy is plentiful and demand is low, and releasing it when demand is higher during the evening power surge.
State climate law mandates a 100% zero-emissions electric grid by 2040, but local resistance could be a major factor in keeping the grid from emitting polluting pollutants. Delaying the installation of battery storage systems means maintaining polluting peaking plants and continuing to pay high peak rates, one of the unwelcome expenses of living on Long Island.
We breathe polluted air, we pay the price, and we suffer the effects of rising sea levels caused by burning oil and gas.
I am horrified that the town is revoking pre-permissions for battery storage. Climate change delayism is the new climate change denialism.
— David Bisson, Bayshore
Turning a blind eye to toxic waste dumps
Perhaps the reason nothing was done about Grumman’s toxic waste dumping is because the company was one of the largest employers on Long Island from World War II until the 1980s. [“Truth buried in park,” News, June 23].
Essentially, this business was bringing in millions of dollars in tax revenue for Long Island, and no government or politician was willing to destroy such a cash cow.
— Bill Olson, Westhampton
Idiosyncrasies of the congestion pricing switch
The editorial board’s extensive editorial examining the questionable rationale behind Governor Kathy Hawkle’s delay in implementing congestion pricing is commendable. [“Trouble ahead for the LIRR,” EditorialOpinion, June 16]The report delves into the economic and environmental complexities raised by Haukl’s decision and points out that no satisfactory answers have been forthcoming from Haukl’s camp.
We are deeply troubled by Mr. Hawkle’s previous support for congestion pricing as a measure to ease downtown traffic congestion, improve air quality, and bolster the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s coffers.
While Hokell maintains that she conducted a thorough environmental assessment, including responding to extensive community feedback, her actions since then raise legitimate concerns about the consistency of her position.
“Although Hawkle has frequently spoken out for environmental protection, this recent move, combined with his reluctance to take other environmental action during past Congressional sessions, reflects a shocking lack of commitment to his constituents. Such inconsistencies demand accountability from our leaders and underscore the urgency of raising standards of governance.
— Star Anthony, Port Washington
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