Trump security, payment an issue 

Over two centuries ago, our forefathers put the right to bear arms in the Constitution for specific reasons that are outdated. The average citizen is not going to defend the country against the British or another foreign power trying to invade us.

If we want to think that way, though, I’d be happy to give everyone yesteryear’s arms — muskets. But times have changed [“Suspect camped at club perimeter for 12 hours,” News, Sept. 17].

The concept of arms now includes assault weapons or worse, and no one is safe, apparently not even presidents. Since John F. Kennedy, U.S. presidents have been assassination targets. And if you’re just a presidential candidate, you could get shot like Robert F. Kennedy and George Wallace.

In 2021 alone, almost 49,000 people died from gunshots. What should we do?

Maybe look at other countries and see why they don’t have the U.S. gun violence problem. Until then, getting sensible gun laws seems nearly impossible. Until the most powerful leader understands that he or she is likely to be a victim of guns will we — maybe — be safe.

— Michael McBride, Moriches

Responding to Nassau County Democrats’ complaint over the cost to taxpayers of former President Donald Trump’s rally at Nassau Coliseum, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a statement, “I guess Democrat leaders really do want Trump killed but it ain’t happening in Nassau County!” [“Dems file complaint over Trump’s rally at Coliseum,” News, Sept. 20]. Did he mean that as a joke? It’s not funny — it’s dangerous.

As we have seen in Springfield, Ohio, and other places, baseless accusations by elected officials have consequences. Blakeman should retract that statement and choose his words more carefully in the future.

— Tom Quigley, Manhasset

The morning after Donald Trump’s rally at Nassau Coliseum, I called Bruce Blakeman’s office to ask whether Trump’s campaign paid for the use of our county’s Nassau Coliseum, how much was paid, and whether the county received funds or just a promise to be paid.

I was told that the campaign paid but any other information I sought would not be forthcoming. The person on the phone just kept saying, “It was taken care of.”

— Bruce Carlow, Plainview

So, who is paying for the public safety costs for Donald Trump’s rally? The fiscal impact on Nassau County is significant. Instead of taxpayers footing the bill, wouldn’t it be the moral and ethical thing for Trump’s campaign to reimburse the county? Surely, he has the money.

Has or will the county send him a bill? And that’s presuming the bill would be paid. The people of Nassau County should know to what extent they are subsidizing Trump’s local political activity.

— Patti Cathers, Oceanside

Nassau County taxpayers should not fund the police and security on a for-profit politician’s campaign stop. Donald Trump needs to reimburse the county for the costs associated for his campaign rally.

— Michael Lefkowitz, East Meadow

Every night as my wife and I settle in to watch the news, it seems the same as the day before — another shooting somewhere. If law enforcement officials can investigate cheating politicians, spying diplomats, and people in our country working for terrorist organizations, then why can’t they stop the influx of guns entering this country? Cheating politicians, billionaires, etc. don’t kill people, guns do.

We taxpayers must demand a stop to the ease with which one can buy an assault weapon. We are tired of hearing about task forces working to stop the violence. We need somebody to get something done.

— Charley Frey, West Babylon

A reader wrote a letter headlined, “We need to protect political candidates” [Opinion, Sept. 19]. What about protecting the thousands of children who have died from guns in schools and other public places?

We can’t even seem to do that.

— Leslie Scheinthal, Jericho

How does a man with two attempts on his life not scream for reforms in gun control? The chaos has already begun, and he’s not even president yet.

— Emily Lester, East Setauket