Letters

I was disappointed to see this newspaper publish a list of the names and addresses of the top water users in Southampton and East Hampton towns [“The Water Hogs Of The Hamptons,” Residence, August 4]. None of the families listed has broken any laws, and I would imagine that each of them has installed geothermal systems as a way to protect the environment rather than to be wasteful. Why shame these residents with private information that could put them at risk, instead of simply publishing an article explaining how water usage can be reduced?

It also did not go unnoticed that the homes of the largest water users were referred to as “mansions” in the article, with their properties called “estates.” This is a constantly repeating pattern in this newspaper, which seeks to divide us based on income and religion and ethnicity on a weekly basis.

Those of us who have lived here for a very long time have all gotten along very well, and the newspaper and outside groups, with no knowledge of our shared history and cultures, will not succeed in destroying this vibrant and beautiful place that so many of us are fortunate to call home

Walter Deane

Southampton