Why All Doom And Gloom, Lee Zeldin?

Op Ed: Why All Doom and Gloom, Lee Zeldin?

September 26, 2021

 In a recent campaign release Lee Zeldin complains that government vaccine mandates wrongly violate the liberty of Americans and are bad for the economy.  He is wrong, he knows it, and his message is dangerous to the health, wellbeing and economic recovery of our state and our nation. Do not believe Lee Zeldin’s tall tale of doom and gloom!

Friday night past I was stopped at the 62^nd Street exit off the Queensboro Bridge on my walk to a lovely exhibition at the United Nations.  After I made a comment through my protective mask about the futility of horn honking in the traffic jam, a masked young woman next to me responded that she came to New York two months prior and thought the traffic terrible.  I shared my unexpected gratitude seeing New York’s traffic return after the devastating experience of empty suburban and city streets during the height of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Thanks to the development and availability of the vaccine against the coronavirus, New York’s vitality has returned.  Restaurants that barely survived the pandemic along with those that are newly opened or reopened are filled to the brim with happy people.  The streets, the parks and stores are bustling with New Yorkers and tourists alike.

And it isn’t only New York that is returning.  Last spring and summer our family, like many, cancelled travel and leisure activities.  This summer I returned to the beaches of North Carolina and spent a glorious week scuba diving with five dive friends.  Recently I attended a weekend long music festival on a New Jersey beach with 37,000 other guests.

New York City has mandated proof of vaccination for indoor dining; my dive boat required proof of vaccination to board; and the New Jersey concert venue required proof of vaccination or a negative COVID 19 test.  My observation is most people are willing to take the vaccine and wear a mask to safely return to the day to day life we missed so much.  And because of that willingness, our economy, our city and state, and our country is making progress toward recovery.  

There have been many United States Supreme Court cases upholding the power of the state to mandate vaccines to protect the public health.  In a landmark 1905 case, Jacobson v Massachusetts, the Court pointed out the dangers and the unfairness of an individual defying government mandates believing that his or her individual liberty must prevail over the public interest when it said, “We are not prepared to hold that a minority, residing or remaining in any city or town where smallpox is prevalent, … may thus defy the will of its constituted authorities, acting in good faith for all, under the legislative sanction of the State. If such be the privilege of a minority, then a like privilege would belong to each individual of the community, and the spectacle would be presented of the welfare and safety of an entire population being subordinated to the notions of a single individual who chooses to remain a part of that population.”

We can’t afford to let Lee Zeldin subordinate the welfare and safety of our great state to his tall tale of gloom and doom!

Elaine Turley is an attorney who lives in Smithtown with her husband and family.  She is the former chairperson of the Smithtown Democratic Committee. 

Op Ed: NYS Elder Parole Bill Failed For A Good Reason " Victims Have Rights Too"

Opinion/Editorial: 

The proposed Elder Parole Bill before the New York State Legislature failed to pass for good reason, it treats every incarcerated person the same, regardless of the crime they committed.  If passed, the Elder Parole legislation would give a green light to all incarcerated people aged 55 and older to go before the NYS Parole Board for release consideration, regardless of their crime, as long as they have served 15 years of their sentence – even if they have not served their minimum sentence.  

Crimes are differentiated in the Penal Code for good reason.  As the severity and societal impact of the crime increases, so too does the crime degree and subsequent potential sentence when convicted of a crime.  There is a stark difference between an opioid addicted offender in need of treatment who commits a non-violent property crime to feed an addiction, and a sexual predator who abducts, rapes, murders, and dismembers a child, or someone who executes a police or other law enforcement officer, or violent gang members who hunt down teenaged girls and hack them to death with machetes, as occurred here in Suffolk County.  These offenders cannot and should never be treated the same for purposes of possible release.      

