We don’t react to bad behavior now, we savor it
Bloomington, Ind.: There’s nothing quite so gratifying as expressing outrage when an elected official or celebrity from the opposing camp says or does something foolish or offensive. The spirited flogging that follows is rarely an expression of genuine wrath. More often, it’s a performance. Although we may seem incensed by the latest scandal, many of us are quite pleased to have another opportunity to critique our ideological adversaries. In an era when moral grandstanding often substitutes for genuine moral character, few things feel as satisfying as climbing onto the public high ground.
This isn’t to say the offenses that ignite outrage are always trivial. Some are serious, even reprehensible. However, our reactions often reveal more about tribal belonging than justice. To express fury online is to signal membership in a moral community that depends on a continuous supply of villains to sustain its sense of righteousness. Without fresh outrage, the performance stalls. Social media has supercharged this theater of indignation, making it easier and more addictive. With a single share or retweet, we can broadcast a moral judgment to an audience of hundreds or thousands. The more we participate, the more righteous we appear. This ritual rarely makes us better. Instead of cultivating empathy or understanding, it hardens us. We learn to relish the humiliation of adversaries rather than pursue justice; to savor their downfall rather than confront our own shortcomings.
Perhaps that’s the most brutal truth: we enjoy it! Outrage makes us feel alive, purposeful and morally centered. But as long as we keep indulging that pleasure, we risk becoming precisely what we condemn — people more interested in appearing good than in doing good. Scott Thompson
Soft target
Glasgow, Scotland: After reading the nasty, unkind, ghastly remarks made by America’s president, who shall remain unmentioned here, it comes as no surprise that his remarks were aimed at an intelligent, compassionate man like Rob Reiner and his wife Michele after their tragic death simply because they advocated kindness and love to people, the LGBTQ community for example, who did not fit into the mold of the perfect American, i.e. heterosexual Christians who are white, as promoted by your racist MAGA leader and his mindless minions. Rest in peace, Rob and Michele. The world already misses you. The world can’t wait to start missing your current president. William Ina Kay
Lower he’ll go
Carle Place, L.I.: The president’s Rob Reiner comment should come as no surprise. Is it his most vile post? To quote the narrator on the 1960s “Batman” TV show, “The worst is yet to come.” Rudy Rosenberg
Devoid of grace
Woodstock, N.Y.: We all know that President Trump wouldn’t know a Christian value from a large hole in the floor, but JD Vance pretends to be a practicing Catholic, while the MAGA Republicans thump the Bible every chance they get. So, why do we not hear compassion, empathy, sympathy and caring following the tragic murder of a lovely man — that would be Reiner — who lived his Judeo-Christian values of welcoming the stranger, caring for the needy and the sick, and loving one’s fellow man as one loves oneself? Not to mention putting his money toward causes that follow those same ideals. All we’re hearing from Trump and his butt-kissers is hate-filled rhetoric. Tell me where in either testament you would find such ugliness. Suzanne Hayes-Kelly
Delayed delivery
Manhattan: I had read a piece a few days back about likely major issues at regional USPS distribution centers owing to inadequate staffing under Trump. I can confirm that a package I have been expecting at my apartment has been languishing in the Queens Distribution Center for six days as I write this, with no further updates or new ETAs. What is going on over there? Have other Daily News readers been complaining about similar problems? Jerry P. Danzig
Digging himself deeper
Chicago: Trump is no longer simply a domestic thug, he’s now an international criminal, sinking ships in international waters and confiscating cargo that doesn’t belong to him. In doing so, he’s drawing comparisons to Vladimir Putin, who creates acts of violence and terrorism and waits for an anxious world to cry out for justice. One has to wonder when it will all stop since a third impeachment trial seems out of the question and an international court lacks the power to enforce any judgment. Doesn’t the Trumpster have enough on his plate with a faltering economy, popularity that’s at an all-time low and ballroom construction that’s already over budget? Something tells me 2026 will be quite a show, even if our president survives his diminishing cognition or those notoriously swollen ankles. A toast seems in order — to the survival of our democracy, with or without the aid and comfort of Trump. Bob Ory
Still on the air
Brooklyn: Funny how this past summer, the media was putting Howard Stern out to pasture. I never listen to rumors. Once again, Howard proves people wrong. As a 34-year Howard Stern fan, I must congratulate him on his new Sirius contract. Howard interacts with his fans daily and keeps it real. Robin Quivers, Fred Norris, Gary Dell’Abate (Bababooey) and Ronnie Mund have been by his side since forever — true loyalty. The show is a staple in his lifelong fans’ lives. I’m looking forward to more laughs, great interviews and some Richard and Sal antics. God bless the King of all Media on his incredible career. Merry Christmas to all. It’s just what I wanted and needed. Mariann Tepedino
Don’t let chaos reign
Staten Island: Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani should follow the policies of both Mayor Adams and Bill de Blasio and not allow the homeless encampments that only show a city that is out of control. This is the case in L.A., San Francisco and Portland, Ore. If the mayor-elect wants to pay for all the policies he wants to put into effect, he will need to show a city that is in control to keep his tax base from leaving. Richard Smith
Gas fails the grid
Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.: We’re not going to solve our energy problems with slogans, nor with the alarmist NYSIO report (“NYC grid is at risk, we must act now,” op-ed, Dec. 15). The wait for new gas turbines is as long as seven years. I’m tired of hearing about the alleged unreliability of solar and wind power. Battery energy storage technology has radically improved, enabling the capture of renewable energy to release at peak times, protecting the grid. Now that a judge has ruled that offshore wind projects can proceed, they can plug into the grid and provide energy faster than new gas plants, as can solar farms. Keeping gas in the mix means further investment in methane-leaking pipelines, a costly burden for ratepayers for decades. Gov. Hochul must pull out of the quid pro quo she made with Trump — Empire Wind for the NESE pipeline — and save New Yorkers from paying for it. Bridget McFadden
Constituency check
Bronx: When our leaders care more about catering to the mighty dollar than the best interests of our citizens, we have reached the fork in the road. Gun violence, environmental ruin, medical insurance survival is an afterthought. We must remind our representatives to represent us, not big business. Get off your bulging wallets and earn the respect you were supposed to work for. Let’s get people who want to better our lives, not destroy them. Mark Benveniste
Abundant ice
Yonkers: If the Rangers make the playoffs, at this point I hope they don’t have home ice advantage. David Swatowy
Poised to lose
North Arlington, N.J.: To Steve Cohen: You promised us a title within five years — it didn’t happen. You said we were going to be the Dodgers of the East, but that will never happen as long as David Stearns is general manager. He should be fired and you take over as GM until you can hire someone who is willing to spend on fan favorites and free agents. He doesn’t want to give long contracts to anyone over 30. Check the ages of the players on the Dodgers. Barbara Sciortino
