For protesters, the consequences have a purpose
Manhattan: Re “Anti-ICE pols speak up” (Dec. 1): I’m a lifelong Democrat and a veteran of anti-Vietnam War protests, sit-ins/demonstrations and occasionally a little bit of civil disobedience. If I blocked cars from driving like protesters did on Canal St. last week or sat-in at a college and effectively shut it down, I was prepared to be arrested and charged for my misdemeanors. I was never arrested. However, if I was, I would have proudly gone through the system and received my adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (ACD), my small fine, a day or two in public service, or outright dismissal. If I stood before a judge, I was prepared to proudly and publicly admit what I had done and the reason.
What I never expected was to have my own political leaders screaming that I should be let off without any charges simply because they thought my cause was just. Perhaps those leaders have been exposed to MAGA too long, watching them construct two separate rules of law — one for those with them and one for those against.
Democrats are yearning for new, vibrant leadership. As I consider who is worth following, a few minimum requirements would have to be met: excellent reading and English comprehension skills, a love of the U.S. Constitution, and an understanding of what is meant by equal justice under the law. They could start by explaining how the First Amendment’s right to “peaceably assemble” to present grievances depends on what your grievance is.
If I refuse to accept the selfish ignorance of MAGA cultists, I certainly won’t accept it from my own political leaders, who should know better. Steven Fromewick
The law’s the law
Sunnyside: Re “Putting heat on ICE” (Nov. 30): I know which way the Daily News leans, but couldn’t we show just a little bit of support for federal law enforcement officers who are simply enforcing a 73-year-old immigration law that Congress passed long before President Trump? As for the protesters, protesting is a right that we should all cherish in this country. But need I remind you and others that any interference with federal agents who are performing their duties is a federal crime? Brian Michael
Fight Club
Manhattan: Leading Democratic senators are banding together to unseat Sen. Chuck Schumer as Senate Democratic leader, and not a moment too soon. Led by Sens. Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, and joined by more moderate but equally determined voices against President Trump’s rolling over Congress to establish an authoritarian regime, they are calling themselves the Fight Club. Sens. Chris Von Hollen, Chris Murphy, Brian Schatz and Corey Booker, all outspoken, have joined the effort. These are leaders who have stepped into the void left by Democratic inaction typified by Schumer’s weak leadership. It’s time we had fighters in Congress to stand in the way of Trump’s deep unfairness to most Americans while bowing-and-scraping billionaires are buying Trump’s favors and getting richer at our expense. Diana Christopher
Everything is awful
Bronx: Trump has 34 counts against him. He is a felon. He never paid his taxes. He’s cutting Medicaid, the SNAP program and Social Security, messing with school programs and messing with the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Trump is racist. Now he wants to build a $300 million ballroom. People need housing, not a ballroom. And he is cutting our health programs. This man is sick. Marlene Francis
Perpetual distress
Bronx: This American will be flying my American flag upside down until that punk Trump is out of the White House. I can’t believe that this rat got away with what he did on Jan. 6, 2021. People died because of him. This piece of garbage should be in prison, not the White House. Trump is a traitor. Doris Festante
Sycophant state
Morristown, N.J.: When Trump won the presidency, a new regime had to be assembled. The cabinet, one of the most consequential bodies in American governance, was filled not with independent thinkers or seasoned public servants, but with loyalists molded in his image. Authenticity has vanished. In its place we see bullying, bragging and gaslighting because that’s what Trump rewards. They lie even when the truth is obvious. They know there will be no consequences. What’s most disturbing is the arrogance — not earned through knowledge, experience or competence, but through proximity to power. When asked a legitimate question about their responsibilities, they might as well shrug and say, “What he said.” This is what happens when elections are treated like reality shows instead of solemn civic decisions. Elections have consequences. And we’re living them. Pete Begley
Go-to guy
Los Angeles: To Voicer Katherine A. Moloney: Why is Jared Kushner at the negotiating table between Ukraine and Russia? The answer is simple: Kushner is the point man for getting the corrupt Trump Organization and family’s grubby hands on the valuable resources of Ukraine. Amelia Bissonette
Capitulation
Londonderry, N.H.: The proposed peace plan to end Russia’s devastating war in Ukraine gives Russia impetus to conduct future warfare to expand further west into Europe. Russia would retain the land it occupied during the invasion, which is one-fifth of Ukraine. And Ukraine would have to reduce the size of its military, agree not to join NATO and not allow NATO troops on its territory. Ukraine would receive a guarantee from the U.S. for security protection, but the U.S. guaranteed that protection in 1994 if Ukraine agreed to disarm its nuclear weapons and send them to Russia. Ukraine complied, and Russia invaded Ukraine in 2014 and 2022. This reminds me of the Munich Agreement signed by Neville Chamberlain and Adolf Hitler, which included ceding part of Czechoslovakia to Hitler for his promise not to further expand into Europe. Subsequently, Hitler occupied a large part of Europe. Donald Moskowitz
Black Friday blackout
Manhattan: While newscasters were breathlessly covering the beginning of the shopping season this Thanksgiving, many Americans chose to stay home on Black Friday and offline on Cyber Monday. Protests like the “Mass Blackout,” an economic strike on big companies from Nov. 25 through Dec. 2, and “We Ain’t Buying It,” a boycott of Trump administration enablers Target, Home Depot and Amazon, had participants flexing their economic power by sitting out the holiday spending spree. Major companies have been openly bribing Trump for favors while the American people watch in horror as corruption and cruelty rise all around us. Withholding our disposable income is more than a symbol. We want to hurt these companies’ bottom lines to show them that the power of their customers is bigger than the bennies they’re getting from the administration. Let’s support small businesses, buy from local arts and craft makers or gift donations to good causes. Brooke Pierce
Sound a warning
Brooklyn: When I was growing up, anyone with a bicycle put a horn or bell on it. I am very much in favor of registering, licensing and insuring all motorized vehicles, electric and otherwise, and their operators. But until that time, every vehicle must be required to have a horn or bell, or operators to at least have a whistle. Maybe pedestrians and other drivers could be warned that a speeding vehicle is approaching with no intention of slowing down or yielding the right-of-way. L. Veneroni
Time caught up
Manhattan: It’s amazing that two rap music moguls from the 1990s East Coast/West Coast rap wars, Diddy and Suge Knight, are in jail. I grew up in that era and saw how it cost the lives of rappers Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. Also, Diddy is lucky the judge didn’t give him life. He abused women, has power and ripped off his artists during his time at Bad Boy Records! Cassie isn’t innocent. She participated in the freak-offs when she could’ve said no, but she didn’t deserve to be beaten. So, Diddy, you reap what you sow. Enjoy losing your freedom. You’re still accountable for taking Notorious B.I.G. to L.A., risking his life after the death of Tupac on Sept. 13, 1996. Sean Felder
Go farther
Brooklyn: Why don’t you make the print in the newspaper smaller and the shading lighter? This way, no one can read the articles and the comics, and you can stop printing this garbage altogether. Robyn Sandberg
