McCain: A real hero vs. Trump

S

eaford, L.I.: Linda Stasi’s compliment of John McCain as “the most heroic man in government” speaks volumes of the type of person government needs today (“He’s still fighting for us,” column, Sept. 24).

His priorities are to develop whatever improves the country and his dedication is to his constituents. As for the draft-dodging, yellow-headed moron who sits in the White House who infamously stated during the primaries that “[Sen. McCain] is not a hero. He was a war hero because he was captured. I like people who weren’t captured.”

Does anybody remember Trump’s report card promising achievements during his first 100 days listing 38 items? He accomplished very little, with 10 of those promises approved at his desk via executive order or reversing some of Obama’s policies. When McCain was in the Hanoi Hilton, Trump was playing tennis with his father, who created this egotistical narcissist.

I reluctantly voted for Trump at the last minute only because he wasn’t Hillary. Sorry, folks! George Lozynski

A man the country needs

Manhattan: Sen. John McCain literally and figuratively represents a dying breed of politician — namely one whose conscience, and not party loyalty, governs his actionsarty loyalty. To many he may appear to be too honest and forthright in his comments, but his views are carefully thought out to benefit our nation. Hopefully, our President will regret the unkind criticism of McCain, casting aspersions on his war record. A full apology is in order.

Nelson Marans

Improving the gridiron

Smithtown, L.I.: I’m a Giants fan so I’m just barely interested in watching more NFL this year, but I have a few ideas that would make the game more interesting: 1) don’t allow these guys to run around in armor-like shoulder pads and those hard dangerous helmets; 2) play more games per week like in baseball and basketball, then we could find out who the tough guys are; 3) make gaining ground more important by not letting them ever kick the ball, making the only way to score is by passing it or running over the goal line. Hey, I don’t like or dislike that Colin Kaepernick guy, but I know if he were good enough anyone would want him on their team. Alan Franks

Kneels of a different color

Bronx: So let me get this straight: Tim Tebow takes a knee before football games and he’s a saint. But when black players do the same thing, they’re booed and called traitors. What’s wrong with this picture? Stephen Minter

To bow or not Tebow

Whitestone: It gets funnier and funnier as the days go on. The left was beside itself over the mere fact that Tim Tebow would actually kneel in prayer. They were beyond outraged. But a bunch of spoiled, overpaid ballplayers bend a knee during the national anthem and they think it is just as wonderful as guys heading into the end zone and celebrating by grabbing their crotch, giving the finger or any number of additional examples of anti-social behavior. Wonderful. Jake McNicholas

No Kate hate

Lyndhurst, N.J.: OK, so let’s substitute the national anthem and play “God Bless America” and see who kneels for that. This is getting ridiculous!

Janet Catanese

Flag and country

North Arlington, N.J.: I am a 78-year-old white female who did not vote for Donald Trump. I think he is a disgrace to the office of the President, but I think he is 100% correct about the athletes who bend a knee during the playing of our national anthem. Not only are they disrespecting our flag and country, they are disrespecting all our veterans who fought and died for our country. They should all be made to visit our veterans homes across the United States of America and see who true heroes are.

Barbara Sciortino

Uniting under the anthem

Riverhead, L.I.: I can no longer stand by and say nothing about the issue of kneeling during the national anthem. It is a matter of respect for our wonderful country. I agree the United States is not perfect and there is much to be done to better racial equality. However, one thing has nothing to do with the other. To stand proudly, to say I am American and I stand by her is what the anthem is about. To kneel in protest while it is being sung is a slap in the face to all — black, brown, white, etc. — who gave their life to defend the U.S. and all the privileges that goes along with one’s citizenship. Take the proper channels to state your grievances. Stand proud to salute your country. MaryAnne DeJohn

Freedom under the flag

Waterbury, Conn.: To Voicer Jerome M. Becker: Saluting the flag and singing the national anthem is not a law! Whether you’re at work, home, school — It’s. Your. Choice! It’s been assumed for years that all Americans are happy as clams, wanting to honor our colors, but the truth is: You have a large segment of U.S. citizens who face injustice and racism on a daily basis. This country needs a healthy dialogue on race and everyone will not be happy with what they hear. But let’s face it, until the people of this country seriously face their demons, the demons will not go away! Tyree Pope

Another sports scandal

Ozone Park: I’m shocked! Shocked! to hear college basketball is tarnished yet again by a scandal. It is common knowledge that many elite school players are barely literate and are protected by a cocoon of coaches/administrators and corporate suits. After the initial “Oh! my God what have we here?” wears off, everything will be back to normal. Too much money involved to bother about moral questions.

Ray Hackinson

Pride of New York sports

New Windsor, N.Y.: With all the controversy going on with professional athletes kneeling during the national anthem and Odell Beckham Jr. continually making a fool of himself, it’s refreshing to see a young slugger like Aaron Judge restore some kind of sanity. Although I am a Mets fan, this young man is a breath of fresh air. Even after his 50th home run which set a new single season record for rookies, he did not even want to come out for the curtain call. He is a true team-first person and so humble and modest for his age. Looks like many great years are ahead for No. 99. Kudos to you, Aaron!

Todd Schuster

What women are for

Manhattan: In response to Voicer Kevin Moriarty illustrating his version of men’s vs. women’s roles: Are we at the start of the 21st century or am I hallucinating? Moriarty’s letter is so extreme and especially irrelevant now that perhaps it’s a joke and not to be taken seriously! But I guess he likes his women to be barefoot and pregnant, and preparing a superb meal for “His Highness” when he arrives home from a hard day’s work. May I suggest that he see the film “Hidden Figures,” a true story and just one of hundreds of examples of strong, intelligent women who are indeed feminine and who have also have made a tremendous difference in the world. If I had more compassion, my heart would bleed for Moriarty. Unfortunately, with everything that’s happening in our world today, I have only disgust for his ignorance! Brenda Nicholls

Mom knows best

Brooklyn: If Voicer Kevin Moriarty is having trouble finding examples of physically strong women, I suggest he begin with the woman who, for better or for worse, risked her life and labored for hours bringing him into this world. Kate Clifford

Opioid hints

Rockaway Park: The article “20 questions for parents to ponder” (Sept. 26) omitted a few key signs of heroin use: Are you finding stray cotton balls, soda caps or small folded pieces of wax paper in your child’s room? These are all used to prepare heroin for injecting. And yes, look for dilated pupils, but a sure sign of opiate abuse are pinned (very small) pupils, especially in dim light conditions. Beth Kennedy

Cut the cable

JACQUELYN MARTIN/AP Sayreville, N.J.: If Cablevision continues to hold their customers hostage and continue to be greedy pigs they should be made to adjust their cable boxes so we, the victims of their greed, can turn our TV sets back to “regular” TV so free local channels are never taken away. We consumers have to say at some point, “Enough is enough.” Kim Sawyer