Why I take my kids to punk shows in Trump’s era
Chapel Hill, N.C.: As a parent, I care deeply about what kind of world my kids will inherit — and who they’ll grow up to be in it. That’s why, amid rising political authoritarianism, white nationalism and book bans, I take them to punk shows. Not just for the music, but because punk — especially the anti-fascist, anti-racist strain that has long thrived in underground spaces — is one of the few places where resistance isn’t just theoretical, it’s loud, embodied and lived. Punk shows offer my kids a crash course in moral clarity and historical memory when those values are under open attack.
This might seem like an odd educational strategy. Punk has never been about decorum or safety, but that’s the point. When public schools are being stripped of honest history, LGBTQ books are pulled off shelves and President Trump openly echoes fascist rhetoric — calling immigrants “animals,” urging the military to police American streets and promising “retribution” — I want my kids to see what it looks like to say no.
Historically, punk has always been a thorn in the side of fascism. In 1970s Britain, bands like The Clash and Crass took on the National Front and Thatcherism with biting lyrics and community organizing. In the U.S., Dead Kennedys mocked Reagan-era warmongering, while Black Flag’s raw fury gave voice to alienation under neoliberal capitalism. Later, bands like Anti-Flag and Propagandhi explicitly championed anti-fascist and anti-racist politics. These bands created spaces where kids could see that being against oppression wasn’t fringe, it was necessary. Punk, in all its imperfect, chaotic glory, is a reminder that another world is possible — and worth fighting for. Nathan Boucher
Trumpy tantrum
Manhattan: Re “Eric tells a News City Hall reporter: Don’t come back to press briefings” (June 18): I read the story headline. In disbelief, I read it again. Mayor Adams did it! I think it’s past time for him to move to Palm Beach, i.e. Mar-a-Lago country! Frankie Turchiano
Preventive strike
Brooklyn: President Trump met with the National Security Council to discuss a serious matter concerning Iran’s uranium enrichment program, which would be used to create nuclear weapons that could be used against Israel and U.S. military bases in the Middle East. Iran has been given enough time to respond and do away with its nuclear program. Israel was in danger because of this problem. Iran would have come very close in a short period of time to creating several nuclear weapons, such as bombs or ballistic missiles. Trump could help by using a military strike using a bunker-busting bomb to destroy a uranium enrichment facility. No one wants to be at war, but no one wants an unstable regime that may detonate a nuclear weapon against Israel or the U.S. Joseph V. Comperchio
Emergency evac
Greenburgh, N.Y.: The United States military should come to the assistance of American citizens who are currently in Israel trying to avoid the constant missiles and bombs from Iran. There are many N.Y. residents who want to get out, but the airports are closed. Military ships should be sent to assist in an orderly evacuation of American citizens who are frightened when they hear the Iranian missiles flying and landing near them. Paul Feiner
Ready for war
Bronx: So Trump didn’t want to get involved in the Ukraine war against the uncalled-for invasion from Russia. However, he’s very willing and eager to get our country involved in the Israel/Iran war. He finally got the military parade he yearned for. Now he wants to be the war president! It’s time for the GOP to put a stop to this egomaniac’s wishes. Jose R. Roldan
Spiraling violence
Brooklyn: I hate that America is returning to the 1960s with the increased attacks on our elected leaders. In the ’60s and ’70s, we lost John and Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. There was an attempted assassination of Alabama Gov. George Wallace and the killing of peaceful protesters at Kent State University by the National Guard. We have now had numerous acts of violence against elected officials: the attack on Nancy Pelosi’s husband, the attempt to kill the governor of Michigan and attempts against Trump. Judges have been targeted as well as Minnesota state legislators. Yet, there are several elected officials who fan the flames. Whether it is the president pardoning the Jan. 6 rioters or a senator blaming violence on the Democrats — or Democrats putting Trump in a noose or calling him a vulgarity in a commercial — they must be denounced by both parties and denied financial support. Alan Podhaizer
Pull your support
Flushing: The U.S.A. is becoming a banana republic complete with military parades, political murders and troops occupying large cities. Trump and his gang are setting up a dictatorship we never voted for. I hope those of you who elected this bunch can see where this is going and join the growing opposition or face the consequences. Lester Simon
Defend the Constitution
Utica, N.Y.: Trump has gone too far for too long. Attacking and arresting U.S. senators and representatives? Snatching non-white people off the streets and imprisoning them with no due process? Ignoring court decisions? Laughing at the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause? Clearly, Trump is saying, “I’m the king and I’ll do what I want. Just try and stop me.” Meanwhile, masked and anonymous, ICE is serving as his personal Gestapo. Well, nearly all bullies back down after a punch in the mouth, and Trump is no different. In our opinion, however, waiting for the midterms will be too late. If the media won’t offer solutions, if the courts refuse to enforce their rulings and if the Democrats are too feckless to call for immediate impeachment hearings, maybe it’s time for our military to take a seriously hard look at its options. These are radical times. Maybe they call for radical solutions. Jeff and Joan Ganeles
What’s new?
Flushing: Isn’t ICE already in the big “blue” cities? What’s changed? Bernard Caine
Change of plans
Madisonville, Pa.: To Voicer Tawsif Anam: The Army had been planning for a parade and celebration of the Army’s 250th birthday very much prior to Trump being reelected or Pete Hegseth being appointed secretary of defense. The only thing Trump did was to insist on changes to attempt to make the parade a grand tribute for his birthday. He also managed to escalate the cost of the parade. The Army already had things planned and ready to go, then along came Trump the disrupter. So you are thanking the wrong person for there being a parade, but the right one for messing things up. Tom Mielczarek
Talks with his hands
Richmond Hill: What is California Gov. Gavin Newsom doing with those wacky hand movements when he is speaking? Is it a new method of signing for the hearing impaired? Or for his impaired brain? Maybe he’s just a huge fan of fellow Californian and 1950s recording star Johnny Otis and his big hit, “Willie and the Hand Jive.” I’m sure Johnny would be proud of the great job you’re doing in his home state and home city of Los Angeles! Keep on jiving, Gavin! J. Napoleone
Ask for it
Ridgewood: To Voicers Rick Tilson and Laya Goldman: Hopefully, I will be able to educate you regarding deliveries. I retired after a long sales career and now do food delivery on a very part-time basis to keep busy. First, I never ring a bell unless the customer specifically asks for it in the special instructions space, which you have when you place an order. More than 90% of customers just want the food left on the doorstep. If you do want your bell rung, say so in special instructions. Second, when the delivery is left at your door, as soon as the picture is taken, the app immediately sends that pic to your phone. All you have to do is look at it. A little less laziness on your part will make everyone happier. Phil Rosenberg
