Middletown, N.J.: I would like to acknowledge a woman who, in my opinion, is a true New Yorker! Her name is Sandra Roth Ruskin, she is an administrator for a Facebook group called “New York City Images 1850-1980.” It is a large group of people who celebrate NYC (all five boroughs) by posting images with photos and paintings of our fair city!

Sandra is an expert in not only posting these images but also explaining in great detail who painted the portrait or who took the photo, and when and where it occurred! She loves the interaction of the members regarding all the images that are posted. She also keeps the members in line by not allowing any current politics to be involved. She is a consummate professional in all this. In my opinion, Sandra is a New Yorker at its best!

I would bet that many of you who use Facebook have joined this group. There are other administrators as well, but in my humble opinion, Sandra is the best of the best. She works for hours researching these images and posting them, and gets no compensation for the time she spends.

She is a true New Yorker who cares only that we members actually see New York City at its best and its worst (at times), and always at its most interesting moments. Please, if you have never been to that group, take a look at it, as I am sure you will be thrilled seeing all the images. Thank you, Sandra! Herbert Hanrahan

Holes in the system

Greenburgh, N.Y.: This is pothole season and many motorists are experiencing car damages due to potholes. New York State’s government treats itself differently than every town, village and city in the state. If you drive on a state-owned road or highway between Nov. 15 and May 1 and you go over a pothole, you are out of luck — even if someone reported the pothole to the state and it did nothing. They won’t give you a penny towards repairs that they caused. This is unfair. Every other government in the state is liable for pothole-related damages if they received written notice and did nothing about it. Why should the state be treated differently? Paul Feiner

Friendly territory

Las Vegas: Now that one of the only primaries (or caucuses) that GOP presidential candidate Nikki Haley has won is Washington, D.C., maybe she should move to D.C. and run for mayor — as a Democrat. Arthur A. Ahr

Democrat dyslexia

Brooklyn: I have noticed that Republicans and their supporters in the right-wing media keep referring to the Democrats as the party of slavery and Jim Crow. While there is certainly some truth to this claim, I find it ironic that the Southern Democrats who embraced slavery and then Jim Crow laws are the revered and honored forbears of the current base of the GOP in the South, i.e. the whites who fly the Confederate flag, wear MAGA caps and go into conniptions when Confederate statues and monuments are torn down. Trump’s southern base worships those Democrats of yesteryear like Robert E. Lee, Nathan Bedford Forrest, Stonewall Jackson, Jeb Stuart et al. Also, the Union could not have won the Civil War and ended slavery were it not for the mass participation of Northern Democrats in the Union army and navy. Indeed, some members of Lincoln’s cabinet were Democrats! Dennis Middlebrooks

Shell company shills

Edgewater, N.J.: It looks like a former president (not Jimmy Carter!) is trying to finesse his private media startup into a shell corporation to simplify his ability to take it public and collect more of his fans’ money. Haven’t we been listening to his friends in Congress for months sneer that the use of shell corporations is shifty and shady (because they think a member of the current president’s family may have used one)? Anybody hear similar sneering now on this latest shell game? With all the House oversight-committee talk disparaging shell corporations, I began to wonder who invented them anyway, and caused them to be viewed as devious: Financiers who’ve historically voted for the House’s current majority party, or advocates of working families who tended to vote otherwise? Jay K. Egelberg

Free to flee

Commack, L.I.: The gangs of Haiti have stormed a main prison in Port-au-Prince, releasing 4,000 prisoners. I would take a bet that they will be crossing our border within a week. John Flanagan

Around again

Hoosick Falls, N.Y.: As a Giants fan, I’m nervous that “wait until next year is almost here!” Jack Bakaitis

Solutions averted

Great Neck, L.I.: The excuse by MTA and NYC Transit that permanent improvements are on hold until congestion pricing is resolved (“MTA’s big overtime leak,” March 3) doesn’t hold water. The MTA has had three years to program funding that resolves this issue by allocating some of their $1.8 billion in annual Federal Transit Administration capital funding. Excessive overtime could have been avoided by assigning patrols to temporary, part-time or employees out on partial disability who were physically still able to walk around the bus depot. This is just one of many examples of MTA and NYC Transit waste, fraud and abuse. No wonder so many commuters, taxpayers, transit advocacy groups and elected officials have little faith in MTA Chairman Janno Lieber and NYC Transit President Richard Davey’s management abilities. Larry Penner

Not on their dime

Manhattan: The report that New York City paid out more than $500 million in NYPD settlements (“Not ready to settle,” editorial, March 4) is a worrisome sign that civil suits do not deter flawed policing. Against this backdrop, the NYPD should be required to tap into its asset forfeiture account to shoulder a significant portion of damage awards arising from wrongful convictions, settlements and trial verdicts, rather than NYC taxpayers. It does not appear that risk management is practiced by the police commissioner. Roger B. Adler

Push it through

Rye Brook, N.Y.: Ukraine is in desperate need of the military aid approved by the Senate, but Rep. Mike Johnson is preventing the bill from going to the House floor. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries needs to initiate a discharge petition to obtain the necessary signatures to force a vote on the bill. Demes Poulos

Missed your point

Whiting, N.J.: Voicer Glenn B. Jacobi paints a scenario where “the Squad” lives in a country under authoritarian rule for a month and then seeks to get out and return to the U.S.A. as quickly as possible. I am not clear on the point he is trying to make — that the Squad should have more centrist views, or is it justifying the wave of migrants trying to escape despotic regimes? Bill McConnell

Bread and circuses

Jackson Heights: America is divided politically and racially. Wars are raging across the globe, and what concerns Americans most? Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, along with dancing to Beyoncé’s country song. What should be of concern is: Where is Melania? Michael Lawrence

Underfunded UI

Albany: Re “Union: hike jobless aid” (March 3): New York’s unemployment insurance (UI) benefits should not increase without a significant infusion of state resources to its fund, which is still more than $7 billion in debt from state-mandated COVID shutdowns. This includes expanded benefits for striking workers, who are already afforded easier access to UI benefits than most workers, who must be actively engaged in a work search. State-level unemployment insurance benefits are funded exclusively by taxes on employers, so any benefit increase results in increased taxes on them. While many states incurred UI debt during the pandemic, New York remains the only state to take no significant action to address the UI debt and its impact on employers. Any consideration of increased UI benefits needs to be done as part of a comprehensive plan to restore the state’s fund to financial stability and lower UI tax burdens on business. Ken Pokalsky, Business Council of New York State

Soon-to-be centurion

Middle Village: On a different note, let’s raise a glass to Eva Marie Saint, one of the last surviving actresses of the Golden Age, who turns 100 this July 4. May God bless! Robert Chirieleison

Briarwood: Last week on one of the cable networks, there was a report concerning Trump fatigue or anti-Trump burnout. The report indicated that people were getting tired of hearing about Donald Trump. I disagree that this is fatigue or burnout. The problem is hopelessness caused by the concern of whether that the majority can have any meaningful say in our government.

To explain the lack of hope, look at what has happened since the protests, particularly by women, which occurred in 2017 after Trump was elected. Our reproductive freedom has been reduced, gay rights are threatened, and voting rights have been diminished.

Despite all our efforts, the majority have not been able to stop or discourage the minority from weakening our hard-earned rights. The minority already has total control of the Supreme Court and many state legislatures. My anticipation is that there will be further deterioration of all of our rights as the minority finds additional ways to take more control of our government.

We can protest and yell and scream all we want, but unless the people elect representatives who will represent the majority interests, there is no hope. Unfortunately, with our existing system, I’m not sure it is possible for the majority to ever have sufficient control of the government to make our lives truly better.

