Mr. Ned Lang, in your March 4 issue, vented his array of concerns to our U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer. Before he blasts political happenings here and abroad, I would suggest he look beyond the blinkers and see the broader picture. So as not to generalize, he must explore deeper data and further not to limit his knowledge to Fox News as his sole informational source. Try RT.com, TheNation.com or Democracynow.com to get a balance, weigh data and provide a reliable perspective.

In his criticism of the immigrant impact on our Social Security system and Medicare, he fails to mention the other side, that such persons will have to work and contribute to both, i.e. they’re not getting a carte blanche freebie he feels is theft. Mr. Lang socks Obamacare; well what’s his solution or answer to this critical service? No average non-politician can afford in full, out-of-pocket charges for hospital care for major illnesses.

Mr. Lang’s disappointment on the position in Israel… Well, Israel’s actions against African immigrants mirror what Uncle Sam did to the Japanese on our soil in WW2. Israeli doings in South Africa are no glory either. Visit Israel and see life on both sides. Israel wears no halo. Netanyahu constantly says Israel can take care of itself, but remember the U.S. has been its financial supporters (from our taxes) for decades.

No one likes the devastation of modern terrorism except the brainwashed persons who act in the name of religion but are truly misguided and an embarrassment to those true to Islam and believers of peace. Mr. Lang, since there is no age restriction, why not join the Christian militia Dwekh Nawsha if you feel so strongly to resolve the crisis overseas? Modern extremists are doing what Christians did in the 15th century… proving history repeats itself. A sad saga to say the least.

Afi Phoebe

Narrowsburg, NY