Will drinking water be put in danger?

Our water districts are joining forces with chemical companies to combat a law that makes our water safer [“Suits seek to upend water standards,” News, March 9]. Why? That alone makes me suspicious of their motivations.

Why is it OK for corporations to externalize the costs, in this case water pollution, and internalize the benefits, in this case profits? It just makes no sense that the water districts would be fighting the new Environmental Protection Agency regulations.

Does Suffolk County Water Authority CEO Jeff Szabo let his family drink the water? Is he so confident in the science of water quality and medicine that he feels comfortable fighting this legislation?

How do we know what will happen to someone after a lifetime of exposure to PFAS — per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, “forever chemicals” used in many consumer products and industrial processes? Many of us know someone who has died of cancer. PFAS causes cancer. Why wouldn’t we want to prevent cancer-causing chemicals in our water supply?

It can’t be just about the cost to clean the water. The government is paying most of the bill. Why aren’t we stopping these chemicals from being produced? Do we really need them? This story should have been on Sunday’s page 1, not page 22.

 — Robert Cheeseman, Wantagh

What DOGE must do to earn respect

The model used by the Department of Government Efficiency for cutting federal costs is negligent [“Fear amid fed job cuts,” News, March 2]. I’ve worked at organizations that have undertaken large restructuring projects to reduce costs, eliminate waste and become more efficient, more secure and more reliable. Many businesses initiate projects to retire legacy systems and improve the overall experience for the business and its customers. None of these projects required a chainsaw or were done in a few weeks. Quite the contrary.

Good business practice follows appropriate levels of due diligence, including a review of current operating processes and technologies. A solid set of requirements are reviewed and approved by all stakeholders along with legal and regulatory partners.

Established practices are taught in business schools for just this type of activity. DOGE has followed none of these accepted practices. This Trump administration maintains it has business expertise, but this process puts that in doubt. It appears more like how children on a playground choose who plays and who doesn’t.

Federal employees deserve better. Americans deserve better. Everyone can agree we need to reduce federal expenses — by a lot. But not this way. Do the work necessary, and then everyone could respect DOGE.

 — James Santangelo, Stony Brook

Parable reflects how U.S. views Ukraine

Suppose my neighbor’s home catches fire, and I have a garden hose 400 feet away. If he connects my hose with his hydrant, it may help put out his fire. I don’t first say to him, “Neighbor, my hose cost me $15; you have to pay me $15 for it.” I don’t want the $15 — I want my hose back after the fire is over.

This was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Lend-Lease Act. We gave $50 billion in assistance to Allies. All but $8  billion was later forgiven. Without this support, World War II may have ended differently.

President Donald Trump’s Oval Office ambush of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is different [“Trouble awaits Ukraine, Europe and U.S.,” Opinion, March 7]. Without a minerals deal, Trump stopped providing aid and materials and cut off intelligence assets.

Here’s Trump’s version of the house fire:

His neighbor’s home catches fire. Trump tells the neighbor, “You can have a hose, but you must pay me $1,000 now and promise to pay $100 a week for a year. If you don’t pay, I will shut off the fire hydrant.”

How does this story end? Well, that house and the entire community are now on fire.

 — Ed Silsbe, Blue Point

Vocational, technical instruction are crucial

Educating students vocationally and technically is as important as college education [“Higher education: More essential now than ever,” Musings, March 10]. Vocational and technical education offers students the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in noteworthy trades or professions. This type of education is focused on preparing students with the tools they need to enter the workforce directly and succeed in their chosen fields.

Plumbers, electricians, landscapers, and countless other professionals make a worthwhile living through their trades. These careers require focused education, followed by advancement through various levels of expertise, such as helper, journeyman, apprentice, and master.

Too many students are pressured into pursuing a college education but are not being prepared for a career. I know some working at a coffeehouse after college graduation.

 — Edward Marlatt, Mattituck