This is why there is hopelessness. Mary Elizabeth Ellis

Miles in their shoes

Jackson Heights: For an exciting new show, the producers of “Undercover Boss” could recruit the unhappy members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and arrange for them to live incognito in Cuba or Venezuela with regular people for 30 days. No personal security, no money. The last episode will be a nail-biter. If current events are representative, I’m thinking The Squad will do everything possible to scramble onto an overcrowded, leaking boat and try to escape. Stay tuned. Glenn B. Jacobi

Schedule change

Brooklyn: By any measure, early voting for nine days at sites different from a person’s regular polling site, some as far as a half-mile away, has been a failure. The turnouts have been nothing short of disgraceful. Your article on March 2 makes another argument against nine days in schools (“Early voting risks student safety,” op-ed). To ensure better turnout and limit challenges to school security, we should push for early voting to be limited to the weekend before Election Day and be held at regular sites. I believe this will increase voter participation and also save money for the city. Early voting has failed miserably. Robert Mascali

CRT challenge

Bronx: To Voicer Eric Cavaballo Callvado: I’m wondering if you could explain critical race theory to me. Do you even know what it is or are you just repeating right-wing B.S.? Also, do you realize that it is not taught in school until college? W. Twirley

Humanitarian aid theater

Edinburgh, Scotland: Early in Benjamin Netanyahu’s collective punishment of the people of Gaza, I referred to the West’s lament for aid while refusing to call for the killing to stop as tantamount to a human grouse shoot. The West is simply keeping people alive long enough for the IDF to use them as target practice. There is something so deeply disgusting about whining for a bit of food to get through to terrified civilians trapped in a kill zone when you won’t help stop the killing. After the “most moral army in the world” gunned down the desperate queuing for aid, and now that the slaughter has topped 30,000, mainly women and children, there is something so deeply disturbing and disgusting about the latest announcements of air drops and the accompanying pat on the back the EU, U.K. and U.S. are giving themselves, that I feel physically sick and can find no words to describe this. Amanda Baker

Too many victims

Woodside: About 30,000 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, have died since the conflict started. Surprise: Israel doesn’t have many more deaths than they had after the Oct. 7 attack. I guess Gazan women and children are not the enemy, but they sure do die. This is wrong! Richard Tobiassen

Cynics in charge

Brooklyn: To Voicer George Nader: I agree with all of your points and want to answer most of your questions with one simple answer: Because it’s Israel! In politics, it doesn’t matter if you’re right or wrong, no matter how barbaric. All that matters are how many votes you could gain or lose. Jim Carney

Intervene now

Hallandale, Fla.: Our government — complicit in Israel’s widespread destruction in Gaza, including the senseless killing of civilians, journalists and aid workers — can and must hasten a critically needed ceasefire with a direct and firm threat to withhold further money and armaments to their government. Whereas Israel’s leaders demand terms that appear to be rejected by Hamas, such as a complete list of remaining captives, the crisis in Gaza only intensifies. This includes growing starvation and malnutrition of 2 million civilians, along with mostly defunct or disabled hospitals unable to properly treat thousands of wounded civilians. This crisis demands a steadfast, resolute and unwavering response by the Biden administration. Sid Kurdis

Family affair

Woodside: So, the big tech companies will be sued because children are experiencing depression, sadness and suicidal tendencies. My question is where are the parents of these children? Oh, yeah — they’re too busy on their phones. Linda Carlson

Easy out

Medford, L.I.: To Judge Marva Brown: Thanks so much for releasing a repeat offender back onto the streets of Manhattan (“Woman busted in bottle bashing of cello player,” March 1). Amira Hunter had a long list of offenses before she clubbed a man in the subway station last month, and once again, she was released in your courtroom. What is wrong with you? What if it was you or one of your family members who was attacked or stolen from (she’s had several arrests for larceny)? You’re not the only person to blame — Gov. Hochul shares the guilt, as she’s the one who drafted legislation to release criminals because they can’t afford bail. Repeat offenders keep being released. New York is a toilet for criminality. Betty Miserendino

Condiment confusion

Bronx: To Voicer Mariann Tepedino: You are missing the point. It’s not about whether they taste good, it’s about where you put the condiments. Do you put mustard on your bagel? Ketchup on your pancakes? Syrup on your hotdogs? Cream cheese on your French fries? Mary Caggiano

Hearing without listening

Woodside: So they held public hearings concerning the upcoming congestion pricing. What is the point? It’s going to happen anyway, no matter what the public has to say. The cons of this pricing have apparently not been looked at. The MTA wants it, as do the transportation progressives, who say it will help clean the air, but only in Manhattan below 60th St. Never mind about the increased traffic in upper Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. And it will encourage people to use mass transit to get to the major tourist areas of Manhattan, although our system leaves a lot to be desired. The MTA set a goal of billions of dollars to be raised via the congestion toll, but we all know that they will still go to Albany, hat in hand, looking for funding because either not enough money was raised or the state needed it for another transportation issue somewhere else. Tom Rice

Honored institution

Staten Island: It was the late 1950s. Every weekday morning as I walked, Kings County Hospital was on my left, Downstate Hospital was being built on my right and Erasmus Hall High School had us freshmen spending our first year in the nearby public school. Years later, now a mom and registered nurse, Downstate Hospital’s kidney specialists would diagnose and save my son, who was suffering from an autoimmune condition. Personally and professionally, I hope this special hospital will remain to help other families for many years. Lynne Kessler

Washington: Donald Trump has argued that his actions after the election of President Biden, particularly on Jan. 6, 2021, were official acts. The case of presidential immunity, in which a sitting president had incited and/or engaged in an alleged insurrection, was simply too important for the Supreme Court not to hear. The justices can give a more in-depth analysis as to exactly what qualifies as an official act and who gets to decide what one is. Is that the job of Congress or can the president unilaterally decide which of his actions are official and which are not?

If Trump is reelected president, many have speculated that he could then pardon himself of federal crimes. I don’t think Congress or the American people would stand for it. But there is no guarantee he will be elected. I voted for him twice. I’m not so sure I want to give him a third vote. On the other hand, that certainly doesn’t mean I want to vote for Biden. As an Independent, I have voted for myself on numerous occasions. There’s also Robert Kennedy Jr. to consider.

I believe the Supreme Court will refine the executive immunity argument, but I do not believe the court will give Trump or any president immunity from prosecution for criminal acts committed while in office. Trump’s lawyers are only delaying his inevitable prosecution for alleged crimes. I suppose the conservative justices know the same thing I know: This time, it’s a Republican president asking for immunity. The next time, it could be a Democrat. Andrellos Mitchell

Right decision

Kew Gardens: The Supreme Court’s 9-0 rejection of a state seeking to ban an individual from a federal ballot goes beyond Donald Trump. It upholds the U.S. Constitution’s fundamental purposes and guiding principles. Moreover, it upholds the first three words in the preamble to our Constitution: “We the People.” One wonders about the prowess of the legal minds within these states who allowed this lame attempt, driven by personal dislike, to occur. Our Founding Fathers would be spinning in their graves if they had succeeded. Phil Serpico

Disqualifying

Shaftsbury, Vt.: Regardless of a court’s opinion, Trump should be left off the ballot for president. He is clearly guilty of helping to encourage a riot at the Capitol and did nothing to stop it. I call that insurrection. Keeping him off a ballot is the least he deserves as a consequence for his behavior. America needs a patriotic person as our president, someone who supports NATO and all our allies. Trump is clearly not the right person for president. Tom King

Filing error

North Bergen, N.J.: The reason Colorado and other states failed in their well-intentioned attempt to use the 14th Amendment as a tool to bar Trump from their states’ ballots was the fact that it was filed in the wrong venue. Had the 14th Amendment been invoked against a candidate running for local or even statewide office, the action could very well have succeeded. However, barring Trump from just a few individual states’ ballots raised an equal protection issue. Trump is running for office nationwide. Therefore, the action should have been brought in federal court to bar him from every ballot. Had that been done, I doubt the Supreme Court would have been unanimous in its shielding of him. Irving A. Gelb

Willful ignorance

Basking Ridge, N.J.: To Voicer Ilsa Ruthen: I think your points are spot-on. The problem is that it’s so far gone. The corruption and greed of politicians have taken over. Anyone who thinks any of them care about the issues, think again. There are a few who are straight-up, but not enough. Only the people can change this, but good luck with that. I’ve discovered that our country has more ignorant, uneducated people than I ever imagined. These people support a party based on their belief that what they are told is true but don’t look at facts. Watch Jordan Klepper interview Trumpsters and make asses of them, and they don’t get it. They have no basic understanding of the court system or the law. Some 1,200 people have gone to jail for Jan. 6 and their defense was, “I was doing what the president told me to do.” Joe Tierney

Art out of place

Manhattan: I am deeply chagrined to learn that a precious Banksy art piece is being hauled out of the city to Connecticut by the landlord whose building hosted the artwork. Banksy pieces are profoundly integral to the location the artist placed them. Put elsewhere, it is like a Stradivarius violin without a violinist. Susan A. Stark

No safe place

Ridgewood: People always complain about the crime in the city and on the subways, but it seems to me that the most gruesome crimes — with bodies and body parts scattered about — are in the quiet suburbs of Suffolk County. L. Tuthill

