Ignore the commentary and judge by the numbers
Madisonville, Pa.: There is a popular misconception among the majority of people. It has to do with which of our political parties is better at handling the economy and, to a certain extent, the federal deficit and debt. I did a little research and the results were quite surprising. So, a little history lesson.
When Bill Clinton left office, he had actually reduced the debt by $358 billion. Then came George W. Bush. The housing market bubble burst. Remember institutions too big to fail? He added $1.54 trillion to the deficit and gave us the Great Recession. During Barack Obama’s time in office, the economy gradually recovered and when he left, he got the deficit down to $585 billion. Then came President Trump’s first term. He inherited an economy that was growing, and yes, the COVID pandemic threw that off track. But he added $2.1 trillion to the deficit by the time he left office. The much-maligned Joe Biden managed to get the economy growing again, and even though some of his actions were not well-thought-out and even costly, it did improve. And he reduced the deficit to about $942 billion.
So, contrary to popular opinion, the Democrats are actually better at handling the economy and reducing the deficit, and both without draconian measures usually at the expense of the most vulnerable of our population. The Republicans seem to be the most reckless when it comes to handling both.
Don’t believe me? Do some research — and not just via conservative media sources. Tom Mielczarek
Unopposed agenda
Briarwood: If Democratic senators are not willing to stand up to Trump and his corrupt agenda, how can we (the American people) expect any Republican to ever resist Trump’s bidding? Mary Elizabeth Ellis
Belly-up
Utica, N.Y.: It’s infuriating to watch Democrats led by Sen. Chuck Schumer disgracefully capitulate to Trump and his Republican abetters, by agreeing to their scam of funding the government by gutting the government. The tepid leadership of these moderate Democrats will ensure that Republicans remain in power. We want to see our party propelled by members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, including dynamic visionaries such as Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Sen. Bernie Sanders and many others. The goals of the CPC — basically, universal health care, a fair economy and climate justice — would be supported throughout America if properly presented. In any case, we are tired of Democrats’ fecklessness. It’s time to stand up and powerfully promote true Democratic values, intended to help all our people, not just billionaire donors. After all, why would Americans vote “Republican-lite” when they can just vote GOP? Spoiler alert — they haven’t and they won’t! Jeff and Joan Ganeles
Shut ’em down
Howard Beach: What is a good Democrat versus a bad one? Chuck Schumer is a good Democrat because, in the end, he voted the correct way to not shut down the government. He acted on behalf of Americans and New Yorkers. But Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a bad Democrat. She does not vote for the people of New York! She voted for her own selfish reasons and didn’t care who would be hurt. And New Yorkers will remember her actions on Election Day. It’s time to vote out the bad apples in the Big Apple! Nick Di Pasquale
Foolishly folded
Manhattan: Who will stand up for New Yorkers? Clearly not our elected officials in the U.S. Senate. In voting for cloture on the Republicans’ bad faith continuing resolution, they have given Elon Musk even more power to pointlessly gut the American government. At no point in the first 50-something days of the second Trump administration have Democrats coherently stood up to any of Trump and Musk’s cruel and ill-informed cuts. Now Democrats have given away the only leverage they had to fight for their constituents. It’s going to be a long four years. Jim Behrle
Mere mortal
Manhattan: I have to laugh when I read about those who want Trump to be able to serve a third term. There is one thing that they, and Trump, don’t seem to take into account. Even the orange man is mortal! Even he will eventually grow ill and die. And to make another point: Are these the same people who shouted from the rooftops that Joe Biden was too old to be president? If (heaven forbid) Trump would be allowed to serve a third term (and there goes democracy), he’d be 82 when that term begins, the same age as Biden is now. What hypocrisy! Of course I, and I hope most Americans, understand that a president can’t serve more than two consecutive terms. Trump, of course, would be more than willing to bend the rules. But I have news for you, Donald. You too will one day be dust. Marcia Epstein
Bully mandate
Kew Gardens Hills: In your editorial of March 14 (“Staring down bully Tom Homan“), you refer to “border czar” Homan as a bully. I agree with you 100% — Homan is a big bully. But a bully like Homan is exactly what the United States needs to defend our borders from the huge influx of illegal aliens and to deport the ones already here. I wish the big bully great success in his task. Barry Koppel
Worth saving
Manhattan: To Voicer Alec Pruchnicki: Criticizing Norman Siegel (“New York City can really end street homelessness,” op-ed, March 9) for representing the effort to save the Elizabeth Street Garden? It is an absolute jewel — a beautiful and peaceful public garden filled with greenery, plants and gorgeous statues! Alternate sites have been proposed that are available for housing. One proposed by Community Board 2 is located at 388 Hudson St., which has five times more space and is an empty, city-owned gravel lot. Why must we sacrifice a green park for housing? Its destruction would be a tragedy. Carrie Tassa
Perpetual project
Brooklyn: For four years, construction has been ongoing in Crown Heights, primarily on the same block — President St. between Kingston and Albany Aves. The street is repeatedly torn up and closed. The work varies — gas lines, electrical or sewer repairs. Yet, no one can provide a clear answer as to when it will be completed. Parking is scarce, construction obstructs pedestrian walkways, and children are put at risk. Friday was the Jewish holiday of Purim, a day known for heavy foot traffic as children and adults go door to door delivering gifts. Residents decided to take action. After their request to halt construction for the day went unanswered, they surrounded the work site with their cars, preventing it from continuing. Many here believe the project is being unnecessarily prolonged to keep contractors employed. The frustration reached a boiling point, with residents openly confronting workers. This would be an interesting time to report on the situation. Tammy Holtzman
Ignored acts
Brooklyn: To Voicer Michael Schnackenberg: No MAGA hypocrisy here. I suppose that in your world, free speech allows breaking laws, taking over libraries, disrupting and causing chaos in classrooms, threatening and committing violence against Jewish students, and lastly, calling for the death of Israel and anyone supporting Zionism — but Mahmoud Khalil was just advocating for a free Palestine. Robert Weissbard
Spending to spend
Lindenhurst, L.I.: Well, it’s tax time again — not only time to pay taxes but to consider what we pay for. Consider our representatives, who voted as follows: 1) Legalized gambling because it will give money to schools and keep taxes low. Anyone see their school taxes go down? 2) Spent money on ads to prevent gambling addiction. 3) Spent tax money to convince people to stop smoking ($40 million last year) due to cancer — and then they legalized marijuana, which also has carcinogens. The smoke affects people who want no part in it, but no protections were put in place. 4) Spent money to end drug addictions, but they legalized marijuana. Does anyone else see that they are spending money to cause a problem and then spending money to cure it? It’s known as an oxymoron. Our government seems to be rampant with oxymorons! And we pay them for this? Louise Perrotta
