Red-light camera tickets, bomb threats against Trump nominees, kids' anxiety meds

Glad to see ruling on red-light cameras

I was heartened that a state appellate court ruled that the burdensome administrative fees on red-light camera tickets, charged by Nassau and Suffolk counties, was illegal [“A ‘win for the little guy,’ ” News, Nov. 30]. It’s long overdue.

As a Nassau resident who has been the unfortunate recipient of numerous red-light camera tickets, I submit that the additional $100 “administrative fee” charged by the county is not only unreasonable but tantamount to an additional tax on residents who already pay among the nation’s highest taxes.

We can only hope now that this decision is upheld and that the county is forced to refund this illegal fee to thousands of residents who have been on the receiving end of another revenue generator for a county with a dubious history of corruption and waste.

— Alan Krawitz, Westbury

I believe the best approach to reduce crashes at intersections with signals is to lengthen the yellow change interval, the length of time that the yellow light stays lit between the green and red lights. Red-light cameras are typically placed at those intersections that have the greatest number of intersection accidents, which makes sense.

However, I think those light intervals are shorter than they should be. Federal rules mandate the interval should typically be three to six seconds, with longer intervals used for approaches with higher speeds.

— Herbert Kraut, Woodmere

Much has been written about “cash grabs” across Long Island, from red-light cameras to school bus cameras [“Stop for kids or change law,” Letters, Nov. 22]. Also, many stories have appeared about serious accidents throughout Long Island due to reckless driving.

Saving lives should be the ultimate goal. I’ve received tickets generated by cameras although I consider myself a safe driver, but I guess pictures don’t lie.

Who decided where these roadway cameras are placed, and why? Instead, place video cameras to catch speeders and others who wreak havoc on our roadways. That includes motorcycles that dart between cars, crossing in and out of the HOV lane on the Long Island Expressway. I fear for my life and the lives of all trying to get around. The problem isn’t cash-grabbing cameras — it’s reckless drivers.

— Ed Feinberg, Commack

Bomb threats against politicians are wrong

The bomb threats and swatting of former Rep. Lee Zeldin, picked to head the Environmental Protection Agency, and other appointees is unacceptable under any circumstances, regardless of who the target might be [“Bomb threat targets Zeldin,” News, Nov. 28].

I find a bit of disconnect, however, when the transition team’s spokeswoman describes these actions as “violent, un-American threats” while the new administration’s leader describes the behavior of the Jan. 6 rioters as patriotic.

— Jeff Kupferman, Long Beach

If those who did not support President-elect Donald Trump didn’t pursue a recount of the 2024 presidential election or the continuation of Trump’s legal issues, what makes anyone think they would do something as useless and inflammatory as making bomb threats against Republican appointees? “Dems from Conn. receive Thanksgiving bomb threats,” Nation, Nov. 29]

These threats may remind one of the 1933 fire at the Reichstag in Berlin, which many believe was planned by Adolf Hitler’s supporters, who then blamed communists and Jews to gain support while enabling the government to suspend more rights. After this possible false flag, the Nazi Party grew.

Are these new bomb threats a GOP ploy to garner support under false pretenses? Some Republicans blame pro-Palestinian supporters and immigrants who entered the country illegally, etc., the groups that Trump has claimed are destroying this country.

— Susan Scharf, Flushing, Queens

Instead of anxiety meds, let kids run

It is vital to explore other solutions beyond prescription drugs to help children’s mental health, especially for less severe cases [“LI pediatricians giving more behavior meds,” News, Nov. 26]. One powerful, yet underutilized tool is running. Running has been proven to have profound psychological benefits. Regular physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, natural mood elevators, and reduces cortisol levels, a stress hormone often elevated in children experiencing anxiety or depression.

It has been well documented that running fosters a sense of accomplishment, builds resilience, and offers an outlet for stress, which I can attest to as an avid runner. Unlike prescription drugs, which may come with side effects and require careful monitoring, running is a safe, accessible, and cost-effective option. It promotes overall physical health, improving sleep, concentration, and self-esteem — factors closely tied to mental well-being. Moreover, engaging in running with peers or family can enhance social bonds, further bolstering emotional resilience.

While medication may be necessary for severe cases, encouraging children to adopt active lifestyles can offer a noninvasive, empowering way to improve their mental health. Let’s provide lifelong tools for physical and emotional well-being.

— Bill McDermott, Long Beach