Sport's growing popularity, terminal New Yorkers, more

Terminal New Yorkers should have options

The State Legislature's Medical Aid in Dying bill is not about assisted suicide ["Medical Aid in Dying law gets a new push," News, May 8]. Those who commit suicide often are psychologically disturbed individuals who, unfortunately, no longer wish to live. Those who choose medical aid in dying in the 10 states and Washington, D.C. where it is legal are persons who have a fatal illness and only days, weeks or months to live. They wish to have the option to end their lives if they develop unbearable pain and suffering despite all medical and palliative care treatments. They are already dying. All New Yorkers should have this option.

Those who oppose medical aid in dying based on their religious, moral or spiritual beliefs should not deny the option to those who do not share their beliefs.

Dr. Yale Rosen, North Bellmore

Citing parents' ideas on gay law is offensive

Former Judge Sol Wachtler’s saying parents don’t want sex taught in school because of their southern, religious views is highly offensive [“Misguided views of critical race theory,” Opinion, May 1].

Rather, parents feel that 8-year-olds are too young to understand transgender, etc. concepts, and the subject is more suitable to be taught at high school levels.

Contrary to what Wachtler writes, parents also want their children taught honestly about American history, including race and slavery. Parents are not against teaching racial history in our schools as long as they don’t teach that one group is inferior to another. Unless attempting to identify someone, there is no need to constantly emphasize race, religion, nationality, etc. because this further divides us and creates hatred.

Our country is not perfect, but acknowledge America’s achievements and that saluting our flag is part of our patriotism, not a form of disrespect.

Wachtler should understand that Florida’s “Don’t say gay” law that he disparaged had nothing to do with sexual bias, yet he refers to it as anti-gay.

Dolores Madsen, Bayville

State money should fix our riddled streets

The "Think big with state funds" editorial [Opinion, May 1] questions what to do with the $350 million from Albany to improve Long Island. Here’s an idea. Use it to improve our lives by fixing our third-world streets. Yes, the governor has pledged money for our major arteries. What about our local town streets that are littered with potholes, bumps from poorly fixed potholes and uneven grading? One's brain gets rattled just driving a few blocks from home to the supermarket. The wear and tear on our cars is outrageous. Driving on Long Island's streets would make a great video game. Try to dodge the potholes and bumps while avoiding the large SUVs, trucks and lawn maintenance vehicles with trailers, and squeezing through streets too narrow to accommodate more than one car.

Tim Gallagher, Seaford

Russia's WWII troops would be shocked

Monday was a national holiday in Russia celebrating the courage and valor of the troops who defended the country during World War II. These soldiers must be crying in their graves over the conduct of their grandchildren as today's military ["More than 60 feared dead at school after bombing," News, May 9].

There is no honor in bombing occupied buildings at night while women and children are asleep. There also is no honor in bombing hospitals and schools or in burying unarmed civilians in secret, unmarked graves.

The conduct that the Russians have shown is nothing short of war crimes. There should have been no celebrating on Monday. The Russian army has disgraced itself.

James Valentine, West Hempstead

Cut Medicare fee after drug falters

Biogen is eliminating spending on the Alzheimer's medication Aduhelm ["Changes after Aduhelm flops," LI Business, May 4]. The extra monthly Medicare Part B premium being charged to seniors directly related to its development continues, though, and will continue to be taken from us. Imposition of these additional premiums should be discontinued immediately. In times of high inflation, seniors should be spared this needless waste of their money.

Mitchell Defrin, North Woodmere

Article has right drift on obscure sport

Kudos to Jordan Lauterbach for his article "LI's Power drifting up on pro circuit" [Sports, April 24]. The article was informative on the relatively obscure form of “drift racing,” which Mike Power of Port Jefferson Station -- who has overcome adversity -- is breaking ground in. Seeing how focused and determined Power seems, I suspect he will help spearhead the sport's growing popularity.

Eugene R. Dunn, Medford