Morality is hollow when it’s only in hindsight
Los Altos, Calif.: Omar El Akkad’s new book “One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This” is a searing indictment of the West’s moral collapse in the face of Israel’s assault on Gaza. The title stems from a viral tweet El Akkad posted in October 2023, lamenting how people often only condemn atrocities once it’s too late — when there’s no risk, and no accountability.
In a recent interview, El Akkad, a former journalist and acclaimed author, reflects on his complicity in systems of violence: “I live on the launching side of the missiles,” he says, confronting the ease with which Western citizens can look away from suffering funded by their taxes. His book explores how people rationalize injustice and how the liberal West often fails to live up to its professed values.
Raised in Qatar after his family fled Egypt, El Akkad once idealized the West as a haven of freedom and open discourse. But after living here, he saw that dissent is often silenced, especially when it challenges entrenched power.
El Akkad also condemns Western media’s double standard: Evan Gershkovich’s detention in Russia drew global outrage, while the deaths of more than 200 Palestinian journalists have barely registered.
His book is both a personal reckoning and a powerful call to confront the horrors unfolding in real time — not in hindsight, when it’s safe. Jagjit Singh
Whitewashed hate
Brooklyn: A woman in her neighborhood of Crown Heights was hit with garbage pails and a red safety cone, kicked in the back twice, punched and pushed while a mob of mostly Orthodox Jewish men screamed and chanted “Death to all Arabs.” Remarkably, all of this happened while an NYPD officer was trying to rush her away. And no outrage? No charges? The media is such a one-way street. It’s shameful. Jim Carney
Core community
Brooklyn: May is Jewish American History Month (JAHM) and this year, perhaps more than any other in recent memory, everyone should show respect. It’s important for Jews and allies to honor the accomplishments and stories of American Jews, and it’s also worthwhile for antisemites to drop their hatred, at least briefly, and listen to and respect our stories. We are here and we aren’t going away. Jewish men and women have contributed so much to the American saga. Ellen Levitt
Sacrifice exemption
Manhattan: Voicer John Procida might have a point when he calls for all Americans to sacrifice to save America, as he remembers from the Great Depression and World War II. But he forgets that all Americans — the rich, too — made sacrifices. Top corporate executives became “dollar-a-year” men working in Washington. The income tax rate on the wealthiest was 94% in 1944. The tax on capital gains was 90%. Today, it is 37% and 20%, and it’s common for most billionaires to pay far less. I’m willing to do my share, but forgive my cynicism when I see President Trump moving to extend tax cuts for the likes of Elon Musk. No sacrifices for the rich in their America. Michael Barnhart
At odds
Redondo Beach, Calif.: Trump has started a cold war with Canada. John Chevedden
Grifter government
Smithfield, R.I.: I recall it was Ronald Reagan who said the phrase that caused him grave concern over the years was, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” Let us update and revise it for this new administration, along with all of the grifting schemes both he and his children are employed in and working diligently on. This statement will be music to the ears of felons and criminals — individuals like former Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife: I’m from the Trump administration, and the more Trump meme coin you buy or own, or the more members you get to join my club(s), the more help you’re going to get. I hope and pray I am wrong about this. We will all know soon enough. Stephen De Falco
Empty adoration
Dartmouth, Mass.: The death of Pope Francis has provided the world with a true example of a man with sincere humility and compassion. He will forever be remembered for the words, “Who am I to judge?” Elevated to the most important and powerful position within the Catholic Church and adored by hundreds of millions, his humility stands in stark contrast to leaders who are bereft of compassion, with inflated egos and an insatiable quest for power and accumulation of wealth. Declining the adornments of his position and an ultimate glorified burial, Pope Francis forever maintained his attention and concern for the poor and marginalized people of the world. Unfortunately, his example, while being extolled by so many world leaders, will soon be forgotten as they return to their reign of hubris. Betty Ussach
Not quite right
St. Louis: Please tell Tony Paige (“Barnett: Great Knick, and Hall of Fame character,” April 29) that it’s John McLendon, not McClendon. Joe Hoppel
Look for a laugh
Yorktown Heights, N.Y.: I’m an avid baseball fan and use the website Baseball-Reference.com to look up statistics and settle arguments. If you look up ex-Yankee Paul O’Neill, you’ll find a joke planted in his stats that I’ve never noticed before. I think Yankees fans will find it funny. Anthony Vegliante
Resource room
Bath, N.Y.: I am a veteran residing in the Veterans Affairs Medical Center domiciliary, which is a substance and homeless program. We are currently facing a significant challenge in our ability to search for housing and jobs. The designated committee room, which is meant to provide us with the resources for these essential searches, is not functional. As one of approximately 168 veterans in this program, I am deeply concerned about our lack of effective means to secure stable housing and employment. This inability to conduct proper housing searches has created a pervasive sense of hopelessness among us, leaving many with the prospect of having no alternative but to enter a local shelter upon leaving the program. Michael Watkins
Well worth it
Smithfield, Pa.: The government shouldn’t allow insurers to advertise Advantage plans as though they are Medicare. They are not. They are managed care plans funded by Medicare dollars. They allow insurers to take advantage of senior citizens. A zero premium means zero benefits at a time a person needs them most. Zero premiums only work if you are not (and never will be) in need of medical care. I have a New Era supplemental plan under which Medicare pays first and New Era pays whatever balance is left of any Medicare-approved service. So, I never have a copay. I recently had a round of twice-weekly occupational therapy and also had to have medical equipment that cost about $3,000. As usual, I paid zero. I have a monthly premium, and due to my age, it’s about $200. But I’ve been so grateful for the lack of stress — never a medical bill. Mary Terry
Wouldn’t miss ’em
Brooklyn: To Voicer John Procida: One could only hope that we won’t have fireworks. I’m tired of hearing them most of the night, even up to 4 a.m. They start as early as May. My pets get so freaked out, not to mention the elderly who may have health issues. Josie Oliveri
More mayhem
Purchase, N.Y.: In the next election, the Democrats in our blue state are going to win the elected offices in New York City and New York State. Then we’ll have more of the same that we read about in these pages every day — high crime and apprehended vicious criminals released, committing more crimes and getting arrested again. It seems New Yorkers don’t learn their lesson, even though they’ll grouse about how unsafe it is everywhere. So, I have a message for New York City’s and State’s woke residents: Go ahead and vote to put your woke politicians back in office, but don’t complain when the feces hits the fan again (and again and again). You get what you pay for. Marlene Danoff
