It's a sad day in Debateville USA, battery storage, congestion pricing switch peculiar, more

It’s a sad day in Debateville

As a double disliker (not a double hater), while I wasn’t entirely surprised at Thursday night’s debacle, otherwise known as the presidential debate, I was profoundly saddened [“Clash focuses on economy, other issues,” News, June  28].

To think that these two individuals, a pathological liar who happens to be a convicted felon and a diminished and confused elderly man, are the exemplars of the political class in our wonderful country is simply frightening.

The current state of America politics should be unacceptable to fair and reasonably minded patriotic Americans. I can only imagine what our nation’s enemies are thinking when they view the quality of our leadership. The time has come for wholesale changes to our system to truly clean out the swamp in Washington.

It is my fervent hope that one day America will once again have leaders at the helm that we can all be proud of.

 — Joel Reiter, Woodbury

The debate confirmed that both candidates are who we thought they were. President Joe Biden as a well-meaning, feeble, old man, and former President Donald Trump as a narcissistic, immoral, pathological liar with no identifiable plan to solve any of this country’s issues, in addition to being a convicted felon.

Neither is fit to be elected in November. God help us.

 — Robert Nicolai, Northport

I was embarrassed listening to the presidential debate between a former president and the current president of the United States. Instead of addressing crucial national issues, they spent their time blaming each other for being the worst president ever. Their focus on trivial matters like golf handicaps was disappointing.

They should be ashamed of how they conducted themselves during the debate, considering the pressing challenges our country is facing.

 — Martin Blumberg, Melville

The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg held on too long, resulting in helping overturn Roe v. Wade. Will another great American hold on too long, potentially ending democracy?

 — Donald Werbeck, Locust Valley

I am not defending former first lady Melania Trump for not attending her husband’s debate nor am I defending first lady Jill Biden for exploiting her husband by encouraging him to continue his campaign so she apparently can realize her ambition to remain as first lady.

It is a wife’s duty to protect her family from humiliation. I hope TV viewers noticed that at the end of the debate, the first lady had to hold President Joe Biden’s hand and lead him off the stage.

 — Myra Sherr, Hewlett

Sadly, my takeaway from the debate was a reaffirmation of what I’ve been thinking for months.

As Paul Simon wrote, “Every way you look at it, you lose.”

This is the best that is offered to lead us?

 — Michael J. Genzale, Shoreham

Stalling battery storage delays our climate help

It’s unfortunate that so many Long Island towns are developing cold feet about battery storage systems [“Battery storage plans stall,” News, June 10]. I don’t think gas and oil facilities get anywhere near as much scrutiny.

Battery storage is an essential part of bringing more zero-emissions offshore wind and solar energy into the grid, storing it when it’s plentiful and demand is low, and releasing it when demand is high during the evening surge.

A 100% zero emissions electric grid by 2040 is what the state’s climate law mandates, but local resistance is a strong factor that may lock us into dirty emissions. Delaying battery storage systems means keeping dirty peaker plants and continuing to pay high peak rates, one of the unwelcome expenses of Long Island life.

We breathe polluted air, pay for it, and suffer the consequences of rising seas that burning oil and gas are causing.

I’m horrified that towns are even withdrawing prior permission for battery storage. Climate delayism is the new climate denialism.

— David Bissoon, Bay Shore

Looking away from toxic waste dump

Perhaps the reason nothing was done about Grumman dumping toxic waste is that Grumman was one of the largest employers on Long Island from World War II through the 1980s [“Truth buried in park,” News, June 23].

Basically, it was bringing millions of dollars in tax revenue back to Long Island. No government or politician was going to upset a cash cow like that.

— Bill Olson, Westhampton

Congestion pricing switch peculiar

The editorial board’sextensive editorial scrutinizing Gov. Kathy Hochul’s questionable rationale behind delaying congestion pricing deserves accolades [“Trouble ahead for the LIRR,” EditorialOpinion, June 16]. It delves into the economic and environmental complexities that Hochul’s decision has stirred, pointing out the absence of satisfactory answers from her camp.

Hochul’sHer earlier endorsement of congestion pricing as a measureto alleviate downtown traffic, enhance air quality and bolster Metropolitan Transportation Authority funding leaves us deeplyconfused.

Despite Hochul’s claims of conducting a thorough environmental assessment, which included addressing extensive community feedback, her subsequent actions raise legitimateconcerns about the coherence of her stance.

While Hochul frequently highlights her environmental advocacyThis recentmove, coupled with her perceived passivity on other environmental initiatives during the past legislative session, reflects a disconcerting lack of dedication to her electorate. Such inconsistencies demand accountability from our leadership.and underscore the urgency of higher standards in governance.

— Star Anthony, Port Washington