This is in response to your blatantly misleading editorial “Where is Nassau GOP’S Support of Police Now?” (Feb. 10).
The afternoon of the Capitol riot, I issued a statement categorically condemning the action of those that engaged in the riot, violence and vandalism. I called for the prosecution of those that committed criminal acts.
This position was identical to the position I took over the summer. I called for the prosecution of those responsible for George Floyd’s death. I also condemned the violence and riots occurring throughout America, making sure to distinguish between those committing criminal acts from those peacefully protesting.
My position in response to both events was completely consistent noting in both cases that America has no place for extremists who use violence. One wonders if the Island Now is as consistent in its outrage.
The Island Now has also repeatedly expressed its annoyance at our Blue Ribbon campaign, which is based on the simple premise that the unlawful and appalling behavior of a small number of bad actors must not be used to attack the vast majority of dedicated and courageous men and women who serve in law enforcement.
Yes, I am proud to support our law enforcement here in Nassau County, who have made our communities among the safest in the nation. I am equally proud of the fact that so many residents joined the campaign and displayed blue ribbons in response to the campaign.
Richard J. Nicolello
Presiding Officer
Nassau County Legislature
“Yes, I am proud to support our law enforcement here in Nassau County, who have made our communities among the safest in the nation.”
The very term “support the police” is politically loaded and none too subtle in its implications. No one is against the enforcement of the law, or outwardly “pro-crime.”
It’s a ludicrous construct that doesn’t mean what it purports to, but by all means, keep up the charade. I think we all know what you really mean.
Secondly, the police, by themselves, don’t keep the crime rate down in Nassau County. You have an absence of crime because your property tax system, in collusion with the public service unions, including the PBA, make living here so prohibitively expensive, it has the effect of keeping the poor out. I’m not going to get mugged by an internist.
In the meantime, the SEC can’t even catch a tenth of the criminals found living in plain sight north of Route 25.