Malcolm X a model for students

Bronx: I was an English lit, public speaking and creative writing teacher for 35 years in Harlem and the Bronx. Malcolm X was part of my classroom lessons to study an individual’s bravery to move forward and change his life to one of righteousness and dignity (“X’d out at his school,” Feb. 8). His passionate and eloquent writing and speeches were designed to wake us all up and look at ourselves without masks. From a turbulent childhood he got into a life of crime, which he paid for dearly while imprisoned. But during those years of incarceration he read and began to embrace the religious tenets of the Black Muslims. When these beliefs were challenged by lies and misdeeds, he had the strength to move away and follow his own self-sought truths. Had he not been assassinated by enemies who feared his independent and enlightened spirit, he would have become one of America’s most highly respected leaders.

Unfortunately, misinformed “educators” and administrators of today are keeping our society white-sheeted and ignorant. When will we arm ourselves with deep philosophical thinking skills? When will we learn to love the truth? Carmen H. Mason

Lesson plan

Manhattan: Re “A to-do list from a veteran teacher” (Op-Ed, March 12): I am sure that most public school teachers would strongly agree with Dianne Stillman’s 11 suggestions to revamp the New York City public school system. Sadly, however, the highly paid educrats, some of whom have never spent a day at the front of a classroom, continue to dictate educational policies and develop ineffective curricula that have proven detrimental to the learning process. Stillman’s suggestion to “harness a cadre of experienced teachers and retirees to rethink curriculum” would be a great way for newly appointed Richard Carranza to start.

Gerald Rosenthal

These were the days

Bronx: Television gave us Archie Bunker and Donald Trump. One and the same! Robert Adams

Good Bramhall

Levittown, L.I.: Re Bramhall’s March 13 cartoon: Based on the federal government’s minimal response to school children’s killings and injuries, it’s evident that the NRA is dictating gun legislation by controlling two of the three branches of government, the judiciary excepted. Bramhall, you’re a true patriot.

John Di Milia

Expose the enablers

Baldwin, L.I.: Since we cannot get results from our elected officials, I appeal to America’s newspapers to publish a weekly report on which politicians are accepting contributions from the NRA and not returning previously donated money. No assault rifles or bump stocks should be allowed for civilians, or guns sold to anyone under the age of 21. Bullets for these weapons should be severely taxed and their sales carded, making a paper trail. A special commission could be established to report mental instability of people, with severe penalties for false reporting. If you know something, say something. We are not looking to take away your guns! Term limits should be established for elected officials. Restore sanity to our country! This is what people want. Please listen. Adele Russo

The most severe punishment

Whippany, N.J.: Illegal aliens deported five times come back again, kill an American citizen, get away with it and are now suing the federal government. Don’t deport illegal aliens. Execute them. Joseph Minardi

Leave the kid home

Long Beach, L.I.: How dare Catalina Robledo bring her daughter to protest for her dog (“Pet cause,” March 19)? Her daughter is 11 years old. She needs to be home with her mother, giving her comfort and help in healing. Her agony was apparent at this protest. This is very poor parenting on the mother’s part.

Carole Michelman

Fighting for their lives

Linden, N.J.: To Voicer George F. McIntyre: Students didn’t protest “inner cities” gun violence over the years because “inner cities” violence didn’t target students. Now that schools are being singled out for attack, and it’s their own lives that are at stake, the students finally realize how bad gun violence is. There’s absolutely nothing “fishy” about their protests. Ron Jackowski

Forward motion

Belford, N.J.: To Voicer George F. McIntyre: You see student protests against shootings as “fishy” because these youngsters didn’t in the past express outrage about murders in the inner cities. But go back to murders because of racial bias and the horrors of the Holocaust — it takes a first step. Sometimes it takes too much time for some brave soul to take that step. Personally, I am proud of these good young people for standing up for themselves. What better way to use the wonderful power of freedom of the press? Not fishy — just wonderful. Barbara Kovar

Celebrate the season

Bronx: Spring is a beautiful time of the year. Put down your cell phones and other gadgets. When you can, take a leisurely walk. Smell the flowers. Listen to the birds. Feel the soft grass under your feet. Look up at the beautiful blue sky. Go to the zoo and observe your favorite animals. Have lunch with a friend whom you haven’t seen in a while. Visit different neighborhoods. There are so many different things to do. Take the time to enjoy them.

Marsha Kolin

The coming

Fort Lee: Andrew McCabe won’t go into that good night quietly. For there is a gathering storm heading for the Trump government. The question is who will survive — our republic or Trump?

Gary Schwartz

Blowing smoke

Locust Valley, L.I.: City Councilman Peter Koo decides we need a law to prevent dingbats like himself from continuing to walk in the trailing wake of a pedestrian’s cigarette smoke, rather than lingering behind a little bit farther, stepping aside or simply going around that which is so troublesome for him. Grow up, will you? Jeffrey Converse

Protect the drivers

Staten Island: I am very sorry to have read in the paper that an Uber driver had been shot over $23 (“Shot over $23,” March 18). There has to be a better way to stop these robberies. They should have two people in the car at all times, so that the driver can do his duty and the other person can stay in the backseat for the protection of the driver. This way robbers would have a second thought. My heart goes out to driver Cisnero Comacho and all fare drivers all over the city. A speedy recovery to you, Mr. Comacho. Richie Rosales

Look every which way

Brooklyn: I read about the 1-yearold and 4-year-old hit by a car with their mothers (“‘Ran over like dogs,’ ” March 6). Even if you have a green light and are in a crosswalk, it means nothing. If you see a car coming down the street, stop! It’s a matter of life and death. Albert Balukas

Good from bad

Flemington, N.J.: The Vulture Squad on 40th St. and Eighth Ave. got their jollies and issued me a ticket for blocking the box in an impossible situation. It would be wonderful if the funds generated by these tickets were diverted to the homeless, instead of being swallowed by the bureaucracy.

James Angelo Minotto

News flash

AP PHOTO/EDDIE ADAMS Staten Island: The Daily News would do a wonderful service if it were to check out the drivers of cars and especially buses. We saw a bus put on its right-turn signal and then go left instead, with children onboard. Also, drivers who do not put their signals on while turning, and also slam the brakes in front of your car without warning. Please let the public know about these problems, and I am sure you will be thanked by everyone. Grace Lutraro

Across the Spectrum

Flushing: As we reach the oneyear anniversary of the 1,800 members of Local 3 striking against Spectrum, I would like to thank Gov. Cuomo (free health care for 775,000 illegals), Mayor de Blasio (free legal resources for illegals) and the City Council (free everything) for all their help getting 1,800 taxpaying, registered, voting New Yorkers back to work. George Glowacky

What’s with this guy?

East Meadow, L.I.: I surveyed 27 people to hear their thoughts concerning Bill de Blasio. I got responses ranging from “He’s a babbling idiot” to “He’s a horse’s ass.” One woman said he doesn’t even know his ethnicity, since de Blasio is not his given name. Only one person thought he was doing a decent job. I keep asking myself, if this man is so disliked, how did he ever get elected? I would like to hear what some Voicers have to say. Dante Gianbalvo