Letters
OCD is a bully; fighting stigma is fighting back
Thank you for your article “Fighting Stigma” on May 2. I am a middle-schooler and I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The stigma that is described in the article affects me, which is why I am uncomfortable signing my name to this letter. I have to keep this letter anonymous because I am embarrassed and scared of what the public will think.
My doctors always describe OCD as a bully. OCD bullies my brain by intruding with fears. It then asks for my “lunch money,” strange things I feel like I have to do, called compulsions. When someone is getting bullied, the victim appreciates allies to help them fight the bully so they do not have to give the bully their “lunch money.” I am lucky to have many allies: my parents, psychologist, and doctor. But I am always aching to talk to someone my age who is dealing with similar issues. Because of the stigma, no one is willing to talk about these issues; they keep them deep inside.
It is horrible to have a mental illness, but even worse fighting alone, due to feeling embarrassed and ashamed. Therefore, until we can eliminate stigma, I am asking our community to develop a way for me to meet other kids with similar issues so we can share our strategies for fighting our anxiety disorders and not feel alone.
Anonymous
Say ‘Thank you’ to police officers
On Wednesday, May 15, flags across the United States will be flown at half-staff in recognition of Peace Officers Memorial Day and in memory of all those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.
As time goes on, a police officer’s daily work and career become more difficult and complicated. We need to look no further than the daily news to read, hear and see that. Please take a moment to reflect on the past, present and future sacrifices of these men and women.
Next Wednesday, or on any day, when you see a police officer, please take a minute to say “thank you” and let them know that you value their service and commitment as they protect and safeguard our rights and property each and every day. Both you and they will be happy that you did.
Yitz Stern
Teaneck
Weak response from Israel
While I am not knowledgeable about the tactics and the strategy that led to this most recent truce between the rocket-firing Hamas and the Israeli government, I, along with apparently the majority of Israelis, was not pleased with the arrangement. Not only did it dictate an end to Israeli retaliatory air strikes against the leaders of Hamas, but additional fuel was supplied to the terrorists in Gaza, as well as a grant for an extension of boundaries for fishing.
After over 700 rockets being fired into Israel, resulting in four deaths and the wounding of dozens of Israelis and the destruction of buildings, there should have been more than a gentle slap on the wrist for this criminal action. The Israeli public is right to be dismayed at the weak response of Israel to the murderous attacks of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
The obvious question is would an alternative Gantz Blue and White government have acted differently? I would have hoped so as indicated by recent statements from Gantz.
Nelson Marans
Manhattan
Impeach Barr
After watching Attorney General William Barr testifying before Congress, I found it disgraceful and shameful that the Attorney General of the United States would speak dishonestly with misleading answers.
How shameful to listen to the head of the United States Department of Justice and chief lawyer of the United States Government, in his four-page summary of Robert Mueller’s report, omit information and only furnish fragments from the report.
Mueller’s report laid out ten instances in which Trump possibly obstructed justice. The letter that Mueller wrote to Barr stated that his summary “did not fully capture the context, nature, and substance of this Office’s work and conclusions.” Mueller urged Barr to release the unredacted materials to Congress. Barr referred to Mueller’s letter as “snitty.” He also said, “it was probably written by one of his staff members.”
Is this the way for an attorney general to speak? How disgusting!!
The Congress has the right to see an unredacted copy of Robert Mueller’s two-volume report.
The attorney general’s role is that of the guardian of the public interest and Barr has shown his misplaced loyalty to a lawless, lying president. He is not Trump’s personal attorney. He is the attorney general of the American people.
William B. Barr, in trying to exonerate Trump, has shown he is not fit for this job and should be disbarred or impeached.
Grace Jacobs
Cliffside Park
comments