Didn’t get it

Manhattan: I love the comics and I’m so glad you have a large selection, but on March 4, the “Baldo” strip showed a young girl smoking, inhaling and looking at her phone. I don’t get it! And do I read this to my grandson? Billy Marks West

Double trouble

Freehold, L.I.: I realize that there are much more pressing issues in the world, but come on, guys, the “Word Search” yesterday was the same as one published last week. Otts Farner

She’s no Pistol

South Richmond Hill, N.Y.: Re “She’s a pistol” (March 4): How can you compare Caitlin Clark’s scoring record to Pete Maravich’s? She has played for four years; Maravich played three (freshmen were not eligible then). She has played 130 games while Maravich played 83. She has averaged 28.3 points per game; Maravich, 44.2. When “Pistol” Pete played, there was no three-point shot. Clark has made 509 three-pointers; Maravich, zero, and he shot very many from “downtown”! Also, there was no shot clock then. As great as she is — and she deserves all the kudos — Pistol Pete’s scoring record still stands. Apples and oranges, people. Joe Napoleone

Still holding

Astoria: My car’s registration was suspended due to unpaid tolls on Feb. 23. My car was towed to an impound lot in Brooklyn. After trying to contact E-ZPass for the fifth day straight on Friday just to make a payment, I still have no answers. I was informed last Monday that their system was down, and on Friday I missed another day of work waiting on hold for hours. Nobody can help me. All I’d like to do is pay my tolls so I can get my car out of the impound lot, which is $100 per day. Talia Antinucci

Hollow promises

Brooklyn: To Marie Mirville-Shahzada: After reading and rereading “Coney Island needs people who believe in it” (op-ed, March 3), I became extremely frustrated. I am a former Community Board 13 member who feels that Joseph Sitt, who owns this property, is selling Coney Island out. He has sat on this property waiting for the big money. What we need in our amusement area are more family-friendly affordable rides and attractions, not a casino that will eventually decrease our property values and bring more poverty, prostitution, drug sales and muggings. Has Mirville-Shahzada driven around our area to see what Coney really needs? Yes, I am sure the casino would provide more jobs, but who is to say that these go to our community? As a long-time resident of more than 60 years, I feel this project should be stopped immediately. We have heard promises to help our community before and they never seem to come to pass. Evelyn Strasser

Greater costs

Brooklyn: To Voicer Timothy Collins, who thinks electric school buses are too costly: What about the long-term health costs of our kids breathing diesel fumes? What about the costs of the planet overheating from continuing to burn fossil fuels? These costs already include billions in disaster relief and property losses from more floods, wildfires and superstorms due to our warming atmosphere, which is caused by burning fossil fuels like diesel. Don’t you want a healthy, livable future for your kids? Buying electric school buses will be money well spent. Joanne Boger

Manhattan: Re “Black parents in N.Y. need to know their rights” (op-ed, Feb. 26): Anyone can make a report to New York State’s child abuse hotline. If a call about a New York City child is accepted by the state, the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is required by state law to respond to allegations and assess the safety of the child. ACS can’t choose which families to respond to but must, under law, respond to reports the state accepts.

A Black child is seven times more likely than a white child to be in a report to the hotline. This is concerning. ACS can’t control calls made or reports accepted, so we have been retraining mandated reporters on when to appropriately make a report and when, instead, they should connect the family to support. We’ve also been diverting more cases (now more than 25%) to our non-investigative response when children are not in immediate danger.

Today, the number of children in foster care and the number of families under court-ordered supervision are at historic lows. We are further expanding our efforts so parents understand their rights at the outset of an investigation. We are the first in the state to provide a standardized, printed, plain-language notification of rights to parents at the onset of an investigation. We have been doing all of this to limit ACS involvement to where it is truly necessary and to respond with care and urgency when children are in danger. As ACS commissioner, I assure you that our aim is to get it right for each child and family. Protecting children and respecting families’ rights can and must be accomplished together. ACS Commissioner Jess Dannhauser

Easy enough

Brooklyn: To Voicer Jeffrey Van Pelt: Here’s a better idea, how about stupid parents stop idling their unattended vehicles with the keys in them? Duh. Josie Oliveri

Let it be known

Avon-by-the-Sea, N.J.: Re “I won’t release 9/11 toxin data: Eric” (Feb. 26): What Mayor Adams means to say is that the more information he withholds, the less money the city has to pay out. This information should have been made public years ago. City staffers are hiding behind the amount of access and data that should be available. Shame on all those involved, starting with the mayor. Robert Stiloski

Holy crap

Wappingers Falls, N.Y.: I see where Mayor Adams’ real good buddy Bishop Bling was on page 5 of Wednesday’s Daily News (” ‘Bling Bishop’ asked ‘God to exact vengeance’ on my son, testifies alleged victim,” Feb. 28). This dude is nothing but a crook and is a disgrace to any and all religions. He shows no remorse and is only concerned with where he is going to get his next $20,000 from. As a child, I learned that when you became a man of the cloth, you took an oath of poverty. Not this guy. He needs to be investigated in depth by N.Y. Attorney General Letitia James. People will be shocked at what will be found. There is no way you can live the lifestyle he does on what you make as a man of the cloth. I’m sure they will find that he continually has his hand in the collection plate and poor box. Stan Siekierski Sr.

Sound theory

Bronx: I appreciate Joni Schwartz-Chaney’s defense of the teaching of critical race theory (“Why teach critical race theory,” op-ed, Feb. 25). It’s hard to deny that everyone engages in implicit biases of all kinds. Accepting this and keeping it top of mind when planning instruction will open your eyes to opportunities that benefit all students. An in-depth look at what CRT entails only helps show that the controversy is misguided. Joe Cocurullo

Door service

Brooklyn: I would like to give a shout-out to my paper delivery person, Victor Humala. He provides excellent service. Every morning, my paper is right in front of my door. I don’t have to go down the stairs and search for it. Thank you, Victor. I appreciate all you do. Andrea Allen

In limbo

Brooklyn: There is something incredible that deserves a little space in Voice of the People: Preparers of 2023 income tax reports, including my CPA accounting, haven’t been able to do their job because they are still waiting for some type of form from New York State. Francisco J. Castillo

Clearance questions

Fall River, Mass.: First there was the 2023 story of a young Massachusetts Air National Guardsman busted for allegedly leaking classified military documents, including those related to Russia’s war in Ukraine. Now there’s the case of Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old member of a special intelligence Air Force agency who died after torching himself in front of the Israeli embassy in Washington. The delusional Bushnell reportedly had told a friend he was privy to information that U.S. military personnel were assisting the Israel Defense Forces in tracking and killing members of Hamas in their underground tunnels. How many more high-profile, bizarre and dangerous incidents will it take to convince our military leaders to do a more thorough job of vetting questionable young recruits who have access to high-level, sensitive information? Charles Winokoor

Unfair warning

Brooklyn: A quick perusal of social media comments reveals some limited but enthusiastic support for the Republicans’ abandonment of Ukraine funding. To me, that is unfathomable and nauseating, but in a nation partly ruled from the outside by the election-denying and manipulative former president, it seems to be standard thinking in some quarters. At least he and his GOP have put the members of NATO on notice that in the near future, depending on our election results, they may be on their own. Of course, if they fail to stop Putin from rolling east to west over all of Europe, it may be up to America to send our youth into another European conflict for the third time in just over 100 years. Edward Temple

Nation in crisis

Bellerose: Ukraine is in the third year of the invasion by Russia. Its needed aid is being held up by Congress. As a nation and a champion of the free world, we must not let the suffering people of Ukraine down. President Volodomyr Zelenskyy is calling out for needed supplies, weapons and ammunition. We must not let him and his people down. As grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 in Douglaston, and as a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam era, I call out for help for Ukraine. There are many men in Ukraine that belong to Knights of Columbus councils for more than a decade. Also, the national order of the Knights of Columbus began a novena for peace and healing. We must not abandon this freedom-loving people. Frederick R. Bedell Jr.

