Group-think makes people blind to the obvious
Bloomington, Ind.: Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and philosopher murdered by the Nazis, argued that evil people are not nearly as dangerous as stupid people. His theory suggests that evil is much easier to recognize, and therefore can be dealt with more effectively. Stupidity, on the other hand, is far more resistant to debate because of a lack of objectivity and critical thinking skills in the stupid person.
He also suggested that in most cases, stupidity is learned rather than innate, meaning that many people with high intellectual ability can still be considered stupid, and vice versa. It mainly involves abandoning one’s rational analysis of issues to gain acceptance from a specific group.
I can’t help but notice similarities between Bonhoeffer’s theory and the “Free Karen Read” movement. It’s how any challenge to Read’s innocence is met with the strongest, sometimes even the nastiest, reactions. When confronted with Read’s conflicting statements or evidence that suggests her culpability, it seems to go right over her loyal supporters’ heads.
Read has been cleared of the most serious charges against her and can not be recharged with those crimes. The jury found enough reasonable doubt to set her free. She won’t be spending any time in prison. There’s talk of a lucrative book deal, a new docuseries and a movie about her life.
When I saw the pink masses cheering outside the Massachusetts courthouse after the verdict was announced, I immediately thought of Bonhoeffer’s theory. Scott Thompson
Critical omission
Flushing: In his diatribe against Israel, Voicer Jagjit Singh never once mentioned Hamas, the reason for Israel’s actions in Gaza after Oct. 7. Were he to have a terrorist as his next-door neighbor, we doubt very much he would be so glib. If that terrorist went and butchered a member of his family and would continue to proclaim that, given the opportunity, he would continue in his atrocities, would Singh just relax and do nothing? Or would he attack the terrorist, even if that ogre hid behind his wife and children? The majority of us would take action, no matter the consequences. Charles Tal
A biblical offense
Bronx: Since the state of Israel relies on the Bible concerning its existence, it should heed what the Bible says about harming children. Since the start of the war in Gaza, Israel is responsible for the killing or injury of 50,000 children. The Bible clearly warns about this, stating that you’d do better to have a millstone tied to you and be drowned than to harm a child. It doesn’t matter who started the war, children must not be sacrificed. Gilbert M. Lane
Backing barbarism
Hallandale, Fla.: However the average citizen views President Trump’s policies and strategies to date, nothing is more reprehensible for me than his alignment with Israel on the subject of Gaza. Anyone tuned into comprehensive and independent news coverage related to Gaza has to be horrified at the daily death toll of civilians, including the shooting of people merely lined up for scant food distribution courtesy of a vacuous U.S.-Israeli coalition. The daily aerial bombing of nearly every square foot of that tiny enclave — containing 2 million civilians who are continually driven by the IDF from one location to another — is so unnerving as to defy human rationality. Trump, and yes, President Joe Biden before him, have been wholly complicit with Israel in sending billions in money and armaments to fuel the deadly, shocking campaign. This is a moral outrage and a potential death knell for whatever morality and principles this nation was founded on. Sid Sussman
We believe you
Bronx: Andrew Cuomo says of Zohran Mamdani’s decision not to use the phrase “globalize the intifada”: “When a person shows you themselves, believe them the first time.” You showed us yourself and we believe you. You are a lying, corrupt sexual predator in the pocket of the ultra-wealthy. We remember the first time you showed yourself, with the “Vote for Cuomo, not the homo” flyer when your dad was running for mayor against Ed Koch in 1977. Richie Nagan
Mobile lifelines
Forest Hills: With the sad occurrence of school violence in this country, students need to have access to their phones to call their parents or law enforcement. Set rules about usage, but taking them away completely is wrong and dangerous. Sherri Rosen
Support enforcement
Spotswood, N.J.: ICE is saving children from being used as slave labor in drug factories. They are taking the most brutal criminals off of our streets — murderers, pedophiles and rapists. Every decent adult should be supporting ICE and the great job they do. NYC needs to be saved, so let’s support ICE. Tom Scott
Enforcement overkill
Massapequa Park, L.I.: Does anyone remember the raid on Roger Stone’s house in the wee hours of the morning by a team of 30 heavily armed law enforcement officers? Does anyone remember the raid on a pastor’s home by another massive force of heavily armed federal agents while his wife and children were there — his “crime” being protesting at an abortion clinic? There were no crimes committed by either of these men, but the Biden administration thought it was OK to use a show of force to send a message. Many of these officers were wearing masks, but there was no outrage by the Democrats. Oh how quickly they forget. Raymond P. Moran
Cramped quarters?
Bayside: Strange that politicians are complaining about Alcatraz in Florida. Maybe they should visit a U.S. warship. I was assigned to the USS Guam in 1970 for a six-month deployment. The living quarters had high beds, with six people sleeping on top of each other, and communal toilet facilities. The first class treatment that illegal invaders are awarded is a slap in the face to our sailors and Marines who live on naval vessels. The politicians of today are nothing but a group of pansies. Very sad for this country. As President John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” Timothy Collins
Disaster-prone
Ridgewood: One advantage of Trump’s Alligator Alcatraz is that it doesn’t require too many guards, which saves manpower. However, I have not heard about his plans to evacuate the area. The temporary housing that is there will be destroyed when a hurricane comes. I hope he has a well-thought-out plan to evacuate the 4,000 prisoners that are there. If not, what is the acceptable loss of life? John Sendlein
Poetic justice
Tarrytown, N.Y.: If there is any justice in the world, “One Big Beautiful Bill” will be the name of Trump’s new cellmate. Stephen Talenti
In defense of the union
Manhattan: The Gettysburg Address should be on the wall of every classroom in America, and Trump should have it on a T-shirt he must wear every day. Off with the red MAGA hat, on with the truth! R.B. Brandel
Candy quackery
Ocala, Fla.: I find it mind-boggling that RFK Jr. is going after M&M candies. He thinks it is fine to delete fluoride from the water to protect teeth while many can’t afford dental care! He is against vaccines for polio, diphtheria and measles (I had a measles booster on Monday). Vaccines are the best way to protect our population from diseases that are not curable. He is for no health care for millions of people, but it is OK to get rid of the colors of M&M candies, which is not a food group. In my opinion, he is a rambling conspiracy believer who will not make America healthy again. Many will die. He is not qualified to make health decisions for anyone and is an embarrassment and danger to the U.S.A. He is not a doctor nor a scientist. Lynn Miller
Slumping sport
Little Neck: Hey, Major League Baseball, how about whoever hits the ball into the clown’s nose wins the All-Star Game? Seriously, is there anybody who enjoys baseball as much as they did five years ago? I’d be amazed to know why. Peter Bagatta
