Shut off the youth e-cig wave
S
taten Island: E-cigarettes are a public health concern and the most commonly used tobacco product among youth in the United States (“State will ban e-cigs in all schools as percentage of students using electronic nicotine doubles,” July 25). Since the emergence of e-cigarettes, they have been marketed to youth with the promotion of flavors and use of many media channels that have been previously used to market conventional tobacco products to youth and young adults. E-cigarette aerosol is not harmless, more teens are using them at alarming rates and it is not an evidence based approach as an effective smoking cessation resource.
Although smoking rates for state teens are at an all-time low, e-cig use continues to rise. Gov. Cuomo’s step to ban all e-cig usage on school grounds is not only timely but imperative, and reiterates the importance of keeping New York State youth safe.
Vaporizers, e-cig, and other electronic nicotine delivery systems have been shown to contain nicotine — a highly addictive substance that impacts the health and mental health of our youth.
This legislation will prevent exposure to secondhand vapor in and around schools, will decrease social acceptability, reduce youth access and will protect children against the dangers associated with its use.
The average age of a new smoker is just 13 years old and almost 90% of smokers started before the age of 18. Policies such as this will assist in providing sustainable communities for children to grow, learn and flourish. These steps help propel New York State forward in a healthier direction and protect youth and adults alike.
Ashley Zamatta, Tobacco-Free Staten Island Program Manager
Frontline blues
Brooklyn: The only job more dangerous than being a New York City police officer or State police officer is the soldier on the front lines of a battlefield. We must all remember that they serve and protect us from danger.
Charles R. Clouden
Respecting black history
Bronx: To Voicer John McCarthy, who says that black culture is the problem: You sir, and I use that term loosely, are stupid and idiotic. What the hell do you know about black culture? When we were forced over here as slaves, we overcame tremendous odds. Y’all kept us on the fields and away from schools because slaveowners knew that an educated black man and woman is a dangerous person. Y’all tried to keep us out of sports — how well did that go? The late, great Jackie Robinson took all kinds of abuse from the white players and fans alike and guess what, “Johnny boy,” no player in Major League Baseball on any team can ever wear #42 again. And on April 15, every player gets to wear #42 to honor Jackie. I’m not even bringing up the contributions we bring to television, music, politics and the entertainment world. I’m going to let you Google “black history” and, when you’re well-informed, yourself in the butt for writing a racist letter, even though it might break your gutless heart.
Gilbert Washington
How O.J. got off
Brooklyn: Mr. Fred Goldman, the reason for “not guilty” in the O.J. Simpson case is the sloppy work of the LAPD: One police officer did not safeguard evidence. Another took the Fifth. Blame them. Joseph Sellers
Political double standards
Clifton, N.J.: Voicer Steven Sanders — a former Assembly member — talks about “ordinary citizens.” Does that mean that laws made by politicians do not apply to them and they can get away with corruption, whereas ordinary citizens go to jail? If I remember correctly, Nancy Pelosi made a bundle on what essentially insider trader information, but Martha Stewart went to prison for the same reason. Are there two kinds of people in the U.S.A.? Special people are politicians and ordinary citizens are like you and me. Alice J. Dymek
Getting Biblical
Astoria: To all the homeless, panhandlers and losers crying in their soup about their situations. Somebody once said long ago, “As ye sow, so shall ye reap.”
Joe Ametrano
Uber’s comeuppance
Long Island City: While upstart Uber may be within reach of its world domination goal, somehow it still manages to lose billions every year. Of course, there’s no transparency and accountability. So, most importantly, there’s still time for wise investors to disassociate themselves from the hubrisdriven, morally corrupt company before the perhaps inevitable crash. Faustian bargains are no bargains. By the way, does anybody remember the Enron fiasco? William Lindauer
Let those buses through
Flushing: Re “Green light for faster bus trips” (July 25): I think that would be to better use for the FDNY, NYPD and EMS — they are going to help people in emergency and life-saving situations. The people that get there early — just get out of bed sooner.
Richard Milligan
Enough of Trump
Saddle Brook, N.J.: President Trump’s boys are not happy — who is? They wish the four years were over. Don’t we all. Mr. Trump, why don’t you do everyone a favor: Resign, before the Russian investigation and every other shady deal you’re involved in pulls you down. Stop making a fool of yourself. M.J. Crandall
A special place
Oakland Gardens: Walking through this neighborhood on any given day puts a smile on my face, seeing people of all nationalities conversing, helping the elderly, walking hand-in-hand with their parents and children in what can only be described as peace and good will to all men. Having had a stroke 17 years ago, I needed to live in an area whose motto is “give a helping hand.” My wife of 17 years, Sally, who has lived here 52 years, also witnessed many acts of kindness and we have reciprocated in kind. God bless Oakland Gardens!
Gary and Sally Rofofsky
Good nukes for all
Linden, N.J.: How come it’s okay for us to be able to nuke other countries, but it’s wrong for other countries (such as North Korea) to be able to nuke us? Does that sound fair? The only way any country can feel safe is Mutually Assured Destruction: knowing that no one will dare nuke that country, because that country would nuke them back. We can’t blame other countries for wanting the safety and the deterrence that we have. Ron Jackowski
Eternal bond
Brooklyn: The U.S.A. was always and always will be in the middle of JerU.S.A.lem as sure as I’m in the middle of “Broken-land” — commonly known as Brooklyn. Ask any pilgrim! Bill Glassman
Remembering Kennedy
Great Neck, L.I.: I had low, very low expectations for this presidency and alas, I have not been disappointed. I would like to address this comment to something which has been disturbing me for several months now. Memorial Day, falling on May 29 this year, was the 100th anniversary of the birth of President John F. Kennedy. I actually wrote this in to your paper in early May and it was graciously published. I was hopeful that this President would go to President Kennedy’s grave and pay his respects. Was he not a fearful, horror-struck 17-year-old teenager on that fatal November day in 1963? There were no Democrats or Republicans on that tear-stained day — only Americans. Nadine Feingold
Best morning hosts
Lansdowne, Pa.: To Voicer Sharon Tomalavage: I’m going back some time now, but my favorite morning TV hostesses are still Sandy Hill and Nancy Dussault. Katie Couric lucked into the “Today” show after Deborah Norville briefly had the job first. When Katie interviewed Veep candidate Sarah Palin and surprised her by asking, “What newspapers do you read?” Palin gave an innocuous response. She should have said, “I’m governor of America’s biggest state and manage a $6 billion budget. What do you think I read?!” Like Megyn Kelly, Couric thought she was the star in the room. Both ladies are overrated and overpaid. Georgia Makiver
Missing News piece
GETTY IMAGES Hartsdale, N.Y.: It’s another season of great horse racing at Saratoga Race Course, but alas, one of my favorite spots in the Daily News is no more. That’ll be the Battle of Saratoga section, where handicappers Jerry Bassert, Bill Finley and Dave Little did their bets with a touch of a Catskills nightclub comedy troupe. No doubt I’ll miss that section greatly, and I hope there’s a Battle of Saratoga in the Daily Racing Form or online.
Thomas J. Cunningham