Hollow military worship perpetuates war-making
Port Orange, Fla.: I love this time each year. All the flags waving and ceremonial heads hung in honor of our “fallen heroes” and “brave warriors.” Hogwash! Go onto YouTube or wherever and watch the 1971 Winter Soldier Investigation hearings. See former soldiers explaining the horror and devastation our government orchestrated through these men used as pawns in Southeast Asia, just like in all the phony wars since World War II.
The corporate sports world, dominated by those who run our empire, falls in line. Last weekend, sports teams wore the “colors of war” khaki military hats and jackets, a love-fest replete with honor guards and moist-eyed singers. Many in those crowds of adoring fans (short for its origin, fanatics) think America is still at war. President Trump and his cabal even renamed the War Department. When a nation is at war, the need for loyalty expands. Anyone not in step with this fascination with American exceptionalism must be a traitor or “terrorist supporter.”
The sad truth is that our military has been used and abused for so long. The men and women who join and put on those lovely uniforms seem to misunderstand. National Guard personnel were pushed into active duty during the illegal and immoral war on Iraq. Trump & Co. are doing it again. Does anyone remember the Kent State massacre? This is how close our country is dangling toward a fall to fascism. Let’s hope that more of our young soldiers, sailors, airmen and Guard begin saying “No more kings” when called upon to do the dirty against innocent foreigners here and abroad. They all deserve better. Philip A. Farruggio
Sit-down strike
Whitestone: I guess it was a little too cold for the commie-elect Zohran Mamdani to march in the Veterans Day Parade. Instead, he went to sit and visit with veterans and stay warm. This little incompetent boy is not kidding anybody. New York is too strong of a state and will definitely put a stop to this socialist movement. Gene O’Brien
Collect your things
Flushing: Congratulations to Curtis Sliwa for getting a smidge over 7% of the vote in the NYC mayoral election — you actually exceeded any rational expectations. Now, can you come pick up the campaign signs and posters that are a visual blight all over Queens? Robert Smith
A doomed brand
Kew Gardens: Well before Trump’s term ends, he and his authoritarian MAGA extremists will become repugnant to most Americans. Officeholders on both sides of the political aisle who blindly bend a knee to or are cowed by the president will have difficulty securing constituency votes in the future, particularly if there is no improvement on affordability, health insurance coverage and living standards for working families. Consequently, expect Americans to vote for representatives who will better address their concerns, along with preserving our freedoms and our democracy. Glenn Hayes
Quit while ahead
Clinton, N.Y.: Sen. Chuck Schumer was not playing three-dimensional chess when he allowed his caucus to fold to a GOP in thrall to Trump. People were facing steep hikes in their health plans. Trump’s ratings were nosediving. The majority of people blamed Trump and the GOP for the shutdown. The Democrats, emboldened by massive electoral wins, should have directed a coherent, unified message to the American people: Democrats are the ones defending ordinary people while Trump rations food and medicine and throws parties for billionaires. Schumer’s accomplishment? Enraging the millions of people fighting for democracy and the needs of all working people. That fight will continue. Schumer and the eight senators who voted yes on ending the shutdown must go. Food lines illustrate the chaos ahead. Voters know it’s time to evict the GOP from political office. Diane Matza
Impotent opposition
Manhattan: I’m elated by the blue-wave results of last week’s election, a loud message to Trump and the GOP that their actions are toxic to the American people. That should have strengthened the spines of the wavering Democrats who were negotiating a side deal with the GOP on the shutdown. Instead, Schumer capitulated, voting no to end the shutdown but picking eight Democrats to supply the necessary yes votes. And what do we get for that? Absolutely nothing. Not health care, which was the Democrats’ main demand. The GOP is not going to prevent millions of Americans from losing their ACA insurance that they can’t afford anymore. This while Trump continues to defy federal court orders to deliver SNAP benefits. He parties and builds gilded palaces while Americans get sick and starve. Schumer is no leader. It’s time for him to be replaced by someone principled who can unify the caucus. Ilana Wallach
Mockery of freedom
Brooklyn: Demon-spawn Donny can issue all the pardons and Medals of Freedom he wants. This doesn’t take away the fact that we all know the recipients are criminals and frauds. Sludge such as Rudy Ghoul-iani belong in prison, along with his pal Trump! It’s shameful that the Presidential Medal of Freedom has now been reduced to a piece of worthless metal. I long for the days when we once again have a president with integrity, class and true regard for the country and her citizens. Hopefully, these dark days will be behind us soon, and karma will be “awarded” to those who are so deserving. Susan A. Cassano
Late-night libel
Brooklyn: I am left to wonder when Jimmy Kimmel is going to confirm that Trump and Dallas ICE facility shooter Joshua Jahn were long-time golfing buddies at Mar-a-Lago. Frank Congiusta
Leave animals out of it
Norfolk, Va.: Re “Radio City Rockettes begin rehearsal for 2025 Christmas Spectacular” (Oct. 15): Nothing throws a pall over the holiday season more than dejected, depressed animals plodding through their tired paces. Forcing captive animals to serve as props in the “Christmas Spectacular” is the antithesis of compassion and kindness. There’s nothing “spectacular” about trucking animals into the city and making them participate in shows that frighten and confuse them. It’s stressful and unnatural for animals to be on stage or stored in windowless backstage holding pens. Camels, sheep and donkeys are meant to be grazing, socializing and going about their business, not serving as Nativity scene backdrop. During the holidays, goodwill should take center stage, and there are many ways to celebrate that don’t compromise animals’ well-being. This holiday season, give animals the best gift of all by refusing to buy a ticket to displays that exploit them. Jennifer O’Connor, senior writer, PETA Foundation
Underpaid everyday heroes
Farmingdale, N.J.: FDNY EMS workers are paid $18 an hour? Is this a joke? What’s the take-home pay after taxes, $12 an hour or less? I’m glad EMS is always on duty for all the people. As we all know, we can’t live without their services. Let’s speak out for EMS and thank them for all they do. Pay them $30 an hour, for starters, no less. When I’ve heard sirens when my husband and I have each needed them, I was glad to hear it. That sound saved my husband’s life. JoAnn Dier
Flawed from the top
Manhattan: The N.Y. Giants announced that head coach Brian Daboll has been relieved of his duties. “We spoke this morning about the direction of our franchise on the field, and we have decided that, at this time, it is in our best interest to make a change at the head coaching position,” President John Mara and Chairman Steve Tisch said in a joint statement. “The past few seasons have been nothing short of disappointing, and we have not met our expectations for this franchise. We understand the frustrations of our fans, and we will work to deliver a significantly improved product.” How about getting a team and an owner? The revolving door of coaches and general managers only proves that the ownership isn’t right. The Giants hired George Young as general manager on Feb. 14, 1979. He was suggested by NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Maybe the NFL needs to get involved again. Edward Drossman
Transformation needed
Plainview, L.I.: Mike Kafka is probably not related to famed author Franz Kafka, whose short story “Metamorphosis” told of an ordinary human somehow being transformed into a “monstrous vermin.” But hopefully, this Kafka can somehow metamorphose this “monstrous vermin” of a 2-8 team into next season’s Super Bowl champions. Richard Siegelman