No strings attached

Brooklyn: I agree with Voicer Gregory Ahl that much in our political system needs fixing. Yes, we need to choose between the Electoral College and the popular vote. But I believe it’s more important to take the money out of election campaigns. Our legislators spend as much time fundraising as they do governing. I propose we end Citizens United and adopt a national election fund that would pool all political contributions, no matter the donor, and distribute the funds equally to all candidates of all parties who register by a specified date. No other funding would be allowed. If they don’t know where the money comes from, candidates won’t feel obligated to specific donors. Then we can get to work on the lobbying problem. Ilsa Ruthen

Slogan for a sleaze

Ottawa, Ontario: Re “NRA bigs hit on spend” (Feb. 24): Charlton Heston had a simple and effective slogan that expressed his commitment to gun owners’ rights. If Wayne LaPierre wishes to be remembered for his commitment to such rights and not just for corruption, he needs to develop a similar slogan — “From my warm, slimy hands.” Obviously, the suggested wording is just a first draft and not suitable for wider distribution. I am sure that a properly remunerated public relations firm could come up with much better wording. Hopefully, LaPierre will have the means to pay them. Bruce Couchman

Manhattan: Re “Upping housing ante” (Feb. 22): When my children and I were escaping from an abusive relationship, my housing voucher was essential to finding our new home, so I’m incredibly heartened to see the City Council fighting to expand CityFHEPS and give more New Yorkers access to this life-changing resource.

But I also know that expanding access to vouchers alone won’t be enough to help the thousands of New Yorkers living in shelters or in unsafe or unstable situations. Our city needs a plan to help homeless families find apartments they can afford.

I was lucky — the voucher I received through the federal Emergency Housing Voucher program came paired with a specialized housing navigator who worked tirelessly to help my family secure an apartment in a good neighborhood. Because we had access to these services provided by New Destiny, we could move into our permanent home within months of receiving our voucher, while many other families must stay in shelters for years before they can finally use their rental subsidy. New Destiny also made available aftercare services once we moved in. Everyone dealing with housing insecurity deserves this level of support.

Stable housing allowed my kids and I to heal from years of anxiety and trauma and begin to rebuild our lives. When the City Council prevails in their lawsuit and expands CityFHEPS, it’s essential that they pair it with housing navigation and aftercare so that every New Yorker facing housing instability has access to the same resources that I was fortunate enough to receive. Daniris Espinal

Service downgrade

Bay Shore, L.I.: Optimum cable urges customers to switch to WiFi at no charge. Nothing but problems! Service interruptions, phone calls to service representatives (here in the U.S.?), a home visit by a technician. At $250 a month, I expect the same reception as the old boxes! An email I received asking for comment on service — I can’t access! John T. O’Connell

Simple pleasures

Brooklyn: To Voicer Mary Caggiano: Why ketchup, mustard, syrup and cream cheese? Because they taste good. Mariann Tepedino

Good deed

Brooklyn: Last week, Staten Island Police Chief Joseph Gulotta and the NYPD K-9 unit made life a little happier for Julian Galloway, an 8-year-old cancer patient from Texas. Julian’s dad is a detective in Texas. Julian was sworn in as an honorary NYPD detective by Police Commissioner Edward Caban. That’s first-grade work by the Finest. Louie Scarcella

Lamentable legacy

Chicago: If wish fulfillment was the only criteria used to critique the career of Mitch McConnell, his special place in history would be assured. As the leading Republican in the Senate, his primary goal was stacking the federal courts with conservative judges, regardless of their qualifications. To his credit, he succeeded beyond his wildest dreams, as evidenced by the current Supreme Court’s three justices who he personally championed. Ironically, his greatest speech on the Senate floor occurred immediately after the Jan. 6 uprising, when he pointed his gnarly finger at Trump as the instigator of the failed coup. Unfortunately, that was too little, too late — much like his resignation as minority leader. No doubt McConnell will be long remembered for his loyalty to the Republican Party as well as his blind ambition. But his legacy could’ve been so much more considering his unique talent for getting things done. Bob Ory

No match

Clearwater, Fla.: As expected, Michigan was another landslide victory for former President Donald Trump. How in the world does Nikki Haley expect to win the general election when she can’t even get a meager 30% of the vote? Compared to Trump, Haley is nothing but an amateur. It’s back to the peanut gallery for her. Bye-bye! JoAnn Lee Frank

Autocratic trend-encies

Dallas: Viktor Orbán, prime minister of of Hungary since 2010, has promoted what he calls “illiberal democracy” but has been criticized by international observers, including the U.S. State Department, for leading an increasingly autocratic system there, rolling back minority rights, seizing control of the judiciary and media and manipulating the country’s election system to remain in power. He will visit ex-President Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago this week. With Benjamin Netanyahu increasingly approaching an autocratic system in Israel, including attempts similar to Orbán’s, it looks like a gathering of the world’s autocrats is slowly taking shape. With actor Mahershala Ali referring to a secret ruling world cabal in executive producers Barack and Michelle Obama’s No. 1 streaming movie “Leave the World Behind,” one could postulate that Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korea’s Kim Jong Un and Russia’s Vladimir Putin are not far behind lining up at the box office. Leo M. Crowley

Needed awareness

Manhattan: Re “NYC’s pound has gone to the dogs” (op-ed, Feb. 26): Thank you for publishing this piece. It is shocking that NYC hasn’t created more educational awareness around spaying/neutering pets in the 14 years I’ve lived here. Closing the doors on shelters is the short-term fix — and I hope our elected officials will recognize the need for better long-term strategies. Leslie Woodruff

‘In whole or in part’

Jacksonville, Fla.: To Voicer Betty Ussach: You wrote that the Israeli attacks don’t “qualify in the public mind as genocidal.” Do you possess a dictionary? Here is the definition of genocide: “The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group.” So, you’re right, Ms. Ussach, thousands aren’t being “shot and shoveled into mass graves.” Gazans are being bombed indiscriminately in their homes and streets! Bombs weighing a ton, plus bullets. Families are forced to put their slaughtered family members, including thousands of children, into makeshift graves in the streets! So don’t try to tell us this is not genocide or not comparable to Nazi Germany in WWII. It’s the same, if not worse! Carl J. Cruz-Hafner

Curious kids

Queens Village: So, embryos are children now? It should be an interesting Easter when these little buggers go on an egg hunt. And don’t get me started with what Halloween is going to look like! Lawrence Krasner

Full rights

Bayside: Frozen embryos should be given Social Security numbers so they can apply for disability benefits. After all, isn’t being frozen a qualifying condition? John J. Usuriello

Too late

Valhalla, N.Y.: Isn’t it amazing that after three years, President Biden and the Demo-critics finally see the need for border security? Three years of ignoring the people, but now that the election is on the horizon they’re starting to act. They’re also blaming the Republicans for holding up their proposed plan, which basically doesn’t slow down or control the border. Five-thousand immigrants a day times 365 days equals 1.8 million a year! Is this really a form of control? The plans of control were in place, but as soon as Biden took over they were all ignored! Too late, Biden! Michael Grisanti

Pre-Biden

East Meadow, L.I.: The murder of Augusta University College of Nursing student Laken Riley by Jose Antonio Ibarra is a horrible tragedy. Unfortunately, the MAGA crowd is politicizing her death by blaming President Biden since Ibarra is a migrant from Venezuela. But if they want to point fingers at anyone, it should be former President Donald Trump. Just before leaving office, Trump authorized deferred departure and offered temporary legal status to Venezuelans, making coming to America enticing to those fleeing the Maduro regime. Maybe if Trump hadn’t done that, Ibarra wouldn’t have entered the country. Richard Skibins

Legal loophole?

Hoboken: To Voicer Regina Mangan: You would sue Biden for the one person killed by a migrant, but you won’t sue the Republicans and the NRA for all of the mass killings committed by orange blob-loving American citizens. Amazing. Joe Ewansky

Brooklyn: What occurred on Oct. 7 was terrible, but it in no way justifies what is happening now in Gaza. It is very disappointing that none of New York’s political leaders, whether local, state or federal, have condemned what is occurring there now. Innocents are being indiscriminately killed and people are starving. There is no justification for this.

Condemnation of Israel’s policies has been widespread, including at the UN and the International Court of Justice. Worldwide protests and condemnations have been vocal and ongoing. Yet our political leaders stay silent.

There was a moving op-ed about this in the Daily News written by Audrey Sasson (“For New York, Israel-Palestine is a local issue,” Feb. 21). And for those who are quick to say that condemning Israel is antisemitic: It is not! People need to speak up. There needs to be a ceasefire. There needs to be total prisoner exchange on both sides. There needs to be a two-state solution to stop the spiraling violence year after year. The bombing and killing must stop!

