These crises beg us to update the Constitution
Fishkill, N.Y.: Constitutional amendments usually occur in bunches during reform eras. The Civil War produced three, the Progressive Era created four. The last eight months of President Trump’s corruption, chaos and cruelty scream for immediate reform. Changes must be shaped in the form of constitutional amendments because regular federal laws, norms, protocols, decisions by lower federal courts and institutional defenses against autocracy have not worked to stop the organized assault on our democracy. The United States needs help, and that begins with the first of several new amendments.
We need a congressional term limit amendment. Why? The Republican Congress has become a useless, cowardly, rubber-stamp enabler of Trump’s madness. Our Founding Fathers gave immense Article I powers to Congress, expecting Congress to use them. They never believed Congress would willingly abdicate its responsibility to keep the chief executive in check. Nor did they believe the job of a congressperson would become a lifelong occupation, as it has for GOP senators like Chuck Grassley, Lindsey Graham and Susan Collins. It was meant to be a temporary civic duty — to serve, do some good and go home. Not now. Even worse, while they are there for what seems like forever, Republican congresspeople waste time and run away from votes, their constituents and their responsibility to investigate abuses of power. Do you think a $50,000 bribe in a bag to a Trump “border czar” to expedite the awarding of government contracts is worth a few questions?
All 27 amendments originated in Congress, and a term limit amendment vote will definitely fail there. The alternate route of beginning with state legislatures calling for a national convention to amend the Constitution might be a better course. Gerald Browne
Unabated attacks
Staten Island: Trump is a clear and present danger to this country. He viciously attacks anyone he perceives has wronged him. That includes world leaders, health organizations, environmental groups, religious organizations and, but not limited to, citizens of this country. He does not care what laws he breaks or the long-term negative effects his actions have on the country so long as his fragile ego is stroked. This is not the type of man you want in control of our nuclear arsenal. It’s time for Republicans and Democrats to unite and get rid of this sick and disturbed felon. Michael Rosenrantz
Suspend their pay
Lindenhurst, L.I.: When it becomes necessary that the government shuts down, then those responsible for balancing the budget and running the government should suffer first. If they can’t do their job, why should they collect a salary? Louise Perrotta
Just say it
Manhattan: With the Republican shutdown of our government in their ongoing effort to destroy the Affordable Care Act, which provides millions of Americans with reasonably priced health care insurance, why do Republicans like House Speaker Mike Johnson, the president and the MAGA state-run media known as Fox News feel so shamelessly free to continue promoting Trump’s latest and greatest big lie: that illegal immigrants are covered under our national insurance program? Why don’t Republicans be honest just once about their decade-long effort to destroy a program that actually helps average Americans while they provide more big tax cuts to America’s billionaire oligarchs? Once and for all: Illegal immigrants can not obtain government-sponsored health insurance in our great country. Stop with the lies, Mr. President, Mr. Speaker, and the propaganda ministers at Fox who can afford health insurance with their multi-million-dollar salaries. Natasha Fatale
Bully tactics
Brooklyn: I received an email from the Veterans Administration, and they are putting all the blame for the shutdown of many of their services on the Democrats. Republicans think only they can make the rules. No comprising allowed, one-sided rule only. I used to be proud of America, now I am ashamed. It’s become a banana republic. Trump is 75% of the way through a dictator’s method of taking over the country. God save America. Vote these tyrants out of office before it’s too late. Greg Ahl
The gall
Wantagh, L.I.: For someone who avoided serving in our military on the pretext that he had bone spur boo-boos, Trump’s audacity to tell our brave men and women how to maintain their toughness is beyond ironic, and demanding that everyone shave and meet male standards is racist and misogynistic. Stephen R. Hellman
Start with you
Walden, N.Y.: Yes, let’s get the military in shape, starting with the grossly out-of-shape commander in chief. And yes, do what you were sworn to do: protect America from all enemies foreign and domestic — starting with those in D.C. who are turning our democracy into a dictatorship. Jake Milite
Naked revenge
Manhattan: In her own words in an interview last week, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed that “no one is above the law,” yet she works for the most corrupt president in history who has broken many major laws. She should be impeached, fired and dissolved at once. She has proved she is unfit for her position, wherein she is just a toady to Trump’s bidding. James Comey should immediately file a libel lawsuit, as his conduct has been adjudicated by so many others over the last few years. This is a case of intense retribution and can only be considered as such. Many pundits have already acknowledged that this case may never get to trial, as it is so flagrant in its stench. Jack Weiss
Missing Republicans
Staten Island: City Councilman Robert Holden’s well-articulated reasons for choosing Curtis Sliwa over Andrew Cuomo for mayor (“No to Andrew Cuomo, Curtis Sliwa for our mayor,” op-ed, Oct. 1) should have been written, or at least co-signed, by Republican political figures. But, although they probably agree with his opinion, thanks to their obsession with supporting MAGA and its leader on virtually every issue, they probably had no time to do so. Anthony Biancoviso
One of three
Hillsdale, N.Y.: Hey New Yorkers, here is your wonderful choice of mayors: one who provides free transportation at the expense of taxpayers, because nothing is free unless bus drivers work without a salary in addition to other transportation costs; one who was accused of inappropriate touching when he was governor; a Guardian Angel who walked the walk and protected subway riders on his dime, risking his life for New Yorkers and making subways safer. Let’s see how New Yorkers vote for a wonderful future mayor of NYC this time. Phil Antico
Research-based reforms
Long Island City: Re “Protect New York’s youth justice reforms” (op-ed, Sept. 30): Raising the age of criminal responsibility in New York reflected decades of research and the realities of trauma, development and rehabilitation. Young people who are accused of committing crime need age-appropriate supports like education, family intervention, mental health care and credible mentorship — not the lifelong barriers that come from adult criminal records and incarceration. Evidence shows that youth exposed to adult criminal justice systems face much higher risks of continued system involvement and lost potential. Communities are safest when young people are connected with proven supports that help them thrive. We urge policymakers to channel resources toward community-based programs so the most vulnerable youth have the opportunity to heal, grow and contribute positively to society. Policies that keep young people out of adult jails and courts give them a real chance to rebuild their lives. Rob DeLeon, deputy CEO, the Fortune Society
More money?
Bronx: Gov. Hochul hit New York drivers with a $15 billion bill called congestion pricing, supposedly to make improvements for the NYC transit system. So, can anybody tell us why the hell the MTA just had a fare increase approved? What the heck is going on here? Carmelo Burgos
Start strong
Westfield, N.J.: If the Knicks are going to be a championship team this year, they can’t throw in the towel early. The players and fans want to win every game. Go Knicks! Bring back Tibs. Sharon Fox
Kept throwing
Little Neck: To Voicer Ed Marks: You are totally incorrect when you state that Kodai Senga never pitched again after his hamstring injury on June 12. He appeared nine times from July 12 through Aug. 31. John P. Quinn
