Take action for the health care New York needs
Brooklyn: I am writing in strong support of the New York Health Act, crucial legislation that would guarantee comprehensive universal health care for all New Yorkers. By eliminating financial barriers, this bill ensures that health care is a right, not a privilege. The law would lower overall costs, improve health outcomes and provide much-needed relief to families and businesses burdened by high insurance premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
The law is so crucial due to the widespread effects of unaffordable health care. According to the 2018 Healthy CUNY survey, “Nearly 33,000 undergraduates, or 13.5%, reported that some health problem had interfered with their school work.” Students who receive reliable and affordable health care are able to spend less and manage their wellness while maintaining grades.
Growing up, my family struggled to make ends meet whenever an injury occurred and a hospital bill came due. Many times, when one of us did not feel well, we would do every home remedy possible to avoid receiving medical assistance and a bill that would impact our lives and ability to find funds for other essentials. Having to choose between your health and your next meal or your utility bills is something nobody should have to experience.
More than ever, we need to urge our elected officials to pass the New York Health Act to receive universal free health care. I urge readers to contact those in your area via phone, email and campaigns. Your voice and support can make a great difference on a topic that affects us all. Mia Molano
The 11th hour
Jackson Heights: After the numerous extensions for obtaining a Real ID, many people are now panicking before the May 7 deadline. These are probably the same procrastinators who started their school term papers the Sunday night before Monday’s due date — like me. Glenn B. Jacobi
Repeat offenders
Saugerties, N.Y.: I just watched ABC News report two stories about a person being shot and killed and another about an off-duty cop having his car hijacked, and he was shot while escaping. They reported that the suspects have been arrested numerous times and were let go. How does this continually happen in NYC? How come these people are let go to do the same thing or worse? Why are the same people committing crimes over and over again and not being punished? Stanley Cable
Labor leaders
Brooklyn: I always find it strange when people like Voicer Chris Lee complain about union members being overpaid, with the inference that they’re undeserving of the pay they earn, and portray them as lazy and unworthy of respect. Just like in any work environment, there are always some who don’t seem to pull their fair share of the workload. Union members don’t have a monopoly on that kind of behavior. The most troubling thing, though, is how it seems like there’s a race to the bottom where, instead of making strides to uplift the quality of work, salary and benefits for all, there’s the argument that everyone should earn less to make it even. Unions have been fighting to improve working conditions for decades. Maybe Lee and others need to ask why everyone can’t have the same benefits as union members instead of the other way around. Wanda Peakes
Disciplinary demerits
Brooklyn: Universities’ refusals to adopt President Trump’s demands to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs, ban masks at campus protests, enact merit-based hiring and admissions reforms and combat antisemitism, so as not to “surrender their independence or its constitutional rights,” as expressed by Harvard President Alan M. Garber, are deceitful and show the sinister atmosphere that has gripped our universities. Trump is not asking them to modify their math or science curriculum. He’s asking them to adopt policies that make campuses safe for all students, hold individuals accountable for inciting students to violence, and reward students who excel in academics. These are policies that would curtail schools’ independence or constitutional rights? The heads of these institutions seem to be as irrational as some of their students. It’s a disgrace. They never should have received government support in the first place. Josh Greenberger
Proof of concept
New Rochelle, N.Y.: I never thought of our president as an analytic, data-driven strategist, but I was wrong. When considering a novel, risky, expensive new product, procedure or process, a savvy businessman will run a smaller-scale operation to verify the idea — or better yet, have someone else foot the bill for the trial run and use their results. Here’s where I give Trump credit. He let a dictator violate 80 years of post-World War II norms and invade a less powerful neighbor in order to gain territory while the international community did nothing. This was his proof of concept on the cheap. Watch out, Canada! Richard Rodrigue
Going down
Peters Township, Pa.: It didn’t take long for the reckless and irresponsible actions of the Trump administration to translate into damage to consumer and investor confidence and to the economy and stock market. Even Trump has had to acknowledge that a recession is possible this year, and if that happens, it will be because he is choosing to walk right into it with eyes wide open. Tariffs and the threat of them, and a rampage of firings and threats of firing career federal civil service employees, are not winning strategies. The president who promised he would bring prices down on Day One has set that aside in his pursuit of destroying the federal government, and to exact revenge on those he feels contributed to efforts to hold him accountable for alleged crimes. Will reason and good judgment ultimately prevail before it’s too late? I wouldn’t bet on it. Oren Spiegler
Nobody dumber
Bronx: In response to Voicer Bob Cavaliere’s comment, “Expect dumb people to get elected and do dumb things,” I can’t help wondering if he meant those who voted for Trump. Just asking. Mary Ann Guarneri
Devil-may-care
Ashburn, Va.: Trump isn’t the first president to ignore decisions of U.S. courts. During President Andrew Jackson’s autocratic rule from 1829 to 1837, the Supreme Court issued a decision Jackson didn’t like. His response, according to some sources: “John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it!” Jackson’s refusal to respect the court’s decision resulted in the forced deportation of the Cherokee Nation from Georgia and the notorious Trail of Tears, where close to 17,000 Cherokee died during their exile westward. I’m guessing the consequences of Trump’s deportation policy in defiance of the courts — he’s even deported three children who are U.S. citizens, one a 4-year-old with cancer — will be devastating, too. Mike Barrett
Catastrophe is coming
Milwaukee: During a recent congressional hearing, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse provided a stern warning regarding “the very dark economic stormclouds that are on the horizon that relate to climate change.” Whitehouse explained that increased coastal flooding and wildfire risk are propelling our nation toward a home insurance and property value collapse that will impact the entire economy. Consider that in 2016, Freddie Mac’s Economic and Housing Research group reported: “Rising sea levels and spreading flood plains… appear likely to destroy billions of dollars in property and to displace millions of people. The economic losses and social disruption may happen gradually, but they are likely to be greater in total than those experienced in the housing crisis and Great Recession.” Urgently reducing greenhouse gas emissions and funding adaptation should be a top priority for every politician who is concerned about national security and economic stability. Terry Hansen
Sacred numbers
Manhattan: Re “Sack that talk! Carter says he wants to wear LT’s No. 56” (April 26): Numbers 56 and 11 are off-limits, even if the Giants have a policy of un-retiring numbers. I was in Giants Stadium for both home playoff games in January 1987, watching Lawrence Taylor, Phil Simms and the rest of that legendary team. I later met both men in Midtown Manhattan during the 25th anniversary celebration of their first Super Bowl win. I respect Abdul Carter, arguably the most talented player in the 2025 draft. But those jersey numbers and my childhood memories are sacred. Adam Silbert
