How to pick a worthy President
Akron, Ohio: Like many others, we are unhappy with the presidential election process. We feel that citizens should have multiple voting opportunities to choose a more universally accepted President. Hoping to start a discussion, we are submitting a possible approach. A presidential candidate would have to be a member of a national party. The candidates would have to have a predetermined number of registered voters sign their petition to be on the party ballot. National parties would have to have a platform, determined by each party. Both the party platform and the names of up to 10 candidates would have to be submitted to a national elections board two months prior to the beginning of voting, which would start in February.
A voter could vote for any party’s nominee, and would have multiple votes to either give to a single candidate or divide among candidates.
National voting would take place in four stages. In February, with many candidates on the ballot, voters would have eight votes. The eight candidates with the most votes would move on. In quarterfinal voting in May, voters would have four votes. The four candidates with the most votes would move on to semifinal voting in August, and voters would get two votes. The two candidates with the most votes would move on.
Just like now, the final voting would be held in November. Two candidates would be on the ballot. The voter would have a single vote. The person with the most electoral votes would become President.
Jack and Rebecca Bayonet
Lives tragically lost
Jamaica: Voicer Linda Dalton wrote heartlessly dismissing the number of young men who were murdered last year. Their deaths may not mean anything to her, but for the families of these lost souls it meant a lot. They are still grieving for their loved ones. One case in point is the mother of Matthew McCree, who was murdered in school. The last time I saw her on TV, she was in so much pain, it was visible on her face, yet she carries herself with grace, something in which Dalton is lacking. I just hope someone is held accountable for these crimes. Police Commissioner Jimmy O’Neill is one of my favorite New Yorkers. I just had to say it, he is a good person. Elbera Reid
Draft-dodger rag
Brooklyn: President Trump lambasted Officer Scot Peterson for being armed yet failing to enter Stoneman Douglas High School while the shooting was in progress. Well, Mr. President, you had the chance to take up arms and go into the Vietnam War, yet you stood on the outside with your bone spurs and draft deferments. Triple-D: Draft-dodging Donald. Donald Cunningham
A special case
Bronx: That clown Trump had me laughing when he said, “I am a stable genius.” I’m still laughing. Stephen Miller, one of Trump’s flunkies, also had me laughing by saying that Trump is a political genius. I heard that special counsel Robert Mueller has expressed interest in speaking with Trump about the Russian probe.
Doris Festante
What he’s having
Manahawkin, N.J.: Robert Mueller has a dipsomania disease. As soon as he enters the room, he heads for the aperitif, for his drink. With that drawn-skin face it sure is not water. Jerry Polcaro
Leave it alone
Howard Beach: Re New York’s paid family leave law: Beginning on Jan. 1, a small deduction has been taken from our paychecks to cover the cost of a new employee benefit. Our employers use this money to obtain an insurance policy on our behalf. I strongly doubt many of us will take advantage of such a policy in which we are all required to participate. Who lobbied our government officials to pass this legislation?
Victoria Costanza
Outta here
Great Neck, L.I.: President Trump has expressed a great interest in space travel. There are a great many people who would gladly fund his expenses if he would accompany the astronauts.
Fred Feingold
The buck stops here
Brooklyn: When President Trump speaks of loyalty, he does not mean loyalty to the country. He means loyalty to himself personally. Arthur Mazlin
Move on
Middletown, N.Y.: As a one-time Democrat, I continue to ask myself what is happening or has happened to the party that I embraced for many years. It is extremely troubling to see Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, along with other politicians and prominent journalists, fall from grace and have mental breakdowns over their deep hatred for our current administration. The American people have lost all confidence in their government and the media. It is time for everyone to start acting like adults, put aside the hate, accept the loss and move on for the future of the country.
Maureen McGuigan
All together now
Baldwin, L.I.: Whatever happened to “Brotherhood Week,” taught in schools years ago? We really need it now more than ever. Change the Second Amendment and allow only bows and arrows or muskets. As a bonus: Publish the answers to “Between the Lines” the following day, like you do for the crossword and Sudoku.
Kitty Koclehoffer
Kids today
Bronx: To Voicer Gary Rofofsky: You reminded me of the good old days. I remember playing kick the can, Johnny on the Pony, Red Rover, Red Rover — all fun outdoor games. You forgot one important fact: Kids now have the internet. And many people to emulate. The choices are endless! The baby-sitting computer, while very informative, exposes our youth to too many unhealthy activities. Bullying, vulgarity and senseless violence are viewed as entertainment. I see them in the park on their tablets. So it doesn’t matter how many parks we have; what matters is that parents be aware of the games their children play. Rebecca Sanchez
Hopelessly devoted
Bronx: I was sitting on the subway and started to think about the longrunning musical “Grease.” This outstanding show with wonderful singing and dancing was on Broadway for many, many years. Any producers wanting to revive “Grease,” please do so sooner rather than later. I would pay to see it again. Outstanding!
Leo Barta
Pizza her mind
Brooklyn: To Artichoke Pizza in Bay Ridge: Since when are local delivery cars and vans allowed to stand in empty parking spots intimidating drivers who want to park? Shame on your practice. Next time I’m calling 911. The third time is the charm.
Cathy McClure
The real culprit?
Brooklyn: Re “Mom blames 7-year-old daughter’s death on misdiagnosis”: Has anyone made a possible connection between Tamiflu and children’s flu deaths? Years ago, I heard about children having serious complications from it. So sad.
Maryann Pantano
Armed and assertive
Brooklyn: To Voicer Marcia Trimmer: Who are you to suggest that I keep my child home until TODD MAISEL/DAILY NEWS there are no guns on the street? What rock do you live under? I am a licensed gun hunter and holder. I am a law-abiding citizen who carries for protection of my family and self. I cannot control people who are mentally unstable, nor can you. I suggest you move to Australia, or possibly the moon. Frank Soldano
Go easy on them
Fresh Meadows: It is very sad to see people like Laura Ingraham and Ted Nugent decide for whatever their reasons are to pick on the young kids from Parkland in such a personal way. Is there any sensitivity for these young people who experienced a tragedy that will last them a lifetime? It is OK to disagree with them, but respect their right to express their opinion and be sensitive toward their loss as opposed to bullying them for holding views that differ from yours. Zane Tenenbaun
A problem with kids
Manhattan: I’ve been playing guitar for 54 years and counting. For the record, Ted Nugent is a generic hack guitar player. His playing is pedestrian and lame and one-dimensional. By the way, please print the lyrics to his song “Jailbait,” maybe on your editorial page. Seriously, find them and read them and then decide how much ink you want to continue squandering on this senile, diseased nobody. Hint: The song is about raping a 13-year-old. How dare you sully my eyes with this venal bag of manure! John Philips