The harms of lost health care last a generation

Manhattan: With extensive experience as a certified child life specialist and a higher education expert, I have repeatedly observed systemic failures in health care, particularly affecting children and families. The inability of many citizens to access basic health services is not only a moral failing but also a significant threat to our society’s fabric.

Potential cuts to critical support systems like Medicaid could have devastating consequences that affect everyone, not just the marginalized. Our already overburdened hospitals cannot bear the financial strain of a surge in uninsured individuals needing emergency care. This could destabilize our health care system, pushing it to the brink of collapse.

It is shortsighted to view this issue as isolated to a single demographic. We are all interconnected, and the harm inflicted on one sector, especially in health, ultimately impacts us all. Providing comprehensive care for vulnerable populations strengthens our society’s resilience and stability.

The implications for future generations are particularly alarming. Children lacking reliable medical access face limited prospects. If they are indeed the future of America, our failure to secure their health reflects poorly on the value we attribute to our nation’s longevity and prosperity. Universal health care access is not just an act of compassion; it is vital for our collective self-preservation. Deborah B. Vilas

Withered opposition

Manhattan: The Republicans achieved their goal of removing health care from millions, while Democrats did what they often do: nothing. Despite holding leverage, Democrats allowed the Republicans to dismantle Affordable Care Act subsidies, failing to use their influence effectively. Consequently, the middle class now faces a significant burden, essentially a tax increase. This outcome is a result of the Democrats’ inability to act decisively against the Republicans’ efforts to undermine Obamacare. Edward Drossman

Time to move on

Manhattan: In response to “Long Island rapist, killer back in prison after violent attack while out on parole” (Dec. 11), focusing on one individual’s actions should not overshadow the significant transformations and achievements of numerous aging incarcerated individuals. Research indicates that older individuals released from prison have notably low recidivism rates, and allowing them pathways to parole enhances public safety and reduces costs. It is crucial for lawmakers to adopt fair, just, and evidence-based parole policies, such as passing the Elder Parole bill. Stanley Bellamy

Personal, not public

Floral Park, L.I.: Congratulations to the town of Glen Cove in Nassau County for being the first to exercise common sense in banning the open use of marijuana in public places. Ever since our wacky state government legalized it, children and adults have had to endure horrible-smelling clouds of pot smoke engulfing them as they walk through their neighborhoods. It defied logic that anyone would allow rather than eradicate a harmful drug from our society, but maybe now things will start getting back to normal. Glen Cove clearly values its residents’ quality of life, and hopefully, other towns and our government will follow suit. Angelo Vetrano

Let walk

Sea Isle City, N.J.: The Mets brass, and that includes the owner, just let one of the best baseball players walk away! Why? I guess the casino is more important than keeping one of the best home-run hitters in the game who is/was a fan favorite. Jim Fusco

All gassed up

Ithaca, N.Y.: Daniel Ortega has made up his own set of facts (“Hochul must veto the 100-foot rule bill,” op-ed, Dec. 11). No surprise, since he represents a well-funded gas lobbying group. Between the deal Gov. Hochul made with President Trump to approve the NESE pipeline and the incessant pressure from the gas lobby, Hochul has backslid on implementing clean energy laws in place for six years. Her stalling on signing the repeal of the 100-foot rule is more of the same. Homeowners don’t get free gas hookups now. The cost of building the extra pipes is spread among all ratepayers. The more homeowners adopt heat pumps and electric stoves, the fewer gas customers to share that cost. That’s how repealing the 100-foot rule saves ratepayers money. Ortega is skewering state Sen. Liz Krueger and Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon to deflect from the gas industry’s control of Hochul. Nancy Ramage

Forced forgetting?

Brooklyn: Maybe I missed this in the coverage of the Dec. 7 anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. The incident was the catalyst for the U.S.’ entry into World War II. I didn’t see or hear of any acknowledgement from the leader of our present administration or his minions of such an important part of American history. Maybe it’s part of the movement to disavow any participation of Black servicemen and women who served with distinction on the ground and in the air. After all, the president wants to change the history of our country on so many levels so America comes across as always noble and true, without any blemishes or dishonorable behavior. How dare we remember the bad with the good? Sorry, but Reuben W. Chambers, my dad, was so proud to serve in the Army during this time, yet still faced discrimination upon his return. Justine Chambers

Insignificant infantry

Whiting, N.J.: National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom died from her injuries while doing her duty and serving her country at the will of Trump. Charlie Kirk similarly died from a gunshot wound while speaking at a rally. Flags were flown at half-staff for Kirk. Can someone explain why Beckstrom was not similarly honored? Bill McConnell

DC charade

Whitestone: Let’s get something straight. The congressional hearing with Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and these ignorant elected members was a disgrace. The shooting of the two National Guard soldiers was a murder and an attempted murder — no accident. The only unfortunate accident was the election of these moronic representatives conducting this hearing. God bless Noem and all the Border Patrol and ICE agents out there keeping America safe. Gene O’Brien

What’s the procedure?

Rockaway, N.J.: Just a quick question: The 25 people arrested in the Home Depot theft ring in Queens — were they separated from their families? Michael Ilardi

Go and see

Brooklyn: When Trump was running for president in 2024, he was talking about high prices and promised to end them on day one. Now that he has been president for almost a year and many prices are still going up, it’s a hoax. There is only one way for that issue to be resolved. Instead of spending all his time with his billionaire friends, visit the average person. He should visit grocery stores unannounced with his Secret Service protection. It should be Georgia, Missouri, Brooklyn, Iowa and Pennsylvania, a good cross section of America. Only then will he know if affordability is a hoax. Alan Podhaizer

Plain ol’ piracy

Philadelphia: To Voicer Myra B. Goodman: The tanker Trump illegally seized wasn’t falsely flying the flag of another country. The “flag of convenience” international law allows ships to be registered to countries other than those of the ship’s owner. It’s an extremely common practice used forever by ship owners to avoid, among other things, taxes and labor regulations. Since the value of the oil on the tanker was worth close to $100 million, you can rest assured that there will be a lawsuit over the ownership of that oil, which means we can look forward to another lawsuit Trump will lose since he acted illegally in seizing the tanker. There were no U.S. sanctions issued to stop shipment of oil from Venezuela prior to the seizure. Trump had no legal right to seize it. The U.S. issued sanctions a day after against the Maduro family and ships containing Venezuelan oil. Diane Doberman

Further honors

Mamaroneck, N.Y.: This just in: Trump is ramping up threats in the Caribbean region in hopes of winning the famed Major League Baseball Peace Prize, which comes with a stick of stale chewing gum. Paul Matthews