If you care about U.S. due process, start here
Port Jefferson, L.I.: Sen. Chris Van Hollen’s El Salvador crusade for Kilmar Abrego Garcia (photo) reeks of political opportunism. While he grandstands about due process for a non-citizen who entered illegally, faced domestic violence allegations and had suspected gang ties, millions of American citizens suffer constitutional violations without Van Hollen’s notice. Where is his outrage when 90% of American citizens waive their Sixth Amendment rights in plea bargains, pressured by prosecutors and unable to afford defense costs? His righteous indignation is nowhere to be found as 60% of jail inmates are un-convicted Americans awaiting trial — citizens detained solely because they can’t afford bail, losing jobs and families before any guilt is determined.
The senator remains silent as public defenders handle hundreds of cases simultaneously, giving Americans just minutes of representation — Missouri defenders averaged nine hours per felony case. He launches no international campaigns when qualified immunity shields officials from accountability, dismissing more than half of police misconduct claims against citizens. Van Hollen’s selective indignation reveals his true priority: political theater, not constitutional principle. His international advocacy tour, complete with press conferences and social media updates, serves his image while ignoring the daily reality facing so many American citizens. If due process matters to Van Hollen only when it generates headlines for a non-citizen, it’s not principle — it’s posturing. His moral preening is particularly hollow when actual citizens receive lesser protections than he demands for someone who violated our laws.
Americans deserve representatives who champion their constitutional rights with the same fervor shown for non-citizens. Until Van Hollen shows equal passion for reforming these systemic injustices, his crusade stands exposed as cynical political theater draped in constitutional rhetoric. Todd L. Pittinsky
Well said
Staten Island: To Voicer Tom Saracco: You captured my thoughts, and I could not have written them any better. Democrats, I believe, do not use common sense due to the fact that they have a blatant hatred for President Trump. I also believe that most Democrats do not go along with the radical far left, Bernie Sanders and others of that ilk. Michael Modafferi
Racially motivated
Manhattan: To Voicer Tom Saracco: I didn’t think you guys could go lower and then you do. Every single item you listed is because you’re a proud racist. You openly listed your racism and hatred for the world to see. I’m so glad you did it so you can all stop lying about being hateful bigots and racists. A little honesty goes a long way. Thank you for doing that so we can treat you like the pariah you ought to be. Do your kids even call you anymore? What I think you need: a lesson about Italians and where we really come from. You remember that scene in “True Romance,” right? Check your DNA, Tom. And don’t forget, the hate you give is the hate you will get, and boy is there a tsunami headed your way. T.S. Fallani
Pipe down
Easton, Pa.: Every day, I read the letters in the Daily News — orange man bad, ICE agents bad, illegal aliens good, we’re having a constitutional crisis, Trump is a threat to democracy. After four years, we finally have a guy in the White House with an actual pulse. He was elected. Let’s give him a chance! Barbara Cusano
Get tough on outsourcing
Middle Village: Instead of putting tariffs on goods coming into America, why don’t we put a tax on companies that have shipped jobs overseas in order to bring those jobs back? I’m certain Americans would love to have customer service jobs here rather than overseas. John Puglisi
Enthusiastic apathy
Hallandale, Fla.: Whatever can be said concerning Trump’s foibles and liabilities, few should excite more outrage than his surrender to the Israeli government on the subject of Gaza. Does he express outrage at Israel’s turning Gaza to near total rubble, its refusal to allow food, water or medicine into the enclave for more than two months, its relentless attacks on hospitals, ambulances, aid workers and journalists, and now its daily attacks on fragile tents that house women and children, resulting in cold-blooded slaughters? Instead of excoriating Israel over its villainy and barbarous pursuits, he invites Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu here to assure him of even more money and weapons, including 500- and 2,000-pound bombs to continue the carnage. This is the state of our government, a moral turpitude of unprecedented proportions. Sid Sussman
The road not taken
San Mateo, Calif.: Suppose Israel had actually taken the directions of the UN and not retained the territories of the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, which condemned it to rule over a non-Israeli population? What would today’s reality be if this was now a Palestinian state? The Arab states could normalize relations with Israel as they are currently promising, provided the territories to be the UN’s 194th sovereign nation. This state and Israel would be free to trade and develop unhindered, allowing for major benefits for all concerned. Most especially, we would have tens of thousands of people alive today and among us, enjoying this reality rather than being photo reminders of the needlessly deceased. Compare that with our sad state of affairs today. The “land of milk and honey” could have easily been today’s reality. Mike Caggiano
Mere mortal
Medford, L.I.: Regarding Bramhall’s cartoon about Trump becoming pope: The pope was not infallible. He was a person just like every other person in the world — a sinner. The only person who never sinned was Jesus Christ. The teaching that the pope is sinless is a misconception made up by man. Joseph Miserendino
That’s me!
Holliswood: I want to express my astonishment and appreciation for Voicer Frederick R. Bedell Jr.’s remembrances of Queens Village, and to the Daily News for publishing a circa 1950 photo of my house and those of my neighbors. I moved into the first house on the right with my parents in 1958. The tiny spruce in the front yard is now 75 feet tall, and there are two others on the other side of the driveway. My parents are gone but I still own the house, and just like Bedell, can tell you all about the comings and goings of neighbors, stores and neighborhoods. I was confirmed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church on Francis Lewis Blvd. and 100th Ave. and graduated from Woodhull Day School off Jamaica Ave. across from St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church. We were allowed to come outside and watch as a huge crane raised the steeple onto the rebuilt church in the early 1960s. Karen Downen
Making money
Brooklyn: It’s difficult to understand why Con Edison subscribers in New York are being squeezed with higher utility rates and are forced to sacrifice while this utility is scoring huge profits. From Con Ed’s 2024 Earnings Report: “[Con Ed] today reported 2024 net income for common stock of $1,820 million or $5.26 a share compared with $2,519 million or $7.25 a share in 2023. Adjusted earnings (non-GAAP) were $1,868 million or $5.40 a share in 2024 compared with $1,762 million or $5.07 a share in 2023.” Its price-gouging demands an independent investigation. David I. Goldstein
Weak case
Manhattan: The mayor’s objection to Andrew Cuomo’s running against him is that Mayor Adams was here already and that Cuomo is running in Adams’ house. Really? Instead of running on his record or showing how he is better qualified, all Adams can come up with is that he was here first and Cuomo is a mere intruder in his house? If that’s the best Adams can do to convince New Yorkers to vote for him a second time, it’s pretty pathetic. Scandal-ridden Adams should go back to his former home before becoming mayor and let someone more qualified and less ethically challenged take over. While Cuomo, with his own past scandals and questionable ethics, may not be the ideal person for the job, there surely must be someone else among the candidates who is and will stand up to Trump. If not, New Yorkers are in big trouble. Chana Schwartz