Advocates in support of the Elder Parole Bill argue that every offender should be treated the same, and that if passed, the law would not allow for offenders to be released, but would instead give them an opportunity to plead their case before the Parole Board.   If that were to happen, then victims, surviving parents and families of those who were victimized would have to argue their case every two years before the Parole Board as well – in fact, maybe decades before they would have had to, depending upon the original sentence that offender received.   The proposed law would in essence be clawing back on the original sentence and granting those violent offenders who committed horrific crimes eligibility for parole hearings every two years – requiring victims, surviving family members, and in some cases, entire communities to relive horrific traumas in ongoing fights to continue to keep violent predators behind bars, when in fact they should have never been eligible for that Parole hearing in the first place, but for this new law.  

Let’s not forget that victims have rights too, as do the families that suffer for generations after a heinous victimization occurs. According to Cornell Law, criminal justice is a term that refers to the laws, procedures, institutions, and policies that come together before, during, and after the commission of a crime.   Changes to any part of the criminal justice system must not ignore or dismiss the impact that any such change will have on a victim, their surviving family members, and the communities that support them.   

Laura A. Ahearn, Esq., LMSW

Executive Director, The Crime Victims Center, Inc.

Laura Ahearn is a private practice attorney. She was a candidate (Democratic Party, Protect the Taxpayer Party)  for New York State Senate to represent District 1 in November 2020. She was defeated by Republican Anthony Palumbo.

OP-ED Police Reform Plan Is Important Step

Police Reform Plan Is Important Step

By Rob Calarco

Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature

Following the horrific death of George Floyd last May, Governor Andrew Cuomo issued Executive Order 203 to reform the practices of police departments across New York State. This directive required all governmental entities with a police agency to conduct a comprehensive audit of their police policies and procedures and thenRob Calarco Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature create a reform plan to be ratified by each legislative body by April 1, 2021. 

Historically, our nation has failed communities of color in facilitating justice and addressing the implications of systemic racism, but here in Suffolk County, we are committed to taking action. The Suffolk County Police Reform and Reinvention Task Force, assembled by County Executive Steve Bellone, convened to do just that. The Task Force, on which I had the honor of serving, created a plan for reforming policing in Suffolk County and was adopted by the legislature on March 30, 2021. This working document is the first step in addressing far-reaching inequities and eliminating racial disparities. As we shift our focus to codifying these changes, I want to highlight some of the most meaningful measures outlined in this plan. 

First and foremost, the plan includes implementing body cameras for public-facing police officers as part of their uniform requirements. The members of the Task Force and advocates in the community made it clear that this had to be a part of the finalized plan, and we believe that these cameras will help us more fully understand what occurs on a day-to-day basis in our police force.

The plan also includes measures to increase de-escalation training techniques and procedures, which will better equip officers to handle incidents without utilizing force.

Notably, the plan includes creating a Civilian Oversight Review Process managed by the Suffolk County Human Rights Commission. The Commission will be responsible for the initial complaint intake and can follow the Internal Affairs Bureau’s investigation in real-time. If the Human Rights Investigator feels that the Bureau isn’t handling the matter with integrity, they can bring the case to the Human Rights Commissioner, the Police Commissioner, the County Executive or the Legislature for further action.

Another essential component of the reform plan is the prohibition of consent-driven vehicle searches during traffic stops, which is critical to eliminating disparity and racial profiling. The plan also calls for creating two online dashboards so that the public can easily access statistics on traffic and pedestrian stops by police precinct and geographic area. Upon initiating a traffic, pedestrian, or bicycle stop, officers will now be required to identify themselves and provide a reason for the stop. 

In the future, those seeking assistance by calling 911 with mental health crises that are not a threat to themselves or others will be diverted to mental health service agencies instead, who are better suited to get them the help they need.

Other noteworthy highlights include:

• Improving language access and updating the current Language Access Plan
• Enhanced oversight of no-knock warrants, including creating an After-Action Data Portal
• Creating Precinct Level Advisory Boards
• Developing policies for respecting and interacting with the gender-expansive community

While we recognize that the fight for equity and justice in policing is far from finished, creating and implementing these policies and procedures is an earnest first step in the right direction. I am incredibly proud of the work we have done in the last year. I look forward to a continuing dialogue and direct legislative action in addressing systemic racism and biased policing in Suffolk County.

