Suozzi ‘ran as a Republican’ — really?

Former Rep. Peter King explained Democrat Tom Suozzi’s decisive victory over Mazi Melesa Pilip in the 3rd Congressional District special election by saying, “Suozzi basically ran as a Republican” [“Dems’ turnout, GOP decline propel Suozzi,” News, Feb. 15]. Really?

Did Suozzi call for a nationwide ban on abortion? Did he vote to cap the state and local tax deduction? Did he favor quashing a tough bipartisan border immigration bill because it might help President Joe Biden in the upcoming election? Did he oppose continued aid to Ukraine in its battle against Russian aggression? Did he claim the 2020 election was fraudulent? Did he call those convicted of attacking the U.S. Capitol “hostages”? Did he place his fealty to former President Donald Trump above his oath to the Constitution?

If the answer to these questions is “no,” then Suozzi did not run as a Republican.

Edmund Fountaine, Oakdale

‘Mental health crisis’ may be only at start

A colleague reminded me that Wednesday, Valentine’s Day, was the sixth anniversary of the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. Sadly, we need to be reminded of these national tragedies, current and past, which too easily slip into our collective memory.

Now we are reeling from this latest shooting in Kansas City, Missouri [“2 juveniles charged in K.C. shooting,” News, Feb. 17]. There are no answers, only the belief that our prevention education efforts will eventually do some small measure of good.

Our nation is suffering from the untreated cancer of neglecting social emotional learning and mental health in a meaningful way for too long. This systemic infection is now manifesting itself.

We may only be at the beginning of what the media has labeled the “mental health crisis,” as if it will pass. That reality, in combination with the absence of any meaningful federal gun control legislation, assures us of one thing: There will be more shootings.
Anthony Pantaleno, Commack