Questions need to be asked. Here are a few: Why do we continue to send munitions to Israel to be used to bomb innocents? Why does New York State fund nonprofits that support Israeli settlements on Palestinian land? There is much more to be asked and to be said, including on repression and censorship of campus protests and so much more. The subject is delicate, fraught with extreme differences of opinion, but one has to have the courage to speak one’s mind. And that includes our politicians. George Nader

Mischievous mascot

Cortlandt Manor, N.Y.: Is it really a good idea in our current environment of out-of-control crime and shoplifting for McDonald’s to bring back the Hamburglar, who steals hamburgers with impunity? We understand it’s a marketing ploy for the Golden Arches but it’s not exactly setting a good example for our youngsters. Michael P. Devine

Arbitrary and capricious

Syosset, L.I.: How transparently duplicitous can people really be? The Supreme Court is now being accused of trying to engineer a Donald Trump election by taking a case relating to presidential immunity, which is of obviously vital constitutional importance. When Trump objected to the alleged bias of a judge of Mexican descent, none other than then-Vice President Joe Biden called that “a dangerous attack on a vital pillar of democracy, the independent judiciary.” Here, the baseless attack is on the Supreme Court itself. Sheesh — I guess everything is OK to say when it’s pro-left, and nothing’s OK to say when it’s pro-right. I keep forgetting. Sorry. Drew Oringer

The sane choice

Fort Worth, Texas: I’m voting for President Biden in November because I want a president who is kind, not cruel; who’ll protect women’s reproductive rights instead of forcing a 10-year-old rape victim to give birth; who’ll slow global warming, not escalate it; who’s honest, not a pathological liar; who respects women instead of sexually abusing them; who’ll protect the environment instead of killing endangered animals; and who’ll ban AR-15 assault rifles instead of allowing gun violence to become the leading cause of death in children. But as an 81-year-old woman, the main reason I’m voting for Biden is because I’d really like to continue to live out my days in a democracy instead of a dictatorship run by a lying, cheating, NATO-hating, Putin-loving egomaniac. Sharon Austry

Can’t can for that

North Massapequa, L.I.: I am a more-than-20-year donor to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, among others. When I heard the report of the firing of a 90-year-old 60-year volunteer because of pronouns, I almost fell over. My first instinct was to call them and inform them to not look for my donations anymore. Many people I know are just as upset. I am in a cooling-off period as to whether I will donate again, but I am leaning toward no. These charities should wise up and do charity, and not get involved with stuff that will affect their core mission. Steven Malichek

Both gone

Hallandale Beach, Fla.: I was afraid of this. I had a feeling Stacy Wakefield might not last long after her husband Tim Wakefield passed. My most heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to Tim and Stacy’s family and friends. We can take comfort in the fact that they are together once again. Stacy Wakefield, RIP. Paul Bacon

Danger on the rails

Delray Beach, Fla.: Riding the A train for many years when I lived in Ozone Park always taught me to be vigilant on the train. I do remember a police officer walking through the car, making sure the train was safe. The other day, an MTA conductor was slashed in the neck at the Rockaway Ave. station. This is another tragedy on the train, but remember, NYC residents: You voted for this and now you have to deal with the crime-ridden filth on the subways today. It is getting worse every day. Remember on Election Day the next time it comes around. Manny Agostini

Just a theory

Bronx: Re “Why teach critical race theory” (op-ed, Feb. 25): CRT is not history. It is a theory that pits races against each other, dividing us between whites as the oppressors and Blacks are the oppressed. Teaching race hatred, which is disgraceful in 2024, is not a benefit — it’s a means to place blame and abdicate responsibility, a proven road to failure. Meanwhile, our students can’t read and are academically behind most other developed countries. There are Black people who disagree with CRT who don’t want the onus of negative, derogatory labels applied to them. Our students are not an experiment for every and all social agenda programs, which is exactly what they’ve become. This is still the land of opportunity; if Joni Schwartz-Chaney thinks it’s not, instead of joining the excuse-makers, she would be more useful by retiring and making room for the millions eager to take her place. Eric Cavaballo Callvado

Well, duh

Millburn, N.J.: Thursday’s paper has a column by Mike Lupica saying there’s pressure on Aaron Boone for the Yankees to win the World Series this year, and he might lose his job if they don’t (“Boone in the line of fire if these Yankees don’t deliver big-time in October,” Feb. 29). How remarkably insightful. Only someone who has spent a lifetime closely studying baseball could figure that out. Ed Marks

Faceplant face

Central Islip, L.I.: I never got a really good look at Taylor Swift’s temp boyfriend until the Super Bowl. What an ugly mug! Swift must be desperate. Thomas Sarc

Pay for prevention

Brunswick, Maine: The surplus of dogs and cats in New York has only one solution, and the city and hopefully the ASPCA as well need to allocate resources to subsidize spay/neuter surgeries. Twenty years ago, the problem was very bad, but people came together to ensure that there were mobile vans going to the worst problem areas to spay/neuter cats and dogs and do “spay blitzes” that neutered very large numbers of companion animals on weekends. The numbers went down. We need to redouble our efforts now to recreate those conditions. It costs — in dollars as well as suffering — far, far less to spay/neuter and prevent litters than it does to do nothing proactive and then have to try to clean up the mess. Esther Mechler

Mission failure

Manhattan: NYC Animal “Care” Centers are failing miserably to save the animals in their care. ACC kills thousands of animals each year while falsely blaming the public. Despite intake numbers far below pre-pandemic levels, killing has risen sharply. Despite its claims, ACC routinely kills healthy, adoptable animals. Queens and Bronx shelters remain unfinished. Hours at the other three are inadequate, phone calls are not returned and adoption vans and events are virtually nonexistent. Despite its 34-year, billion-dollar contract with NYC, ACC cries poverty. Despite its wealth, ASPCA’s funds for animals in “hopeless” situations are not given to the doomed ACC animals a few blocks away. Many cities with even higher intake rates than NYC have successfully instituted the programs of the “No Kill Equation,” but ACC’s failed vision and leadership continue the immoral killing of our city’s animals. Deborah Tanzer

Northport, L.I.: Recently on X, which used to be called Twitter, former Long Island Rep. Lee Zeldin idiotically found a way to smear President Biden for the horrible death of Russia’s noble freedom fighter Alexei Navalny at the cold, bloody hands of Vladimir Putin’s henchmen in a Siberian prison camp.

Despite having many disagreements with Zeldin’s policies in the past, I always used to cut this conservative Suffolk County Republican some slack because he served our country as an Army ROTC second lieutenant in the Military Intelligence Corps. But now Zeldin sounds like he’s come down with an incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

In his recent bizarre post about Navalny’s murder, Zeldin actually wrote that “it’s worth remembering that Democrats are actively doing Biden’s bidding as they also try to imprison his chief political opponent, Donald Trump, remove him from the ballot, and ensure he dies in prison.” And to think that Zeldin came within five points of defeating Gov. Hochul two years ago! New York got lucky indeed.

But to answer Zeldin’s claim, yes, if the orange-complexioned conman from Queens who fooled enough voters to become our 45th president is finally found guilty, he must do the time for the crime. That’s the way justice is served in our republic, whether you’re rich or poor, am I right?

Poor Ronald Reagan must be rolling in his grave. The Grand Old Party that he once championed has gone off the deep end. Spencer Rumsey

Race vision?