Opinion: Exposure To Violence May Lead To Long-Term Mental Health Impacts

The following is a statement from Paul Gionfriddo, President and CEO of Mental Health America:

“For the second time in a week, we’re reading and watching news coverage of a mass shooting. One witness to yesterday’s incident at the King Soopers grocery store said it seemed like everyone there imagined they’d be in a situation like this one day. This is unsettling, to say the least. We cannot accept this as the new normal. We cannot live in fear of our everyday errands. When we do, it is damaging to our collective mental health. 

Exposure to acts of violence and the resulting trauma lead to long-term mental health impacts. Those who witness violence and those whose loved ones are taken by violent acts need mental health supports. Providing these - long-term and at no additional cost to those affected - should be the norm. Not because we want to normalize violence, but because we value life and see it as our duty to support those who are affected by it. 

The families of the 10 people who died will forever be changed. So will the lives of the shoppers who were forced to flee to the sound of gunshots. So, too, are all those in Boulder and throughout the nation who - as journalists, public safety officers, food service workers, health care workers, and so many others - are reliving their own past traumas in the reports of this horrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all today.  

The suspect’s brother has reportedly said he believes the suspect suffered from a mental illness. He described the suspect as “very anti-social” and paranoid. We cannot conflate mental illness with violence. It’s stigmatizing. And it sets us back decades. There are millions of people in America living with serious mental illnesses who have never had a violent thought in their lives.  

Instead, we need to look at the predictors of violence and address them by intervening early. It’s the only way to stop this from happening every six days.” 

If you are experiencing anxiety or depression, go to MHAscreening.org to get screened and access tools and resources. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 911, go to the nearest emergency room, call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a 24-hour crisis center, or text MHA to 741741 at the Crisis Text Line. 

OP ED Legislature To Hold Hearings On Police Reform And Reinvention Plans

By Rob Calarco

Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature

The Suffolk County Legislature this month is being presented with plans to reinvent policing in our county, and we are opening an extensive public comment period to give community members every opportunity to share their thoughts with us.

The plans were created pursuant to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Executive Order No. 203, “NYS PoliceRob Calarco Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature Reform and Reinvention Collaborative,” which directs that each local government entity with a police agency perform a comprehensive review of current police practices and develop a plan to reinvent policing. The crux of the initiative is to identify the needs of communities, promote community engagement to foster trust, fairness and legitimacy, and address any racial bias and disproportionate policing of communities of color.

The legislature will hold three virtual public hearings covering both the Suffolk County Police Department’s reform plan and the Sheriff’s Office’s reform plan. Members of the public can weigh in at special meetings of the legislature’s Public Safety Committee via Zoom at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 11 or Thursday, March 18. To speak at either of those hearings, sign up at www.scnylegislature.us/PublicSafetyPH. A public hearing will also be held on Tuesday, March 16 at 2 p.m. during the legislature’s general meeting. To speak at that hearing, sign up at www.scnylegislature.us/publichearing. Each speaker will have the floor for 3 minutes. The hearings will be livestreamed on the legislature’s website.

The legislature’s rules do not require such a substantial public comment period, but the critically important nature of these plans calls for going above and beyond. These two reform plans are about our future; not only will they affect residents today, but they will also impact generations of residents long after us. Essential to our due diligence as my colleagues and I weigh these reform plans will be understanding how our constituents feel about them, so we want to make sure that everyone who wants to speak has the opportunity. Meaningful change should not be instituted in a vacuum. For change to be successful – to really take hold and become a part of our community’s culture – it needs buy in from stakeholders.

As elected officials, we have a responsibility to our constituents to ensure that they are being heard. This is why we are holding three public hearings. This is why we are having them in the evening and in the afternoon, so that people can speak at a time that is convenient for them. This is why we are not voting on these plans until we have heard from the community. Government is about public service, and to serve the public we need to include the public. 

