Long Beach letters

Keep curling clean in LB

To the Editor:

It is wonderful to see that the popularity of curling in the 2010 Winter Olympics brought the sport back to the Long Beach Ice Arena ("Stones and brooms return to Long Beach," March 4-10). Nevertheless, is there any question that the Canadian curling team used steroids to enhance their performance?

The Canadian team was larger, more aggressive and balder than other teams from across the globe. The circumference of Canadian skip Kevin Martin's cranium was easily double the size of any of his competitors. I call on the Herald to join forces with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to launch an investigation.

Curling in Long Beach? Yes! Just keep it clean.

Andrew Malekoff

Long Beach

More banal than ever

To the Editor:

In his political career, Senator Al D'Amato was known to have a penchant to be crude. One would have hoped that he would mellow with age. But in his column in the Herald ("Rex gets fined, and so will the American people, Feb. 11-17) he has shown that he is more banal than ever.

His Republican Party dumped a load of problems on the doorstep of the next president not seen in 75 years. A recession, caused by lack of financial regulation by Republican presidents, vast unemployment, wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and federal budget deficits for more than eight years have been left for President Obama to solve.

Now Senator, if you do have any worthwhile suggestions to solve these problems, this is the time to present them. It is your country too, and any substantive proposal would be beneficial. I know all citizens are fully aware that we have difficult decisions to make.

Leslie E. Schwartz

Rockville Centr

The Red Cross begins with you

To the Editor:

The American Red Cross and its volunteers work every day to help save and rebuild lives that have been shattered by disaster — whether it is down the street, across the country or around the world.

Since 1943, March has been designated Red Cross Month across the country. During this time we thank those supporters whose generosity helps us continue our service to those who need us every day.

The Red Cross responded following the Haiti earthquake in January, working to turn despair into hope. Our workers are still there, but we are also here each day for Long Island families who need us. In the past year, Nassau Red Cross responded to more than 100 local emergencies, assisted hundreds of military families and trained 75,000 people in lifesaving skills.

But we can't do it alone, so I ask that Long Islanders think of Red Cross Month as a great time to become involved with our organization. Please consider signing up for a CPR, first aid or other Red Cross course — or you can give a financial gift that can help when the next disaster strikes. You can also become a volunteer — the people who are the lifeblood of our organization.

Ultimately, the American Red Cross response begins with you.

Frank Cassano

Chief executive officer

American Red Cross in Nassau County