Dems whose time has past can’t meet this moment
Rockaway Park: I think that Sen. Chuck Schumer is a decent and honorable person. Those kind descriptions of him, however, were favorable for politicians before President Trump became president. The current Republican Party does not play by the same rules as politicians on both sides did 20 or 30 years ago. The rules of law and decency no longer apply.
Think about all the convicted criminals Trump has pardoned since he returned to office. There is no such thing as compromise under Trump’s party. It seems to be their way or the highway since they took control of Congress and the White House. There is no compassion for the average American, especially those considered Democrats.
Because of these factors, politicians like Schumer are dinosaurs from a past time. It’s time for a different type of leadership within the Democratic Party — young men and women who are prepared to fight power even when their power is limited. People who are willing to confront all of the chaos happening to the country now head-on. Leaders who want to take an offensive position and not always be on defense.
With so many negative things happening in the United States right now that are unpopular, you would think that would be easy. When was the last time you saw or heard of a national news conference being called by Democratic leadership to point out the many negative things they thought were affecting everyday Americans? The rules have changed thanks to Trump. The Democratic Party needs leaders now to match the times and situations facing the country. Anthony Johnson
Degraded leadership
Bronx: When we were young, the term “leader” meant that when someone who was in control was faced with a problem of the day, they would rise to the occasion, and with help from their team, would solve it. When we got older, the term meant that even with frailties and bumpy roads, the solutions were far better than the position we started in. Today, our problems center around our current leaders and the lack of empathy they have for anyone, and who serve their self-interests alone. Take a hard look at the quality of the people in our leadership positions. Do not be satisfied. We deserve better. Mark Benveniste
At the scene of the crime
Brooklyn: The Republicans and right-wing media are claiming that because Virginia Giuffre stated that Trump was a “perfect gentleman” in the hours he spent with her on Jeffrey Epstein’s island of ill repute, it proves that Trump never engaged in any misconduct. Needless to say, there were many other underage teenage girls there, and Trump was Epstein’s guest many times. Moreover, Trump spent “hours” with the teenage Giuffre. Doing what exactly? Playing chess? Was that appropriate behavior for a married middle-aged man? I wonder what Melania thinks of all this. Of course, Trump’s MAGA base will give him a pass. Dennis Middlebrooks
Scandal branding
Bronx: It’s time this escalating scandal be called by its proper name: Epsteingate! Carlos B. Martinez
Confiscate & distribute
Briarwood: Trump starved 42 million SNAP-eligible Americans whose benefits were denied, delayed or halved despite contingency funds being available during the shutdown; 34% are children, 33% elderly and 18% disabled. American military spending is $997 billion, but a paltry $8 billion for November SNAP benefits shall be halved and December possibly denied. This is all resultant from Trump’s unfair budget resolution rewarding corporations and oligarchs and punishing Obamacare recipients with loss of tax credits and grossly increasing insurance premiums in this privatized health care system. Now Trump is threatening a federal cutoff in aid to NYC. His excuse is a “communist” Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist. Well, I have a political solution in 2029: a Black female communist as president, Dr. Angela Davis, former Black Panther. Confiscate Trump’s ill-gained wealth and illegal foreign emoluments, then redistribute the monies to the American people — true communism in practice. Joseph N. Manago
Nothing’s free
Manhattan: Mamdani the magician doesn’t understand that New York is affordable for the people who have worked hard in a capitalistic society, who climbed the ladder of success to enjoy all that New York has to offer. Nothing is free in New York. The fools voting for Mamdani will be surprised that nothing will be free because the people who are supposed to pay for it will be gone. If only academia would teach history and parents would do their job and teach morals, ethics and values. If you can’t do that and you can’t afford to have children (taxpayers are tired of paying for your childcare), then don’t have children. Socialism, communism and Marxism are a malignant cancer in a free society. Millions have innocently died with despots who tried it. Too bad every Mamdani voter hasn’t experienced life in Venezuela or Cuba. J.R. Cummings
Don’t deflect
Manhattan: Voicer Libby Gurgis misses my main point. Firstly, I challenged The News to give Mamdani a chance, not Gurgis. Statements by The News carry a bit more weight and influence than hers do. Surprisingly, she admits that Israel committed war crimes. Why no condemnation of them? She takes “criticizing Israel equals antisemitism” to the next illogical conclusion. She clearly believes that a Jew who criticizes Israel is a friend of Hamas who wishes to shake their hand in friendship. My letter didn’t even hint at that. Israel committed war crimes and genocide. Being against Israel’s destruction of Gaza is not a statement against Jews, nor is it an acceptance or forgiveness of Hamas. This N.Y. Jew is insulted that anyone takes his condemnation of Israel as anything more than a condemnation of Israel. Perhaps Gurgis can focus on Israel’s conduct without any whataboutism to deflect the seriousness of its rampage through Gaza. Steven Davies
Warriors at war
Bedford, N.Y.: For the elucidation of Voicer Libby Gurgis, Hamas didn’t randomly execute Palestinians. Hamas investigated the death of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a 27-year-old Palestinian journalist, a day after the ceasefire, and found out that he had been targeted for assassination by the Israeli occupation forces. The thugs who slaughtered the young man were indeed Palestinian, hired and paid by Israel to kill Saleh. Hamas served justice justly. By the way, Saleh is among the almost 300 Palestinian journalists assassinated by Israel in the last two years. In comparison, during the two-plus years of Russian invasion of Ukraine, fewer than 25 journalists were killed, and none were specifically targeted. Céline Secada
Pollyannish version
Newton, N.J.: To Voicer Jeff Converse: You’re completely out of touch with reality and totally ignorant of the facts. If all the J6 protestors did was, as you claim, “show up on that cold January morning,” no one would have ever been prosecuted. But we all know — except, apparently, you, Jeff — that they invaded the Capitol, attacked police, sought to murder Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi, and contributed to the deaths of five Capitol Police officers. And for what? It’s been proven that the 2020 election was not rigged. Jeff, you’re either ignorant of the facts or you were there on Jan. 6. I suspect both. Michael Schnackenberg
Honor the franchise
Manhattan: The Giants owners seem to finally recognize part of their problem. Mike Lupica said it all (“Darnold and Jones were just in the wrong place,” Nov. 16). Danny Jones was let go. He has blossomed with a new coach. One of the best running backs in years was let go. The general manager who made those decisions must go with his coach. The Giants have desperately needed a good offensive line for years. The last two Super Bowl wins were won with a very clutch quarterback, a great offensive line and a great defense. Oh yes, and a very good coach. The Giants have a long and rich history in the NFL. The last 12 years have tarnished that. It’s time for ownership to live up to that great heritage. Aaron Priest
Clear the streets
Brooklyn: I don’t understand why the horse-drawn carriages are allowed on the streets. I thought they were only allowed in Central Park. That’s where they should be. Barbara Giuliano