The Suffolk County Legislature must vote on the reform plans by the end of the month. We must ensure these plans address the root of fears from people on both sides of the discussion and build on the initiatives already underway to establish trust and confidence between our law enforcement agencies and the communities they protect. To do that, we need to hear from you. Police reinvention will be a part of our legacy as the people living in Suffolk County in 2021, and we should all be a part of it.

I encourage all who are interested to read more about the plans, watch the hearings, and speak up if you have something to say. For more information, visit www.suffolkcountyny.gov/Police-Reform and www.suffolkcountysheriffsoffice.com/police-reform.

Opinion: Trashing Zeldin? Hardly, It's About Standing Up For America

If Republicans Won’t Stand for America, Democrats Will

By Elaine Turley

A Smithtown Matters reader requested in a Facebook post that other readers submitting letters to the editor “Stop trashing Zeldin all of the time … .”  Missing in this post is the understanding that we who believe our government or those who govern are a danger to our community and our country need to exercise our right to effect change.  Democracy is about debate, not insurrection, threats of violence, or actual violence against our Capitol.

It is extraordinarily unfortunate for the Republican Party if it is true that only Democrats are stepping up to object to Mr. Zeldin’s actions.  Mr. Zeldin supported and continues to support the lie that our American institutions failed in their duty to oversee, administer and conduct the recent election, notwithstanding his various oaths to uphold our Constitution and our rule of law.  He continues to align himself with the Trump movement, to the detriment of our country.  The movements and positions with which Mr. Zeldin aligns himself promote violence against our government and its citizens.  I never thought in my many years as an American citizen that I would fear my fellow citizens and many in government as I do today.

Fortunately, many Republican leaders are waking from their dangerous slumber and encouraging rational Republicans to fight the fringe elements in their party.  I urge Republicans in the first congressional district to ask their Congressman with which side is he aligned.

I’m with Republican Adam Kinzinger, who told Politico this week, “I was disappointed over the last few weeks to see what seemed like the Republican Party waking up and then kind of falling asleep again and saying, ‘Well, you know, what matters if we can win in two years and we don’t want to tick off the base, … .’  I am grateful that Mr. Kinzinger, at great personal cost, had the courage to begin a web page Country1st.com to speak to Conservative voters who understand the danger posed by the Trump movement.  As a moderate Democrat it is not a group I will join, but I certainly applaud the voice of reason.

In contrast, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who shortly after violent insurgents stormed our Capitol on January 6^th said while on the floor of the House, “The president bears responsibility for Wednesday’s attack on Congress by mob rioters. He should have immediately denounced the mob when he saw what was unfolding. These facts require immediate action by President Trump.”  He added, “Some say the riots were caused by antifa. There is absolutely no evidence of that. Conservatives should be the first to say so.” And he couldn’t be clearer when he added, “Let’s be clear, Joe Biden will be sworn in as president of the United States in one week because he won the election.”  This was the same day Lee Zeldin voted in favor of this dangerous lie.

And now Mr. McCarthy is spending time in Mar-a-Lago with his and Mr. Zeldin’s puppet master, Donald Trump.  And Mr. McCarthy, as House Minority Leader, has failed to stand up and denounce the conspiracy theories and outrageous lies spoken by Marjorie Taylor Greene, who has announced in the last couple days that she is soon visiting Mr. Trump at his Florida home.  Ms. Greene has been appointed by Republicans in the House to the Education and Labor Committee, something that would be unlikely without Mr. McCarthy’s support.

If Republicans wish for Democrats and other voters to stop bashing Mr. Zeldin, ask him to tell us publicly whether he denounces Ms. Greene’s appointment to the Education and Labor Committee, does he denounce her view that all previous presidents of the United States of both parties are part of the “deep state” working against Donald Trump, that school shootings have been staged by those who wish to ban guns and her support of those who have called for violence against our elected leaders.  And let’s ask Lee Zeldin to make a public statement that he supports the American institutions including our state legislatures, boards of election, state departments, state courts, federal courts, Congress and the Supreme Court of the United States, all of which have concluded that Joseph Biden was legitimately elected President of the United States of America.  Lee Zeldin’s failure to do so overshadows any accomplishments of his tenure.

