Working together, we the people have the power
West Babylon, L.I.: If we are concerned about the capture of our institutions to ideological litmus tests from the left and right, the worst thing we can do is self-censor to improve our reputation. If we’re concerned about political violence eroding the democratic process, the worst thing we can do is act like our words and actions don’t contribute to the problem.
If we support separate and coequal branches of government, the worst thing we can do is willingly cede those powers when our “side” is in charge. If we’re concerned about the lack of economic competitiveness, the worst thing we can do is grant the government unprecedented control over the private sector while drowning us in debt to fund pet projects and weakening the value of the dollar. If we’re concerned about the greatest threat to world peace since the start of this century, the worst thing we can do is lie to our fellow citizens, saying a combination of everything is our concern, nothing is our concern, everything can be solved immediately, and we can fund everything we want to fund all at once.
If we want strong families and communities centered on a moral reawakening, the worst thing we can do is listen to who is right rather than what is right — to pay lip service to good moral values while ignoring them when it suits our partisan or personal needs. The power of all of us together is a force that can captivate and influence the minority, many of whom hold positions of power, who treat our country as a reality television show. Who will stand and be counted? Greg DeLapi
Running roughshod
Kew Gardens: What will it take to stop President Trump and his destruction of our democracy? Millions spent on constructing a larger ballroom, gilding the Oval Office, arresting citizens, pardoning criminals for his own gains and trying to prosecute individuals who might challenge him. This is only the beginning, and with all of this, the Republicans are taking away any assistance Americans might need. Between their greed and trying to say they have Christian values, my head may explode. Leslie Duzant
Give to who needs it
Toronto: If the Department of Justice were to award $230 million to Trump as he may request, where would the money come from? Exactly — all us taxpayers! As a taxpayer, I would prefer that any portion of the $230 million I would contribute be spent on more useful and charitable purposes. Providing health care and food to those who may not otherwise be able to afford to do so themselves may be a more heartfelt use of the money than putting it into Trump’s pocket or building a ballroom for the already privileged, rich or advantaged. Peter Earle
Hostile territory
Brooklyn: Trump wrote on Truth Social on Thursday, “The Federal Government was preparing to ‘surge’ San Francisco, California, on Saturday, but friends of mine who live in the area called last night to ask me not to go forward with the surge in that the Mayor, Daniel Lurie, was making substantial progress.” Friends in San Francisco? Yeah, right, and I have friends on the moon. Peter Magnotta
He’s done it before
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: This may not come as a surprise, but Trump lies about architecture, too. In 1980, when he tore down the Bonwit Teller building for Trump Tower, he promised to save and donate the original friezes on the front. Instead, he tore them down and destroyed them. In July, he promised that the original East Wing would not be touched for his ballroom. Instead, he torn it all down. He also promised that he and donors would be paying for it. Guess who’s going to be stuck with the bill? Bob English
Bully politics
Edgewater, N.J.: With nonstop crowing for almost a year, the GOP has been trying to deceive us that its “landslide” election trifecta allows it to govern alone, but everyone knew in May that the minority party was still needed when Sen. Chuck Schumer voted to keep the government funded, for which he incurred much wrath from his own party. Despite that, the majority scoffed, trounced on this olive branch and, through quirky rules of the Senate, proceeded to ram through their Big Beastly Bill. Now they need the minority party but still won’t admit that their “mandate” is insufficient to go solo, so the perfect solution is to blame the minority even though the majority holds most of the reins of power. Why should the minority have any reason to trust the majority’s promise that it will negotiate in good faith once they help them reopen our government? Jay K. Egelberg
Dark humor
Forest Hills: To Vice President JD Vance: If you really believe that comments about the Holocaust, Nazis, concentration camps, gas chambers and ovens are just jokes, I would like to make you an offer, or at least a suggestion: We go on a trip together to Dachau. I’ll pay for the trip. We visit there together but on one condition: We both have to wear those striped uniforms. In fact, your staff does (many of my family did, and boy what a laugh that was — our favorite song was “I’ll Be Home for Himmler”). Anyway, let’s go together. It will be painful for me, I assure you, but it’s worth it. C’mon, JD, come with me. We’ll have a good laugh. It’s just a joke. Stew Frimer
Desired legacy?
West Orange, N.J.: I would ask Curtis Sliwa how he would like to be remembered — as the heroic leader of the Guardian Angels or the man who helped Zohran Mamdani get elected? Miriam Sheff
Party disloyalty
Brooklyn: Mayor Adams has endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor. This is amazing. Eric has sold his soul to the Devil. The rules have always been that if a person wins the primary, he or she gets the endorsement of the party — except now. Many Democratic leaders have not endorsed Mamdani, like Chuck Schumer. The same has happened with the Republicans. Sliwa has been running for office for years and now folks want him to drop out and want Republicans to vote for Cuomo, who is an independent. Unbelievable! Don’t trust man, trust God. Carol Atkins
Choosing violence
Long Beach, L.I.: I hope the voters vote in favor of law and order and against all those refusing to condemn violence, and who are instead provoking unbridled hatred, and condoning and inspiring criminal behavior demonstrated by a Texas representative on Thursday. God help and save America like Charlie Kirk was trying to do. Arlene Reilly
End it already
Park Ridge, N.J.: The war in Ukraine continued with the bombing of a school occupied by kindergarten children the other day. Wars used to be waged where military and other strategic places were targets. Russia has been bombing and shelling schools, hospitals and apartment buildings since the war began, and our answer and the world’s answer has been sanctions. The “don’t poke the bear” response was adopted because no one wants a war with Russia, but to allow thousands of people to continue to be killed is wrong. Trump talks about concessions by each side and suggests that Ukraine might have to give up land to end the war. How about if the U.S., NATO, European countries and the rest of the world tell Russia to pull out its troops and pay reparations for this unwarranted, illegal assault on a sovereign nation? Steve Ostlund
Didn’t choke
Maspeth: Kudos and God bless to two NYPD officers, Botirjon Botirov and Gabriel Gonzalez, who responded to save a choking 10-month-old baby boy! Video shows the methodical and determined efforts to save one of our youngest NYC residents! They are two basically rookie partners, and as we see by their names, as usual, a diverse representation of the grand mosaic of our exemplary police force! Good press is deserved! Thank you to our brave and dedicated men and women in blue! I know one family that will truly have a Thanksgiving this year! Again, God bless! J.C. Makowski
