Opinions

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: East Rockaway, Lynbrook

Jan. 5-11, 2017

Posted

Navy ships named for the wrong people

To the Editor:

The Obama administration is set to commission a new Navy warship in honor of former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, while we here in Lynbrook would like to see a ship named after a real hero: U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick Gallagher.

Gallagher, an Irish-born Lynbrook resident, was killed in action in Vietnam. The citation that accompanied the Navy Cross that he was awarded posthumously read, “Corporal Gallagher threw himself upon a deadly grenade in order to absorb the explosion and save the lives of his comrades.”

Gallagher was a hero; Giffords is not. She was wounded in a shooting, nothing more. She was a crime victim who had a lackluster and brief career as a politician. When Giffords was chosen to have a ship named after her, the administration said it was because of her courage after the attack. How about the dying courage of Gallagher?

More recently it has also been reported that a new Navy destroyer is being named the USS Carl Levin, after the Democratic senator. The New York Post said Levin was “of no great distinction.” Further, The Post said that the senators “have started naming $2 billion warships for each other.” That same paper said that ships were being named after union activists and leftist icon Cesar Chavez.

There was a time when ships were named for presidents, long-term statesmen, and more importantly, war heroes.

Let’s hope our new president gets back to naming these ships after the people who have truly sacrificed and deserve the honor — and not some politician!

Steve Grogan, Lynbrook

Their ‘Corner of the Sky’

To the Editor:

My wife and I had the pleasure of recently attending “Corner of the Sky,” a musical review at Lynbrook High School.

The performers, cast, crew, lighting and set designers were all students from Lynbrook High School’s career development program. While we don’t relish the idea of going out on a Friday night, this show was well worth it! It put a smile on the face of everyone leaving the theater.

“Corner of the Sky” was the brainchild of high school junior Jackie Moreno, who, under the guidance of Jackie Cook, a special education teacher for the program, enlisted a handful of fellow music students. It was Moreno’s dedication and enthusiasm that resulted in a tremendous opportunity for all of the students involved.  

The career development program is a recent addition to Lynbrook High School. The students are taught skills that will help them work and prosper, while enjoying some independence. They are supported with jobs from many local businesses, including Gus and Sofia Custom Tailoring, Annie Sez, Emagine Toys, the Lynbrook Diner, Lyn Gift Shop, CVS Pharmacy and Cross Island Fruits. Astoria Bank has also been very supportive of our students.

The energy on the stage that night was undeniable. All of the students were clearly having a great time, and they shared that joy with a grateful audience. Thank you, Jackie and Jackie and all the “Corner of the Sky” participants.

Rob Paskoff, Lynbrook

Sandy victims need immediate attention

To the Editor:

Re “Still struggling post-Sandy,” in the Dec. 22-28 issue:

I have known Debra Orena for 45 years. She is a compassionate and upstanding citizen, and a hard worker. I find it outrageous that four years after Hurricane Sandy, the government has tossed her aside. Her situation deserves immediate attention, and in my opinion, she should get restitution for time lost while she was trying to get her life back on track.

Problems with the house plans? That is a ridiculous statement and an excuse. I will be watching and telling everyone I know that the architects and government put themselves before their citizens.  

Evette Masters, Washington, D.C.