If Republicans continue to abdicate their responsibility to hold their party and its elected officials responsible for their actions, then Democrats must continue to take such responsibility.

Elaine Turley is an attorney who lives in Smithtown with her husband and family.  She is the former chairperson of the Smithtown Democratic Committee. 

Thank You SB University Hospital For Your Professionalism In Vaccine Distribution

Open Letter to University Hospital CEO Carol A. Gomes

Carol A. Gomes, MS, FACHE, CPHQ
Chief Executive Officer
Stony Brook University Hospital

Subject:  Visit to COVID Vaccine Site

Dear Ms. Gomes,

I received my first COVID 19 vaccination on January 20^th at my appointed time.  I was initially a little skeptical since my first appointment was voided by the aborted registration system.  However, I was very impressed with the efficiency of the process and the professionalism, competency and concern of the staff during that appointment.  The process was very well designed for the care and comfort of the patient.  The staff including University Police, national guard and health center personnel were kind and helpful.

Please convey my gratitude to all involved.

Sincerely,

Patricia Biancaniello

After having my initial COVID-19 appointment canceled due to a link that was not supposed to be operational I was anxious to see how challenging it would be to get a second appointment for my first dose of the vaccine. I obsessed a little and visited the state website throughout the night on Thursday and into the early hours of Friday. I was extremely pleased to get on the site and scheduled an apt. in less than three minutes. My husband and many others were not as lucky. Several hours and many attempts later he also secured an appointment as did many people I know. After receiving the first dose I was scheduled for my second dose appointment. I am happy to report that apparently securing the first appointment was the most difficult part  of the vaccine process and I am very happy that University Hospital did an outstanding job!

Editorial: Zeldin Wants To Forget About Jan 6th Events - Not So Fast

Congressman Lee Zeldin (CD1) wants a kumbaya moment. You know, the moment when you become a convert and wrap your arms around peace, harmony and justice for all.  Most residents in CD 1 want this too.  

Unfortunately for Mr. Zeldin and for voters it is not the time to put the events of January 6 behind us and it would be wrong to do so. There are too many questions about the events that transpired that day and many questions regarding how the behaviors of elected officials, including Lee Zeldin led to the rioting.

What transpired at the United States Capitol was an attempt to overturn the results of a fair and honest election - the will of the American public.  We know this because the Trump administration brought more than 60 legal challenges in six states in different courts before judges of different political affiliations, many of whom were appointed at Donald Trump’s request, and lost each time. These same challenges were the basis for Senator Cruz and Senator Hawley’s and Lee Zeldin’s attempt to thwart the legitimate election results.

We know this was a fair election, Republican Mitch McConell said so, as did Republican Senator Romney. On the floor of the senate Republican Senator and supporter of Donald Trump South Carolina’s Lindsey Graham said, “Pennsylvania. It went to the Second Circuit. So much for all the judges being in Trump’s pocket. They said, “No, you’re wrong.” I accept the Pennsylvania Second Circuit that Trump’s lawsuit wasn’t right. Georgia, they said the secretary of state took the law into his own hands. He changed the election laws unlawfully. A federal judge said no. I accept the federal judge, even though I don’t agree with it. Fraud. They said there’s 66,000 people in Georgia under 18 voted. How many people believe that? I asked, “Give me 10,” and had one. They said 8,000 felons in prison in Arizona voted. Give me 10. I got one. Does that say there’s … There’s problems in every election. I don’t buy this. Enough’s enough. We’ve got to end it.”

Department of Homeland Security’s former cyber security chief for the 2020 election Christopher Krebs, in a statement, urged Republicans to stop the attack on the election results. “They are also dangerous and only serve to confuse, scare, and ultimately undermine confidence in the election,” Krebs said. 

Lee Zeldin decided long ago that his political future was aligned with Donald Trump and Trump supporters. Defending Donald Trump against charges of racism in a 2016 CNN interview , Rep. Lee Zeldin “defended Donald Trump from charges that he’s racist for criticizing a judge because of his Mexican heritage by asserting that he could also argue that President Barack Obama “is a racist” because of his policies and rhetoric”.  In 2020 Zeldin served on President Trump’s impeachment defense team defending against abuse of power and obstruction of Congress charges.