Brooklyn: I guess I was wrong about Trump. I never believed he had superpowers until he claimed that he could see Black people in the dark but not white people. Or maybe he was seeing dead people. Am I alone in finding this very strange? Mary Whitaker

Trump-imposed syndrome

Tarrytown, N.Y.: Yes, Voicer Armand Rose, I do indeed have Havana Syndrome, as does the rest of the country as a result of having to endure Trump’s constant spewing of hate, lies and bigotry. It has caused an intense psychological reaction of revulsion among most of us regular folks. I would suggest that my syndrome will result in me voting blue down the ticket in November. That is called democracy, something the orange, cognitively impaired con man from Queens only believes in when he wins — another example of his mental decline. Adam Reich

Rude awakening

Point Pleasant, N.J.: My delivery person made an error and delivered the N.Y. Post instead of The News yesterday morning. What a piece of crap. I had to put it down. And it has no comics section. Not getting The News throws off my entire day. Gene Speroni

Parental intervention

Staten Island: There was a recent incident on the news in which a mother left her 5-year-old child in her car while she went into a store. Well, the car was stolen with the child still in it. Another incident involved another 5-year-old child. They went away from the house and were found in a swamp. Both children were fine after their dangerous experiences. What can be done to a mother for putting her child in danger? This insanity has to be stopped. My suggestion would be to arrest the mother and bring her to a hospital to be evaluated by a psychiatrist. This may sound inane but maybe parents will discontinue such dangerous behavior. Jeffrey Van Pelt

Available beds

Chester, N.J.: Nobody has commented on how 70 immigrants were living in the basement of a furniture store. So who has beds that are unoccupied at night? A furniture store. This is both funny and genius. Unoccupied beds and people who need them. I would just carefully check any “new” mattress I bought from them. David J. Melvin

Traceable tragedies

Rockaway, N.J.: Voicer Sally DeFelice says President Biden will do his best to keep Americans safe. On Day 1, he used his pen to open the border. Now we have illegal migrants fighting our police in Times Square and killing an innocent college student. Sally must be one of the 20% who approve of Biden’s border policies. Michael Ilardi

Not Hamas

Bronx: To Voicer Francisco Matos: Hamas is in Gaza, so how are Palestinians in the West Bank Hamas killers? And there have been plenty of reports, even videos of homes being stolen and Palestinians being attacked in the West Bank by the Israeli occupiers. Richie Nagan

Free bird

Pleasantville, N.Y.: The poignant letter from Voicer Denise Kelly regarding caged birds reminds me of Angela Lansbury’s song in the 1945 film “Portrait of Dorian Gray.” The singer supposedly is a free sparrow addressing a caged canary: “Good-byе, little yellow bird / I’d rather bravе the cold / On a leafless tree / Than a prisoner be / In a cage of gold.” Gary Dieckman

Too few facilities

Middle Village: Once again, Elizabeth Forel hits it on the head (“NYC’s pound has gone to the dogs,” op-ed, Feb. 26). I’ve worked there twice, under ASPCA and NYC ACC in the 1970s and 1990s, respectively. I know how many rooms and cages used to be available for euthanasia. So now, many years later, when you have thousands fewer animals coming in, you still cry not enough room? We never closed the shelter and we killed more than once a day. Sometimes, there were so many coming in that they would allow an animal only a day of reprieve. I can only surmise that the powers that be reduced the number of cages and/or rooms to house them. There’s no transparency, no statistics. Right now, there are at least six shelters in Manhattan alone but nothing in Queens. This has been going on for decades! When is it going to end? Joan Silaco

Companion animal control

Manhattan: Elizabeth Forel’s op-ed addresses the quintessential issue in managing the well-being of animals in New York City: If we can not match the number of available companion animals to households able to have and hold these animals, there will be disequilibrium resulting in homeless animals, rescue-hoarding and other bad situations. The laws of supply and demand suggest that the expedient way to intervene in this deplorable cycle is to stop the excessive reproduction of potential companion animals. NYC must mandate a spay/neuter requirement for all companion animals, with only bona fide breeders being exempt, and we must establish enough low-cost, accessible spay/neuter clinics to provide these services. It makes sense and cents in the long run for NYC to do this. Eva Podietz

Unexplained fixin’s

Bronx: Why do we put cream cheese on bagels? Why do we put syrup on pancakes? Why do we put ketchup on French fries? Why do we put mustard on hot dogs? Mary Caggiano

Families need fathers

Beacon, N.Y.: The Family Court system in New York has persistently failed our children. Shared-parenting leaders, domestic violence advocates, fathers’ rights champions, single-parent defenders and the citizens of New York are beyond exhaustion. We are banding together to fight for our children’s futures. To the officials who have turned a blind eye and deepened the divide, hear this: We demand change. We are uniting, and if the family courts refuse to evolve, we will unseat those who stand in the way of justice. This isn’t about politics, this is about our children’s civil rights, their safety and their tomorrows. This is a rallying cry from Rouses Point to Staten Island. Our battle is with the courts. We must unite, redefine the narrative and rise for the seismic reform that our family courts desperately need. Change is not just coming — it is here. Andre’ K. Rainey

Tipping the scales

Yonkers: The ongoing and ceaseless efforts by the far-left Legislature to gerrymander congressional districts was an insult to the voters and citizens of this state. Democrats’ attempts to overturn the twice-stated will of the people (as demonstrated in referenda) and to sidestep a previous Court of Appeals decision are repugnant and reek of banana republic machinations. Their mission to then pack the court to guarantee a favorable ruling where one party remains in power indefinitely is the antithesis of democracy. For Democratic leaders to say they are hoping to ensure all New Yorkers are fairly and equitably represented by elected officials is political legerdemain at its worst. James McCaffrey

Manhattan: So the nightmare goes on. I speak of the continuing support of approximately 60% of Republicans for t’Rump. How crazy is it that they want to subject the country and the world through four more years of the endless lies, nastiness, chaos and lawsuits that this deeply immoral almost 80-year-old brings everywhere he goes?

I don’t care what your political or religious beliefs are — why would you want to put this convicted sex offender back in the White House? By the way, he’s convicted of doing exactly what he said he does in that infamous “Access Hollywood” tape. Seriously, is this the best they can do? How bizarre. They say they want to make America great again. By what, denigrating our belief in everything that makes us great, like elections (unless they win), a free press, the courts including judges and juries — oh, and all Democrats (more than half of their fellow citizens)? And let’s not forget science, history and medical experts. Republicans want to ban books and drag queens but not assault weapons. How warped is that?

A recent survey of more than 500 scholars rated U.S. presidents, and t’Rump was rated last — the worst ever! President Biden was voted 14th. I do wish that Biden, who I believe is a decent, smart, experienced man, would not run again and let someone younger and more vital run. Boy oh boy, what strange, scary times we are living through. To paraphrase a famous quote from the 1950s: Republicans, have you no shame? Jeff H. Woods

One big con

Bronx: The Republican Party seems to be an easy mark for con artists. In New York lingo, that is called a patsy. So Trump, the slick New Yorker, ran for president with no hope of winning, just maybe to prop up his image. But then he saw all that easy money pouring in, so being the supreme grifter, he couldn’t resist. And to his surprise and everyone else’s, he won. But fate came in, and as 17th century philosopher Baruch Spinoza stated, there’s no free will. Trump’s downfall started when he came down the escalator in Trump Tower. His destiny is sealed. Virgilio Carballo

Get in the game

Manhattan: While The News’ Editorial Board wrings its hands (“Redistricting goes into overdrive,” Feb. 27) over Albany Democrats rejecting the congressional lines drawn by the “independent” commission (that favored Republicans and lost Democrats the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022), red states have gerrymandered their districts to the hilt, giving Republicans veto-proof majorities in their state legislatures and congressional delegations wholly unreflective of the party divides in their states. Democrats can’t unilaterally surrender to this and tie our hands behind our backs. We have to fight fire with fire, or the dysfunctional Republicans will continue to control the House and keep the country on the road to ruin. Until partisan gerrymandering is banned nationwide — the Supreme Court has refused to stop it — states such as New York must use it to counter its use in red and purple states. Andy Humm

An inconvenient horror

Staten Island: Illegal immigrant Jose Ibarra “allegedly” slaughters a young woman after being rush-released from child violence charges in NYC to beat an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold request. And not so much as a column inch in New York’s Hometown Paper? I guess only some murders require a national conversation. Your editors are loathsome cowards. John Colella

Which is it?

Clifton Park, N.Y.: To Voicer Dan Arthur Pryor: Your word salad did not answer the question. If the dozen embryos/blastocysts are indeed “persons,” the moral choice would be to rescue them instead of the 1-year-old. Your choice would reveal what you actually believe. John Landers

Pro-life?

