When liberals stereotype blacks
Brentwood, N.J.: Voicer Samantha Papaccio cited all the liberal talking points about the failures of too many black men in modern society. As a black man and father, I am sick of hearing the liberal excuses for the failures of so many black men as fathers. I was born and raised in Harlem by a single mother and wouldn’t know my father if he was sitting next to me.
I never committed crimes, was never targeted by cops, never felt I couldn’t succeed in America. I was raised in real poverty that my kids never had to experience, thanks to me. I raised three kids who followed the same path I did. My son is a great father who also never committed crimes and is doing very well in life.
In fact, my black family is full of black fathers who didn’t follow the path she laid out. In my family, personal responsibility was taught to us by generations that lived under real racism and Jim Crow. I am also friends with many black men who didn’t follow the path she laid out.
I wish liberals would stop making excuses for the failures of some black men who choose to take a certain path. No one is forced to start using drugs or to commit crimes! If you go down that path, there are consequences for you and your children. Anthony Johnson Sr. Manhattan: I agree with Robert Mascali about the need for affordable housing in all our city neighborhoods (“NIMBYs are killing New York’s future,” Op-Ed, Oct. 16). Regarding shelters, I disagree strongly. It’s not a case of NIMBY. I live in Murray Hill, which is already host for almost 20 years to New York City’s largest men’s shelter of 800 beds as well as the Mainchance outreach center. This administration’s approach is not working. Rather than build shelters on our tax dollars, get rid of the “right to shelter” law so we stop attracting homeless from other areas to the city. Change the law so the nine out of 10 street homeless who refuse Department of Homeless Services help can be picked up and treated in medical facilities for the underlying mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse that cause their homelessness. Make it illegal to panhandle and to give to panhandlers so the street homeless can’t get the money to buy the liquor and drugs. And don’t continue feeding the homeless at Mainchance so they can continue spending all they raise panhandling on drugs and alcohol. Reinstitute the harsher penalties, reduced by a misguided City Council, for consumption of liquor in public, defecating, urinating and fornicating on sidewalks and in parks.
Janet Martin
Hill warned us
Camden, N.J.: To Voicer Joyce Mendez, I couldn’t have expressed it any better. Many, many years ago, many of us (both men and women) championed Anita Hill. Now, over a quarter-century later, after she explained in great detail during the Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearing, America is now taking notice that inappropriate sexual harassment is not to be tolerated.
Wayne E. Williams
Uniform racism
Brooklyn: Maybe if one of these NFL players went to their local police precinct, and looked up crime statistics, they’d see why black men and police are more likely to meet than white people are. Stop being punks, thugs and gang members and maybe the police won’t bother you. Hmm, now there’s an idea. But no one’s talking about this, nor kneeling about this. So it’s bye-bye to the NFL for me, until they stand up and read their contracts which state “all players must stand for the anthem.” And that’s another issue which no one’s talking about — their contracts.
Patrick Doyle
It shouldn’t be about Trump
Bronx: Regarding those who kneel at the flag: We must forgive their stupidity. They think the flag represents President Trump; they never paid attention in class. The flag represents our country and every American on our planet.
Patty Marsibilio
Appropriate protest
Brooklyn: To Voicer Carole Michelman: So when is the time and place for them to protest? The whole taking a knee was offered by a Green Beret as a way to protest without showing disrespect to the men and women of the armed services, so your point had no legs to stand on. Again I ask, when is the time to protest? Dan Freeman
A time and place
Brooklyn: To Voicer Gina Finocchio, I am not offended at all that you called me ignorant, as we have never met and you have no knowledge of my level of education. I was born in America and I do not recall a time when Americans did not stand for the national anthem to show their respect for those who have lost their lives for our country and those who are still fighting for our country. There is a time and place to protest and, in my opinion, kneeling during our national anthem is neither the time nor the place. It is a tradition to stand for the anthem and to kneel in church. Would you take a bath in your front yard? John Sherman Clearwater, Fla.: No doubt, President Trump thinks it’s funny to say that Vice President Pence wants to see gay people hang. But then again, with a mentality of a 10-year-old, he obviously doesn’t know any better. However, I doubt Trump would find much humor if someone joked about wanting to see him hang. My hunch is that he would verbally tear that person to shreds with one of his diatribes.
JoAnn Lee Frank
Hell is for leftists
Pontiac, Mich.: These demons on the left are doing everything possible to destroy good. To destroy America (“Larry Flynt offers $10M for information leading to Trump’s impeachment,” Oct. 16). It’s obvious Flynt has not learned his lesson on dabbling in darkness. Their witchcraft doesn’t work so the demon will put up dirty money. I pray God will continue to show the evil for what they are — demons. Claire Climie
Eternal treason
Brooklyn: Voicer Robert Jong makes an excellent point about the future private citizen Trump sharing America’s secrets with Russian oligarchs and Vladimir Putin. Another terrifying reality is that all living ex-Presidents continue to receive the Presidential Daily Briefing for the rest of their lives. This is one more reason for Congress to remove this dangerous man from office.
Beth Kennedy
Where in the world is . . .
Brooklyn: Our White House “Resident-in Chief” seems to overlook the fact that people who are in or from Puerto Rico are, in fact, American citizens. They are not citizens of some third world country. His behavior must surely have our allies shaking their heads! Dorothy L. Kendle
Obama’s letters
Bayonne, N.J.: After our son Timothy, an EMT for the city of Indianapolis, was killed in the line of duty, Rosemary and I received from President Obama a heartfelt letter that is among our most treasured possessions. Phone calls are ephemeral; letters endure. Bob McCormick
Dare to speak
Brooklyn: Something I’ve noticed is that there is a lack of honesty in our society. People are not straightforward because they KLAUS VEDFELT/GETTY are afraid. Afraid of what other people will think, afraid of failure, afraid of vulnerability. There is so much miscommunication and missed opportunity simply because we are afraid to take a risk and say what we really want to. We think that by remaining silent, we will avoid making fools of ourselves, but really all it does is hold us back. Caitlyn Castiglione
Brooklyn’s Net gain
Brooklyn: The Daily News is New York’s Hometown Paper, yet it doesn’t have a beat reporter for the Brooklyn Nets. Sunday’s paper had a detailed season preview of the Knicks. Nothing on Brooklyn’s team. When will this be rectified? The Nets will be much improved this year with the additions of Demare Carroll, Allan Crabbe and Jarett Allen. The team plays hard for coach Kenny Atkinson. How about a little coverage for Brooklyn.
Bill Costello
Pets are people, too
Brooklyn: I have seen way too many dogs being left outside in the abhorrent summer heat because they can’t come into a store or restaurant with their owner. For some people, leaving their pets at home is not an option. My dog, Lola, is part of the family, and if I want to take her to the beach, park or local cafe, I should be able to. As long as people agree to clean up after their dogs and stay alert to their surroundings, every public place should be pet-friendly.
Hanna Aronovich