Although he’s gone, his characters will live on
Forked River, N.J.: Among all the bad news going on, we learned of the tragic death of Gene Hackman and his wife. Their dog was also found deceased in their home. Hackman and his wife Betsy, a classical pianist, were living a happy life out of the spotlight, only to have their tragic deaths return them to it.
As a kid, I went to every Saturday matinee in my local theater no matter what movie was playing. Hackman was always at the forefront of those great movies of the ’70s and ’80s. He was a force of nature, whether he was playing tough street cop Popeye Doyle in “The French Connection” or being beyond funny in movies like “The Birdcage.” He showed us the ugliness of racism in the South as an FBI agent during the 1960s in “Mississippi Burning.” He won Academy awards for “The French Connection” and Clint Eastwood’s “The Unforgiven.” For generations of moviegoers, Hackman pulled you into the story and made you feel like you were a part of it. If you want to find that much-needed laugh during these times, check him out as U.S. Sen. Kevin Keely in “The Birdcage.” In one scene, he dresses in drag to avoid the press seeing him, and with a face like his, it was comedy gold.
I used to sit in that dark theater watching Hackman take up every part of that big screen with his incredible talent. Now that talent is gone so all I can say is we loved you, Gene, and we always will. The world is an emptier place without you. Jim Hughes
Soap drama
Jacksonville, Fla.: CBS has decided to gamble on premiering a new soap opera called “Beyond the Gates.” But 50 years ago, in November 1975, CBS decided to dump the best soap opera that ever aired, “The Edge of Night”! Listen, CBS, even after 50 years, the wounds have not healed! Just quit while you’re ahead! Carl J.C. Hafner
Meter malfeasance
Brooklyn: My husband was recently admitted to Mount Sinai Morningside, Old St. Luke’s Hospital on 114th St. in Manhattan. I drive into the city to visit him because I am afraid to take the train and be shoved off the platform. For the first visit, I found a spot on 114th St. I tried to pay the meter with coins but no matter how I tried, they did not accept the coins. I paid with my credit card. Visits two and three went with meters not accepting coins or credit cards. I tried four meters on the block and one on Amsterdam Ave. I disputed two tickets online with photographic evidence but alas, I am not a credible witness. I paid the tickets because I need my car to take my husband for his follow-up appointments. This is a nice money-making business for the city. Genevieve Stuber
Stolen spots
Staten Island: I’m sure this subject has made this column before, but I need to get it off my chest, especially due to some of the miscreants here on Staten Island. They seem to believe they have the privilege of parking their cars in disability spots even though they don’t possess a disability decal or license plate. What gives you the right to take away the right of people less physically or mentally capable than you to park in a space reserved for them? You better hope that you or a loved one doesn’t need a disability decal, but if they do, let’s see how you feel when you find some slob illegally parked there. Parking illegally in a disability spot can result in a fine ranging from $250 to $500 depending on specific circumstances and local regulations. This is considered a serious offense and may also lead to vehicle impoundment. Dennis Pascale
All whipped up
Bloomington, Ind.: Rachel Maddow, one of the highest-paid cable news personalities, has been causing quite a stir lately. Following the election, her world seems to be spiraling out of control. Due to the ratings drop at her network, she has faced a pay cut and the firings of some of her colleagues. She doesn’t appear to be handling it well. After the firing of race-baiter Joy Reid, she went on the air and not only criticized her employer but strongly hinted that racial preferences might be involved. MSNBC seems to be rolling with the punch; no action was taken against their biggest star, at least not yet. I never paid much attention to Maddow until this recent dust-up. I’m in awe of how adept she is at appearing genuinely concerned about issues that lack any basis in reality. Could it be the $25 million a year they’re paying her? Scott Thompson
Not a good look
Manhattan: Lately, our mayor has been pleading to God, President Trump, border czar Tom Homan, New Yorkers, Gov. Hochul and lawyers to billionaire stars like Jay-Z. New Yorkers are not drawn to desperate, begging mayors. I am still hoping he trades in his “I got this” look for an appropriate “I get this” one. Frankie Turchiano
Troubled term
Manhattan: Everything about the tumult surrounding Mayor Adams is troubling. That he has been charged with taking bribes is troubling. That he is playing footsie with President Trump is troubling. That he is playing the race card and blaspheming religion is troubling. That he accused Joe Biden for his predicament is troubling. However, the most troubling aspect of this unpleasant saga is that he has opened the door for Andrew Cuomo. I can’t believe I may have to listen to Cuomo’s whining voice for four more years. Steven Fromewick
Treacherous tantrum
Philadelphia: After Friday’s spectacle in the Oval Office, Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s abuse of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy constitutes treason. Only one outcome is justified: Impeach these barbarians. Bruce S. Ticker
Fired for nothing
Ozone Park: A letter from a MAGA supporter to Trump: “My dear Fuhrer: As a longtime fan and voter for your promised rebirth of America, I was completely blindsided when I received my termination notice. They said to mention five things I did at work last week. Lifting myself off the couch, I had to remember where exactly I worked, as I had used my 13 sick days in a row and my 26 days of vacation time before that, all in a row. I hope leaving the email blank doesn’t count against me. Condescendingly yours, Shocked Federal Employee.” Ray Hackinson
Resist conformity
Jefferson City, Tenn.: If we’re going to stop Elon Musk and Trump from becoming co-dictators, we need more representatives, Democrat and Republican, to stand up to him. I was watching the movie “1776” and one of the actors was portraying the representative from Georgia who was having difficulty separating his thoughts about supporting the Declaration of Independence from those of the people who elected him. Then he came upon a quote of Edmund Burke’s: “Your representative owes you not his industry only, but his judgment, and he betrays instead of serving you if he sacrifices it to your opinion.” In other words, vote for what’s best for our country, not the Republican Party or the MAGAs in your state or district, and especially not what Trump tells you. Sean M. Talty
Fight the power
Forest Hills: In the 1880s, disenfranchised overseers and formerly enslaved people organized to take back the country from the plantation owners. I think it might be time to redo that part of history rather than what we are seeing now. Stew Frimer
Rate racket
Brooklyn: I heard on the news that the price hike requested by Con Edison could impact New York households with a $1,000 annual increase for their electricity usage. I don’t think this huge increase is the result of inflation. Many New Yorkers have installed solar panels and lowered their electric bills. This has decreased Con Edison’s revenue. It does not look good for any corporate CEO to present his shareholders a picture of a declining revenue stream. So, what’s the easiest way to increase your revenue? You got it: Raise the price for the service you provide. Damo Baliga