New Rochelle, N.Y.: If the fertility clinic erupts into flames and I rescue 100 extrauterine blastocysts at the expense of 10 post-uterine people, will I still be considered a hero? Asking for the loved ones. Nancy Rodrigue

Get at the root

Los Angeles: As a former executive director of the Animal Care & Control of NYC, I wholeheartedly support Elizabeth Forel’s poignant op-ed, “NYC’s pound has gone to the dogs” (Feb. 26). The ACC faces persistent challenges, exacerbated by a lack of proactive measures to address root issues like overpopulation and irresponsible pet ownership. Forel’s call for accessible spay/neuter facilities and robust educational campaigns is not only necessary but urgent. We must transition from mere crisis management to sustainable solutions that prioritize animal welfare and community engagement. It’s time for decisive action from our city’s leadership and agencies. With transparency, public oversight and strategic initiatives, we can transform our animal care system into one that reflects our city’s compassion and resources. Ed Boks

Seeking angel investor

Manhattan: Does the City of New York want to keep this status quo? Too many animals, not enough homes, high euthanasia, homeless strays on the street — many starving and abused! Intact dogs and cats who, through no fault of their own, contribute to the massive homeless animal population! The mayor, City Council and agencies like the Department of Health, which oversees the ACC, look the other way! Yet, animal control is a government responsibility and NYC has failed miserably! New York is the wealthiest city in the world. The money is available to do something about our Third World system for animals, whether privately funded or with public/private partnerships. Will someone step up? Or will it continue to be a shameful embarrassment? Diane M. Kastel

Get to the point

Whitestone: Voicer Scott Hammond did an excellent job with his letter. That is, if he was trying to blend the exhaustion of reading Stephen King with the random thoughts of someone attempting to write a novel while on Ritalin. My god, all that blather to basically say that he thinks the U.S. should stop the genocide in Palestine. To quote Shakespeare: “Brevity is the soul of wit.” Robert LaRosa Sr.

Unheard of

Utica, N.Y.: To Voicer Richie Nagan, who wrote that he hasn’t seen reports in the Daily News of the Israelis killing Palestinians and stealing their homes in the West Bank: That’s because those reports do not exist. The Palestinians being killed are the Hamas killers who attacked Israel. Unfortunately, they hide within the Palestinian people because they’re cowards, and innocent Palestinians suffer for it. Francisco Matos 

A different take

Huntington, L.I.: Sen. Tim Scott made a profound statement when he said, “Black families survived slavery. We survived poll taxes and literacy tests. We survived discrimination being woven into the laws of our country. What was hard to survive was Johnson’s Great Society, where they decided to take the Black father out of the household to get a check in the mail, and you can now measure that in unemployment, in crime, in devastation. If you want to restore hope, you’ve got to restore the family, restore capitalism, and put Americans back at work, together as one American family.” The effects of the expansion of the welfare state on the Black community should be taught as part of critical race theory. They are more relevant today than slavery. Tom Saracco

Costly clean

Bayside: Electric school bus mandate? Gov. Hochul the yokel, what is wrong with her? Electric buses cost thousands of dollars more than standard buses. There is no infrastructure in place to support this idea. She has to go. Her mandates are generating enormous profits for her donors on the taxpayer’s dime. God help the citizens of New York. Timothy Collins

Pulling support

Little Egg Harbor, N.J.: I am 100% behind Rep. Andy Kim when it comes to taking a corrupt politician’s place instead of adding one more person trying to get into a lush job. Gov. Phil Murphy’s wife has seen how her husband has gotten away with doing nothing to serve this state and those who voted for him. Now she feels she can duplicate his job with her eyes closed. I am an Independent who voted for Murphy. I write to him but he has never acknowledged my letters. New Jersey has the most corrupt politicians of any northern state. Once elected, they ignore anyone and anything but their paycheck. They build hundreds of senior communities to pull you in just to tax you out of existence. Rose S. Wilson

Manhattan: The world is mourning the death of New York City’s beloved Flaco, the Eurasian eagle-owl who, after 10 years in captivity, escaped from the Central Park Zoo and, defying the odds, survived for a year on his own. Flaco was admired for how well he adapted to our urban environment. But what moved us most was the fact that he was free — to fly where he chose, to forage for food and to decide his own destiny.

Flaco’s free existence didn’t come without risks. Still, how many birds would choose to spend their lives confined to cages if they could live freely as he did? My guess is none. Birds in captivity may have some comforts, but the experience of freedom is bound to win. Flaco’s death is tragic, but also tragic is the fact that so many of his fellow birds are stolen from their natural habitats, or bred in captivity to be kept as pets.

Each year, millions of parrots, finches and canaries from South America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific Islands are sold in the U.S. as caged birds. Even when bred in captivity, these exotic birds are not domesticated, and their inherent behavioral needs remain the same as their wild counterparts. It’s no surprise that many exhibit neurotic behavior, screaming and feather destruction.

This needs to change. We have an ethical responsibility to provide the best care possible for birds already in captivity. Better still, we should make the idea of caged birds a thing of the past. Denise Kelly

Predator pest control

Ozone Park: The rodent population in NYC would drop drastically if we had more owls like Flaco. Unfortunately, that is not possible. He must have loved the meal choices. Irresistible. Ray Hackinson

Easiest fix

Manhattan: Thank you, Daily News and Elizabeth Forel (“NYC’s pound has gone to the dogs,” op-ed, Feb. 26), for your courage and compassion to address the animal crisis and the disturbing failure of the NYC ACC, New York City government and the ASPCA. I totally agree with the author of this article. Animal care and control is a huge quality-of-life issue. NYC residents pay plenty of taxes to live and work in a civilized environment. Start with some obvious solutions like free or low-cost spay/neuter. Jone Noveck

Outreach

Woodside: I agree with Voicer Elizabeth Forel’s op-ed on the abysmal situation at the ACC. A 34-year contract? I guess their jobs are secure. Maybe this unserious bunch thinks so, too. Maybe this unserious bunch thinks so, too. Some semblance of awareness of how overcrowded it is shouldn’t be that hard to come by. It’s basic biology. Cause, meet effect. Many animal activists are often told, “Do something for people.” The ACC needs to develop and publicize subsidized spay/neuter programs and educate so that people will more easily afford to take measures to end pet overpopulation. Sheila Richardson

How’s she doing?

Bronx: A few months ago, the Daily News covered a story about a widow, originally from Ukraine, who was bitten in her thigh by a shark while swimming in the ocean at a New York beach. Thanks to the efforts of the lifeguards, she was saved and hospitalized. After all this time, I’m wondering, what is her condition? Has her flesh regrown? Is she still in the hospital? Is she able to walk again? I and many of your concerned readers are hoping for her recovery. Can you do a follow-up about her? Arye Barkai

Observable reality

North Arlington, N.J.: Voicer Adam Reich was critical of me for expressing the opinion that President Biden is in serious mental decline, citing Special Counsel Robert Hur’s conclusion that Biden is an elderly man with a poor memory, and backing that up with examples from his interview with the president. The writer claims that the special counsel doesn’t have the credentials to make that assumption. To that I would say: You don’t have to be a weatherman to know which way the wind is blowing. I wonder if the writer has Havana Syndrome, or maybe a self-deception problem. Armand Rose

Par for the course

Kew Gardens: It was no accident that the Duke basketball player was nearly hurt and allegedly punched in the back by the Wake Forest fans who stormed the court after their upset victory. It is indicative of what is going on in our country today. It is no longer enough to cheer for your home team or vote for the candidate of your choice. The message is you must destroy the other side. If you are not with me, you are my enemy, and these flames are fanned daily by social media and our politicians for their own gain. Wake up, America. You’ve been brainwashed and don’t even realize it, caught up in your hate. Jeff Pullen

Send help

Park Ridge, N.J.: I will simply say I hope the powers that be in Congress will do the right thing and approve the funding to save Ukraine. Please don’t let Russia destroy that country. Steve Ostlund

Sacrificial soldiers

Bronx: Ukraine needs to stop playing games with Putin. Take it to him, bomb Russia as close to him as possible. Don’t worry about escalating the war. Their people are being killed. I just read that more than 80,000 Russian troops have been killed. I cried. These young men are cannon fodder. Their lives don’t mean anything except to their loved ones. Putin looks stone-faced. I know what it’s like being there, the hardships. So many young men killed. Julio Rivera

Ancient aspiration

Margate, Fla.: If Voicer Scott R. Hammond was not totally ignorant concerning Judaism, he would know that Zionism is the singular foundational narrative of Judaism as expressed in the sole source of Judaism, the Jewish Bible, a.k.a. the Old Testament — the Jewish people’s return to Zion, what today is Israel — and was 3,500 years old when Theodor Herzl was just a gleam in his father’s eye. As New York Times columnist Bret Stephens recently said with eloquent brevity: “Whatever else it is, Jewish nationalism — that is, Zionism — is the oldest continuous anticolonial movement in history, starting well before the Romans sought to de-Judaize the area by calling their Levantine colony Palestina. Chanukah, the festival of lights, is one such reminder, celebrating the recovery of Jerusalem from colonizing Greeks in the second century B.C.E.” Richard Sherman

Subjugation plan

Darien, Conn.: Israel seems to believe that occupying the entire West Bank will be the only satisfying program for them. Supporting this dastardly, violent act produces evil-spirited feelings in my mind. Will this continuing disgrace only end when all the Palestinians are owned by Israel? Dan Singer

