Letters

“Trump’s Visa Ban,” blared the headline, “Wreaking Havoc On Restaurants” [“Trump’s Visa Ban A ‘Nightmare’ for Local Restaurants,” 27east.com, July 7]. While it’s great fun to blame President Trump for every ill in life, I suggest these businesses refer to the law of supply and demand.

Why can they not find “local” help? It’s because they don’t practice what they preach. Most are vociferous advocates of vastly higher minimum wage and health care for all. Yet the compensation they offer is designed to attract only those who live under the poverty level.

Pay a good wage, and an employee benefit package to match, and you will find reliable “local” help. Of course, that will cut into your margins, something you are loath to do. Of course, rents are too high for many of these small businesses, which is why stores are vacant and quality is often third rate.

Landlords who charge too much, business owners who won’t pay employees enough. But it’s all Trump’s fault.

Feel better now?

James McCahill

Southampton

I would like to thank the Sag Harbor Police officers and Sag Harbor first responders, along with my caring neighbor George Oberlander and my new neighbor Susan. They responded with care and consideration when I took a tumble in my yard.

As a lifelong resident ff the Harbor, I can say I’m fortunate to be a part of such a caring community. Thank to all.

Doris Schiavoni

Sag Harbor

Did anyone see the Joe Farrell explanation of his 100-plus mask-less partiers with Donald Trump Jr. and his girlfriend, who tested positive for COVID-19 virus [“Donald Trump Jr. Girlfriend Tests Positive For Coronavirus, Attended Farrell Party In Bridgehampton,” 27east.com, July 4]? He’s comparing his party to Montauk partiers.

Per Mr. Farrell, as noted in The East Hampton Star:

“‘I have the same exposure when I go to the food store or anywhere else,’ he said, noting that Mr. Trump Jr. tested negative for the coronavirus. ‘This was, what, nine or 10 days ago? And her significant other doesn’t have it and they have been together all week. I drove through Montauk last night and I went by the Memory Motel and there must’ve been 120 kids outside, packed,’ Mr. Farrell recalled. ‘And I went to a dinner party, 10 people, very successful people, some famous people, and we were, you know, careful about staying a little distant. People are living their lives, but, you know, being smart.’”

For me, this an insult to all of the East Enders’ intelligence. As they say, there are always two sides to any story, and somewhere in the middle lies the truth.

Joseph Chiarello

Hampton Bays