Cash in on stock trading for New York residents
Manhattan: New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley tries to make the case that Gov. Hochul is committed to improving the quality of life for more than 20 million New York residents (“Building a more affordable New York,” op-ed, Aug. 11), stating that she has “fought for and delivered a state budget that puts you first and makes New York a more affordable and livable state.” It’s the same old meaningless rhetoric.
Every year, budgets are passed that don’t begin to truly provide the necessary funding to improve quality of life for all New Yorkers, especially in the areas of affordable housing, health care and mental health, education from preschool to CUNY and SUNY, public transit, infrastructure improvements and addressing public safety and environmental, clean water and climate change concerns. In fact, the homeless and health care crises are never adequately addressed, nor is the growing need for infrastructure repairs.
If Hochul truly wants to advance our wellbeing and alleviate much hardship and suffering, she should wholeheartedly support passage of A1494/Steck and identical bill S1237/Sanders to repeal the Stock Transfer Tax Rebate and thus restore the minuscule 1/10th of 1% stock sales tax. Noted economist and tax expert James Henry issued a report in July estimating that because of the explosive increase in stock trading worldwide, about 40% of which flows through New York, the state would recoup an estimated $40-60 billion annually in extra revenues to address funding needs across New York. These additional revenues are needed, especially in light of President Trump slashing funding for critical public services. Since fully rebating the Stock Transfer Tax in 1981, the state has lost an estimated $600 billion! Ray Rogers
On the table
Brooklyn: To Voicer Eva Juliette Tortora: An NYC coffee table photo book does exist and we have one! It is called “Daily News Presents: Big Town Big Time,” published in 1999. It is 100 years of news stories and photos, and it is an amazing book. Sue Herskovits
Trip hassles
Bayside: I always liked the amusement park in Brooklyn. It was my escape from the city. I finally made it to Coney Island last week. You can never get tired of riding the Cyclone or Wonder Wheel. I feel that I am obligated to go there once a year. This may be the last, with limited parking and new buildings from the construction. Sundays are the only day we can go when there is no meter parking, and just finding that is a chore. It seems like there are more hydrants and risk of the car being towed. The train is an option, but it’s a schlep from Queens. I did get to dip my feet in the water. Hopefully, I can make it back one day. Gayle Dorsky
Freeze & mix
Auburndale: To prevent compostables from spoiling before trash collection day, you may place food scraps in a produce or compost bag in the freezer. Tie a knot in the bag to seal it before putting it in the outdoor bin. Mixing in non-food composting material such as cut grass and dry leaves may also help keep flying insects away. Cathi Venis
Happy horses
Kent, Conn.: As a lifelong horse owner and 40-plus-year employee in the horse show world, I stand strongly behind our NYC carriage horses. Every one that I have encountered has been well-fed, healthy and happy in its job. They have all had good weight, were sound and looked like they enjoyed their work. They bring joy to NYC residents and visitors. The veterinarians who care for them are among the best in their field, and I speak from personal experience, as they saved my horse’s life after a terrifying accident. I have never met more caring, experienced and dedicated vets. The horses have limited work hours and get five weeks of vacation per year (much more than I get!). They are in no way uncared for or overworked, as many detractors claim. These people should do their homework before claiming neglect and improper care. Ann Jamieson
Have faith
Manhattan: Re “Alonso, team’s new all-time HR king, says Cohen & Stearns must ‘come through’ on deal” (Aug. 14): Pete Alonso was the face of the franchise. Then he fell out of favor. Now he’s passing Darryl Strawberry with two homers in that game. Vocal Mets fans didn’t want to re-sign Alonso last winter. Now they want to extend him and keep him in Queens. Pick a lane, people. He won’t stick around if you doubt him again. Adam Silbert
Mistaken identity
Flushing: I went with my husband to get groceries here in Flushing and as we were getting ready to check out, the owner approached my husband and called him Terry (my husband’s name is Antonio), and accused him of having previously stolen hundreds of dollars’ worth of meat with another guy who we have never heard of (Chris). He told my husband he had him on video, and when my husband asked to see the video, he told us he doesn’t need a reason, he just doesn’t want him there and we needed to leave immediately. We were ejected from the store, threatened with the police and told we are not allowed to shop there any longer. This came out of left field and it was humiliating. I’m also heartbroken because I love this store and I go there frequently. I am disabled and there are not many grocery stores nearby. We are shocked and humiliated. Andrea Mulero
Speak up
Bergenfield, N.J.: Are you all enjoying writing on the Voice of the People page with your opinions? Well, enjoy it while we can, because if Trump gets total control of the media, you may be able to write here, but anything against Trump and his whims will not be printed, and Trump will find a way to exact revenge on you. Do not wait for others to fight. We the people will be able to regain our democracy. Jack DeLucia
Vulnerable territory
Bronx: Regarding the upcoming Trump/Putin summit in Anchorage, I just hope we don’t end up giving back Alaska! Barbara Sulkowski
Insurrectionist
Jersey City: With Trump’s unprecedented calling in of the National Guard to deal with a “crime emergency” he declared in the District of Columbia (and threatening to try something similar in other cities), most objective sources have been pointing out that violent crime in Washington is actually at a 30-year low, but they are overlooking one corner of D.C. where crime is actually at a 200-year high! Within the grounds of the White House, the current occupant is ignoring clear laws and flouting judicial rulings at a level unequaled since the first tenant, scrupulous lawyer John Adams. But I have to believe it is unlikely that any National Guard unit, absent an unusually courageous and patriotic leader and the support of people currently enabling the criminal tenant, will be able to do much to address this serious problem. John Esche
Not happy
Barnegat, N.J.: This new online edition is the worst! Trying to print an individual article is like pulling teeth. Give us the option to revert to the old edition. Plus, the subscription cost is outrageous. Fix it or I’m leaving. James Brower
Digital clutter
Manhattan: How are we supposed to read the paper with all the ads clogging the screen? If this is the future of AI, I don’t want it. Mary Evens
As foretold
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Every day now, we read about all kinds of evil behavior, wars, rioting, shootings, fires, earthquakes, tornados, volcanoes, tsunamis and flooding. The Cascadia subduction zone and San Andreas faults could blow at any moment. What’s going on? Mother Nature is acting up? No, Father God is angry and is judging our sinfulness through these things. He allows them to happen as a wake-up call to repent, but the world is not listening. He is about to close the last chapter on Mother Earth: “The heavens will pass away with a roar and the earth and its elements will be burned with fire” (2 Peter 3:9). In 2018, the late Stephen Hawking predicted that the world will “collapse in a ball of fire” around 2600 AD. 2040 is more likely. Jim Black