Overlooked arguments

Albany: No coverage of last week’s oral arguments at the International Court of Justice alleging the illegality of Israel’s occupation? At least the Daily News Editorial Board saw fit to address South Africa’s accusations of genocide (“Genocide and the truth,” Jan. 11), even if you dismissed them as “calumny” before they were delivered (how judicious). You’d do well to parse the salient legal arguments put forth for Namibia by Phoebe Okowa, among them that the increasingly fanatical Israeli government’s apartheid practices — including its wanton use of military force — are prohibited: “It is clear from all the available evidence that these discriminatory practices are not accidental or fortuitous, but are designed for the specific purpose of privileging Jewish Israelis over Palestinians. The fact that the practices in question may have other collateral objectives, such as maintaining security, is irrelevant. It will suffice if the primary motive is discriminatory, even if it also serves ancillary purposes.” M. Goldman

Gracious gift

Jamaica: When I read about the $1 billion donation to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to provide free tuition for all its medical school students, it actually brought tears to my eyes. Hopefully, it’s to allow talented students of all walks of life to study worry-free from future debt. So, I know individual donations have been made, but let’s join forces with Oprah, Tyler Perry, Jay-Z, Lebron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan and the other Black billionaires to make a donation to HBCU Meharry Medical College and/or Howard University to provide free tuition in perpetuity for deserving candidates. Carol Grant

Pasadena, Calif.: Playing into Vladimir Putin’s hand, the Republican House of Representatives allows another planted Russian spy, Alexander Smirnov (photo), to infiltrate the inner circle of Republican leadership. Smirnov, who was arrested Feb. 14 at the Las Vegas airport, was indicted for providing “false derogatory information to the FBI” about President Biden and his son Hunter.

“Again, Congress allowing Russian disinformation to come straight into the United States Congress,” said MSNBC host Joe Scarborough. “An easy, easy mark for Russian disinformation.”

Here is what today’s Republican leadership is like: “Every day, the evidence keeps mounting and the evidence that is coming in is number one of a widespread bribery scheme of Joe Biden and Hunter Biden and the entire Biden family, to extract bribes from foreign nationals,” claims Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas as he continues to put his foot in his mouth.

Contrary to the claims of James Comer, Jim Jordan and many other desperate Republicans, the FBI now has evidence that Smirnov’s tale about the bribes was totally fabricated.

“James Comer continues to embarrass himself and House Republicans,” a source close to GOP leadership told the Messenger. “He screws up over and over and over. I don’t know how Republicans actually impeach the president based on his clueless investigation and lack of leadership.”

Patriotic Americans, save our democracy from MAGA Trumpian autocracy. Let’s start by holding these dangerous politicians accountable and vote — then encourage your friends and family to vote! Richard A. French

Cold comfort

Edison, N.J.: I have seen all the reporting of President Biden meeting with the widow of Alexei Navalny, who was murdered in prison by the Putin regime. Biden showed much empathy and compassion for Navalny’s widow. I was wondering when, if ever, Mar-A-Lardo would be offering his sympathies. Seems to me that since he feels like he is Navalny, he would be rushing to the widow’s side. What thing or person could possibly be stopping him from offering his condolences? Could it be Putin? Thomas Morrison

Leadership morass

Manalapan, N.J.: Republicans, don’t forget who was also disturbed yet loved for many years: Hitler! Democrats — disgraceful. You’re exhausted? Want to give up? Marion Gargano

Democracy destroyers

San Francisco: On Friday, at CPAC, religious maniac Jack Posobiec proclaimed that his group’s goal is to “end democracy” in this country and apparently replace it with a theocracy. And they call themselves patriots? These people are PINOs (patriots in name only). Jimmy Layton

False choice

Belvidere, N.J.: Voicer John Landers initiates a thought experiment: Who do you save in a fire, a dozen frozen embryos or one child? The calculated response is primordial, not moral. What if the choice is to save only one boy or girl from the fire, and the other child dies? That’s why the calculated response is always primordial. It’s a trap for pro-lifers no matter which way you cut it. The ruse of the thought experiment is to conflict the pro-lifer’s conscience. Abortion advocates have little conscience when it comes to the unborn. For them, visible flesh and bones trumps the new members of the human race in-utero, whether embryonic or viable. Dan Arthur Pryor

Perks of personhood

Staten Island: I am going to put a couple of embryos in the backseat of my car and drive in the HOV lanes. Myra Goodman

The damage is done

Rockaway Point, L.I.: You’re too late, President Biden, to finally address the migrant problem. You’re only doing it because it’s an election year. Hopefully, you’ll lose. If my child was the nursing student killed by a migrant, I would sue Biden personally as well as the government for not protecting citizens. Regina Mangan

Birth control

Bronx: Re “NYC’s pound has gone to the dogs” (op-ed, Feb. 26): In today’s world of cutting-edge medical advancement, can’t they develop a pill that can be given to dogs and cats to sterilize them, given to them by vetted volunteers? It breaks my heart to see these animals in shelters destined for a miserable life or worse. John Cirolia

Protect wildlife

Manhattan: As New Yorkers mourn the death of Flaco (“Recall freedom-loving owl,” Feb. 25), it is worth noting that he is not alone in being killed because he flew into a building whose windows did not include bird-strike prevention measures. Hundreds of birds die needlessly every day in NYC when they fly into windows that are not bird-friendly. You would think that cultural icons like the American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center planetarium and the new Whitney would have been required to use bird safety glass on their buildings, but they weren’t and they didn’t. Let’s use Flaco’s death as an opportunity to mandate safety glass in every dangerous cultural institution supported by our tax dollars. His tragic death would then not be in vain. Maria C. Fernandez

Going up

Manhattan: Spectrum Cable is getting too greedy. I’m a cable user since 1987. I hardly have anything and my bill went up to $141.76. They have an attitude when I dispute a bill. One supervisor said we will have to remove one internet or phone. I said I’m a low-income senior, but I still have to pay. Stop nickel-and-diming us Americans. They will not stop bleeding us all to death. Helen Murphy

Ominous rub

Melbourne, Fla.: If you get a chance, get SNY to check their televised interview of Kodei Senga last week when he was being interviewed with his interpreter at a table. Senga was sitting there rubbing his pitching shoulder during the interview. He seemed to be bothered by something. My wife and I saw it and we both said something looks wrong with his shoulder. Sure enough, it was announced Wednesday. Craig Frank

Precarious position

Brooklyn: As a current school crossing guard, let me point out what is necessary for our safety. We are at the schools every day, come hell or high water, dealing with all kinds of weather. If that isn’t bad enough, we have to deal with irresponsible drivers who don’t feel we deserve any respect and disregard us as we cross the children, elderly and handicapped. Having recently been instructed in more safety measures, we are expected to hold up stop signs and have only one hand to guide kids across the street. Do you really think this will be a better deterrent to irresponsible drivers who already don’t observe red lights and stop signs on the corners, and try to drive behind us and curse us out because we held them up for five seconds? We just have to pray real hard that we can get through our day safely. God help us! D.M. Glick

Kept in custody

Whitestone: Kudos to Arizona’s Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell, who is refusing to allow extradition of the individual who committed the brutal murder of that young woman in Manhattan. For her to allow extradition to New York City would mean that “Cut ’em Loose” Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg would not keep this lowlife in jail. At least Arizona will keep him incarcerated, where he can’t victimize anyone else. Once he has done his time there, then you extradite him back to New York. By that time, hopefully, Bragg will be long gone. Gene O’Brien

Unpopular opinion

Brooklyn: So, everyone seems to support Rachel Mitchell’s stand in her refusal to extradite murder suspect Raad Almansoori, deservingly so. Everyone except, of course, Leonard Greene (“Shame on you, GOP Arizona DA,” column, Feb. 25). Shock! Ron Goldman

Historic mistakes

Jamaica: To Voicer John A. MacKinnon: From 1881 to 1903, about 30,000 Jews immigrated to Palestine. They entered legally, purchased land legally and provided job and medical benefits for the Arabs. But you claim that the Jews were occupying Arab land. The Palestinians made no effort to establish a state. They also rejected the recommendation of the 1937 British Peel Commission, 70% of Palestine for an Arab state and 30% for a Jewish state. Their leader, Haj Amin al-Husseini, remained in Germany from November 1941 to the end of the war, working to recruit Muslims to fight for Hitler. Ebere Osu