Zeldin, by objecting to the certification of the 2020 election results once again chose Trump over the constituents who called and used social media imploring him not to support Trump’s efforts to overthrow the election results. 

Newsday held nothing back in their editorial of January 7th “Responsibility also lies with the politicians and enablers who gave oxygen to the president and his mob. People like Sens. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley with their presidential ambitions and phony principled Electoral College objections. Donald Trump Jr. threatened Republican lawmakers in an expletive-filled speech at the pre-assault rally Wednesday morning. Rudy Giuliani called for “trial by combat” at the same event. And Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin, like Cruz and Hawley, stoked the grievances and resentments of rioters with his backing of Electoral College objections despite having no evidence to support them. With the riot underway, Zeldin tweeted to the attackers to stop but that won’t remove the blemish of being part of the “Sedition Caucus.”

On January 7 Zeldin’s office released the following statement:

“We live in the greatest nation in the history of the world. We have big challenges at the moment, real disagreement over important issues, and a precarious future as a republic. 

“Following Congress’ certification of the Electoral College results, in 13 days, on January 20, 2021, Joseph R. Biden, Jr. of Delaware, will be sworn in as the next President of the United States, and Kamala D. Harris of California, will be sworn in as the next Vice President of the United States.

“For our nation to thrive, we need our economy growing, our national security strong, our freedoms defended, our Constitution protected, and so much more. 

“Moving forward, there will be continued debate and there will be disagreement, but out of that must be a healthy, guarded and even thriving republic. Right now, I am not going to dwell on any doubt, but to recommit to working towards a vigorous defense of lady liberty at all costs, and the pursuit of unity whenever possible.

“I just returned home from our nation’s Capitol after witnessing firsthand from inside the House chamber yesterday the best of America clash with some of the worst of it in a moment of my life I will never forget. 

“I love our country and I ask for your prayers tonight for each other, for any hope of unity, for your wisdom, for a peaceful transition of power, for President Trump and Vice President Pence, and for President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris.

“For this moment, let’s take one collective deep breath, recharge and renew our spirit for whatever lies ahead. We are all Americans first.”

Many in Zeldin’s district are appalled that they are unable to communicate with him, a problem that is ongoing, and has been exacerbated by the events of January 6th.  Currently, there is a petition being circulated by Democrats calling for his resignation.

Zeldin’s attempt to move beyond the reprehensible behavior he shares with Donald Trump, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley and others is self serving, childish and unacceptable.  Five people are dead because of bad decisions and their attempt to overturn the election results. 

The investigations must continue. Electeds who foolishly and willingly participated in this sham perpetrated against Americans must be held accountable. Coming together to address issues facing America is something we all want. Congressman Zeldin is offering crocodile tears.

Pat Biancaniello

Editorial: Ask Questions And Remember To Wear Your Thinking Cap

Open your eyes, close your mouth and put on your thinking cap. Advice that was commonplace in the 20th century. It means look, stop talking, listen and finally use your brain. It was sound advice then and it is sound advice today. 

I, like so many others in our country, am trying to understand what happened in Washington DC this week. We all should have the same questions: How did something like this happen? How is it that security at the Capitol was so ineffective that hundreds were able to successfully commit an acts of terrorism in front of the  police and in front of the world at the nation’s most sacred representation of democracy, our nation’s Capitol.

How is it that all of our senators, congress men and woman, and our vice president were placed in real jeopardy as the Capitol was invaded and rooms raided by a mob whose single goal was to keep their leader, their Supreme Being Donald Trump in office? How is it that Donald Trump sent them there instructing them to march to the Capitol to convince those participating in the ceremonial event to change the electoral vote to deny Joe Biden his right to be seated as the 46th President of the United States.

Many of us watched the January 6th “coup” attempt unfold in real time. We watched as the secret service quickly evacuated Vice President Pence from the house floor. We watched as terrified elected officials scurried to secure locations. 

