Is There an Alcohol Problem on Long Island?
Following a weekend of drunken boating and driving incidents, including the of a West Islip man, we asked readers if they thought the drinking problem on Long Island was out of control.
The majority of responders (82 percent) agreed Long Island needs more law enforcement patrols on the roads and waters and/or harsher laws for violators.
Seventeen percent of poll voters said the recent tragedies are isolated incidents, and additional measures are not needed.
Commentor VJM615 wrote "I think there is a problem everywhere, not just LI. I realized that when I was assigned 30 days Grand Jury Duty in September, I was appalled at how many DUI/BUI/DWI's came in every day. If you want to see how crazy it really is go to the CI court and sit in a public courtroom and see the amount that come in daily, it's disgusting. The fact that this is becoming an epidemic is so disheartening to me, where have we gone so wrong? What is wrong with people? =( My heart aches for all the families of the victims of these tragedies. So unfair."
"There is nothing different now than has ever been. Yes there are more alcohol, drug and texting-related accidents and deaths. There are also more people living in the same space. 30, 35, 40 years ago cell phones didn't exist; the drinking age was 18, drugs were as rampant then as now, and there were less people living on Long Island. More laws won't change a thing. A community this big needs more reality and integrity education than jail time," said reader Robert Christiansen.
Supreme Court Ruling on Obamacare
On Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled that President Barack Obama’s healthcare reform law is constitutional.
Readers weighed in on the decision, and 65 percent said they disagreed with the Supreme Court.
Are you for or against Obamacare? Tell us in the comments.
7-Eleven Proposal "Adjourned"
Following Thursday's , and its subsequent adjournment, readers spoke out on both sides.
"I think it would be a great idea to put a 7-11 on Udall Road, it will upgrade the area and the convenience for the area residents will be fantastic. So, YES. I am all for it," wrote Phyllis Catania.
Commentor Athena agreed. "The vacant building is really starting to look run down and seedy," she wrote. "Lets hope it can only better the community. I know people are againist it but something has to be done."
Some residents made it clear they won't welcome another convenience store.
"Opening a 24 hour establishment would drive this community into ruin , and it will open the door for others all over the town," Anthony wrote. "We have 2 already and there a handful just ask your local police officers."
Would you want a new 7-Eleven to be built in that location? Tell us in the comments.
