Letters to the Editor
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
‘Sushi, Diet Soda Latest Health Targets’
It’s important not to overreact to the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s pronouncement about New Yorkers’ mercury levels [New York, “Sushi, Diet Soda Latest Health Targets,” July 24,2007].
The average mercury level in Japan is far higher than the average in Manhattan. Yet the Japanese — and their children — are generally much healthier than we are. These mercury levels don’t indicate that anyone’s health is actually in danger.
If anything, they prove that New Yorkers are eating more fish than, say, Clevelanders or Washingtonians.
And if you live in New York, that’s a decidedly good thing. Study after study show that the proven health benefits of eating fish far outweigh the hypothetical health risks. It is “brain food,” after all.
DAVID MARTOSKO
Director of Research
Center for Consumer Freedom
Washington, D.C.
‘Bicycle Plan Is Put On Fast Track’
The Bike Master Plan needs to include providing bicycle access between the outer boroughs [New York, “Bicycle Plan Is Put On Fast Track,” July 23, 2007].
It is impossible to bring a bike from Queens to the Bronx or from Brooklyn to Staten Island because no bike lanes exist on the Whitestone, Throgs Neck, or Verrazano Bridges.
It seems like New York City government and bicycle advocacy groups only care about Manhattan.
People who commute to other boroughs must drive, since there are no subways, commuter trains, or express buses.
Adding sidewalks to the bridges would reduce congestion, pollution, and noise; and would enable commuters to have an alternative to driving.
These commuters already pay $9 a day in tolls, which is more than Congestion Pricing would charge.
JERRY KAHN
New York, N.Y.
Please address letters intended for publication to the Editor of The New York Sun. Letters may be sent by e-mail to editor@nysun.com, by facsimile to 212-608-7348, or post to 105 Chambers Street, new york City 10007. Please include a return address and daytime telephone number. Letters may be edited.
