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Public Commentary Dear Editor: As the Chairman of the Underage Drinking Task Force and more importantly as the parent of two young children, I could not agree more with your editorial, "Enforcement of illegal sale of alcohol to minors works," ( Jan. 30, 2008). Unfortunately, although many people do not view the sale of alcohol or use of alcohol by minors to be a significant problem, the almost daily news of serious and often fatal accidents involving youth and alcohol reminds us that more needs to be done to raise awareness of the consequences of underage drinking and to encourage compliance with the law. In three public hearings, the Underage Drinking Task Force heard testimony from educators, law enforcement authorities and students themselves about how easy it is for minors to obtain alcohol, about the pressures that students face from peers and the prevailing attitude that alcohol consumption is accepted and viewed as a rite of passage to adulthood. Although these attitudes are beginning to change, there is still a long way to go. I applaud those businesses that do the right thing and refuse to sell alcohol to minors and by doing so, they will continue to send an important message that selling alcohol to minors is unacceptable and protect not only themselves, but also our youth and all who share the road. Steve Stern Suffolk County Legislator 16th Legislative District Iraq war is unjust and ineffective in fighting terrorism Dear Editor:
On Dec. 7, 1941 Japan launched a surprise attack on Pearl Harbor killing approximately 3,000 of our servicemen and destroying our Pacific fleet. Our president at that time unleashed the full might of our country against Japan destroying their cities and executing the responsible leaders. While revenge should never be the sole matter for going to war, it is doubtful that Japan will ever be a threat to our country. On 9-11, when a similar attack was launched against us killing about the same number of our citizens, this president, for reasons that never have been made clear, decided to attack Iraq. This was done despite the fact that Iraq had nothing to do with 9-11 and the mad man who caused it, has never been apprehended and is still planning similar attacks against us. We are now asked to commend our president because less people are now being killed in Iraq than were killed the previous year. The death toll of our troops is now approaching 4,000. Can anyone say it is worth it?
William O'Sullivan, Massapequa Park The Record invites readers to present their views, ideas and issues. Please submit letters to the editor to us at 85 Broadway, Suite A, Amityville NY 11701. Letters should be signed and include a daytime telephone number for verification purposes only. We do not accept personal thank you notes, political endorsements or anonymous letters, but will, under some circumstances withhold the name of a writer upon request.
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