We watched as people broke windows and challenged security. 

And because of cell phone video we saw with our own eyes windows being broken and watched as rioters pushed through those windows and barricaded doors. We got to see a woman shot and killed as she barged through a window. Later, we got to see the bleeding face of a murdered police officer who was beaten with fire extinguisher.

We saw a police officer running from a mob inside the capitol, we saw the Trump banners and Trump flags unfold across the Capitol. We watched rioters on the house floor, and in the halls of the Capitol, on the roof and on the steps.

The police were overwhelmed. How were they not prepared for this?

If January 6 wasn’t enough of an assault on our belief in democracy we get to hear the apologists look for excuses for the domestic terrorism activity. They say it was Antifa, it wasn’t. It was Black Lives Matter, it wasn’t. It was patriots, they weren’t. The DC police have found weapons and incendiary devices, property was destroyed, items were stolen. 

We watched all of this unfold, but not alone, President Donald Trump was watching as well. This happened on his watch.

The damage to the Capitol will be repaired. The damage done to our sense of reason and morality has been irreparably harmed.

Too many people are defending the behavior of the rioters. I have participated in a number of protests. The opportunity to violate the law is always present, but those who protest are aware that illegal behavior and violence will become the message. When violence becomes the message your message is dead. American patriots won’t support violence against the peace officers doing their job or the people and institutions that represent our democracy.

If you are someone who is justifying the actions of these people, I urge you to follow the advice to open your eyes, close your mouth, put on your thinking cap and get the answer to the question, “how did this happen and who benefitted?”

Pat Biancaniello

Opinion - COVID-19 Vaccine Brings Dose Of Hope

Vaccine Brings Dose of Hope

By Rob Calarco

Presiding Officer, Suffolk County Legislature

The first COVID-19 vaccines are here, and by the end of this week, more than 900,000 first doses will be distributed to providers. The state expects to receive approximately 300,000 doses next week, with more to come.

The FDA has authorized two vaccines. The first was developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. This vaccine was approved unanimously by New York State’s independent COVID-19 Clinical Advisory Task Force on Dec. 10, 2020 and was formally authorized by the FDA on Dec. 11, 2020. Moderna developed the second vaccine. This one was authorized by the FDA and approved unanimously by the Clinical Advisory Task Force on Dec. 18, 2020. No serious side effects related to the vaccines have been reported.

The first New Yorkers to receive the vaccine are high-risk hospital workers (such as emergency room workers, ICU staff and Pulmonary Department staff), nursing home residents and nursing home staff, followed by long-term and congregate care residents and staff, EMS workers, other health care workers, coroners and medical examiners. Staff at every hospital will have access to the vaccine first.

New York State has opted into a federal nursing home vaccination program. Under the program, employees of CVS and Walgreens will vaccinate residents and staff in these facilities, much like they do for the flu vaccine. This program began on Dec. 21, 2020. A separate program will allow members of the New York Army and Air National Guard who serve as part of the state’s COVID response efforts to be eligible for the vaccine.

To help guide this process, Governor Cuomo established a Vaccine Distribution and Implementation Task Force to advise the setup and operation of the state’s COVID-19 vaccination program. The task force is comprised of experts in public health, immunization, government operations, data and other fields relevant to vaccine distribution and administration.

Health experts have projected that in order to win the war against COVID-19, between 75 and 85 percent of the population needs to receive the vaccine. New York has made it a top priority to ensure vulnerable and underserved communities are not left behind.

Stopping this pandemic will require using all tools available. Wearing masks, hand washing, and social distancing help lower your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. A vaccine will help your body fight the virus if you are exposed. Visit www.ny.gov/vaccine to learn more.

Experts need more time to understand the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide before deciding to change recommendations on mask use. Other factors, including how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities, will also affect this decision. 

If we all do our part by listening to the advice of medical experts, we can save lives and return to normal quicker. Getting vaccinated will be a big part in that return, but there will be many factors. Remember the vaccine is safe, and getting it will not only protect you, but your loved ones as well.