When rhetoric becomes reality
Manhattan: The shooting at the Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado, killing three people (including a police officer) and wounding nine others, is a tragedy. Executives of Planned Parenthood blamed “hateful language” for fueling the tragic event. City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said, “The tone of the debate had created an environment conducive to such tragedies. The rhetoric that has been surrounding this issue is increasing this kind of reaction, and it’s really deplorable. Anyone complicit in that language, in that dialogue, in that rhetoric needs to stop.”
The hypocrisy of Mark-Viverito is mind-numbing. She and other politicians were the architects in creating this same type of venomous environment a year ago when they spewed incendiary anti-police rhetoric preceding the deaths of Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos. To echo the words of Planned Parenthood Executive Vice President Dawn Laguens, “It is offensive and outrageous that some politicians are now claiming this tragedy has nothing to do with the toxic environment they helped create. One of the lessons of this awful tragedy is that words matter, and hateful rhetoric fuels violence.”
Louis Turco, president, NYPD Lieutenants Benevolent Association
Talk has consequences
Chester, N.J.: It is bizarre to watch politicians and the public alike declare how awful the other side is when they condemn entire groups for violence. Carly Fiorina, after her demonstrably false statement that videos showed fetuses being dismembered to sell parts (“I’ve seen the video, you should watch it”), said that liberals linking the shooting to antiabortion rhetoric were just using “left-wing tactics.” OK, then how about the right-wing tactics of registering all Muslims and closing mosques, since there is a small group that is radicalized? If inflammatory rhetoric doesn’t feed those who are prone to violence, as Fiorina claims, wouldn’t that apply to Muslims, too? It seems the broad brush only offends when you are being painted with it. How about toning down the rhetoric? I guess lies and hate are what gets out the base, so they will continue.
David J. Melvin
Put a target on guns
Stewart Manor, L.I.: Every day until Election Day, The Daily News should print the list of the pro-NRA elected officials in our government. Voters should be aware of those who are bought off by the NRA and refuse to do what citizens want! Patricia Judge
Let them in . . .
Bronx: I believe that we should let the refugees in. This country was founded on freedom from persecution. It would be wrong of us to deny sanctuary to these refugees, many of whom are women and children. Of course, due to recent events, we have to remain alert, but events like the one in Paris happen in Syria constantly. Innocent people are being killed every day. Children are being forced to give up their childhoods. That is what the refugees are trying to escape. Should we refuse to protect the majority because of the actions of the minority? We cannot glorify America as a country where freedom reigns yet decline entry to the refugees because we assume that they are “terrorists” due to their religion and where they come from. For years, people have been coming to America in search of better opportunities, better jobs and a better life; this is no different. Melissa Monts
. . . at our peril
Brooklyn: In regards to Gov. Cuomo’s asinine statement that “If we deny Syrian immigrants entry into New York State, we might as well take down the Statue of Liberty”: I am sure we won’t have to bother. They’ll most likely do it for us. Scott M. Smilo
Unsung heroes of WWII
Glen Oaks: As a member of the U.S. Naval Armed Guard in 1944-45, I watched with pride the Veterans Day Parade. It brought back many sad memories. We sailed on rickety Liberty ships often falling apart at sea with a gunnery crew of 10 or 15 men protecting convoys. We sunk many enemy ships, blew up their torpedoes, etc. I was sad to notice that no mention was made of the Merchant Marines who stood by us in all conflicts and never receive the attention they deserve. God bless the Merchant Marines and the Armed Guard.
James V. Carlucci
Prevailing over time
Manhattan: Greg Smith’s article was right on target (“A slimeball’s labor of hate,” Nov. 29). In 1961, I secretly arranged a meeting of Rep. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., city Central Labor Council President Harry Van Arsdale Jr. and Mayor Robert Wagner to discuss how blacks could enter the construction trades. Van Arsdale then opened the doors here and across the country. Over 60 years later, almost half of all construction trades have the benefit of minority tradesmen. Let us all work together to maintain prevailing wages as required by law and stop creating racial hatred by supporting nonunion workers and undocumented illegal aliens. The reason for prevailing wage laws is to maintain the geographical standard of living. Stanley Smith, co-founder Prevailing Wage Council of the
City of New York
Nothing for seniors
Brooklyn: I read with disgust your article about a large pay boost for judges and pols, in addition to cost-of-living adjustments. How great for them. And what about the senior citizens on Social Security? What are they getting? Screwed, as usual! Natalie Meyer
Ditto
Bayside: No increase for seniors — yet our property taxes go up every year! No justice!
Diane Ranieri
Horse hooey
Brooklyn: Wealthy Voicer Steve Nislick deigns to show willingness to discuss a “carriage horse compromise” and denies any financial interest in the issue. Apart from the fact that nobody elected Nislick to sit at any negotiating table, he should be reminded that his shady organization NYCLASS was recently fined $26,000 by the Campaign Finance Board for illegal campaign contributions. He should also recall that it was he who financed the development of the failed antique replica electric car to the tune of $450,000 to replace the horse carriages, then offered the carriage owners the “wonderful opportunity” to dump the horses and carriages they owned and put themselves in debt to his organization to purchase the e-cars (or that he wanted to punch a News photographer at said car’s unveiling!). To suggest he has not been personally financially involved with this issue from the get-go is very unconvincing. Ruth Moore
Watching the neighbors
Elmhurst: It would be wise to re-institute the Civil Defense System. Training should be conducted by local police. Observation on the neighborhood level will quickly detect irregularities, like foreign or out-of-state license plates or vehicles parked for a long time. People like to know their neighbors. If you cannot find out who your neighbor is, it is reason to look harder to find out. It would be very smart for neighborhood wardens to be continually observing in order to notify the authorities, who will decide what warrants action and what that action should be. James League
An actual emergency
Brooklyn: I heard three alerts Tuesday on my television for a national security emergency. They were “testing” the system. On 9/11, I don’t remember receiving any of these alerts. I would think that would be the day to receive them. I think our country is preparing for the “real deal” informing citizens of some pending disaster, but it’s so scary. I had to explain it to my granddaughters when the alert hit three times. Where was the Conelrad system on 9/11? Nowhere. So, now they’re testing it — just in case. Very scary. Rita Nanes
Comrade Bill
Manhattan: I was born in the former Czechoslovakia, and immigrated to this country some 35 years ago because I wanted to flee from communism. Now I am flabbergasted to see the greatest city in the world governed by Bill de Blasio, who worked for the Sandinistas and honeymooned in Cuba. De Blasio is a Communist, he hates the police and he should be impeached. Willy Machan
A life well-lived
Bronx: Re “Times Sq. hero saves tot from tracks” (Nov. 3): Herman McGarrah, your heroics in saving baby Tabrina Ferrell was truly a godsend! No matter what your past was, your life truly hasn’t been in vain! You are very, very blessed, and I thank you for sharing that blessing with baby Tabrina. Vanessa Robinson
Off guard
Manchester, N.J.: President Obama certainly deserves a medal for the way he handles ISIS terrorists. We should give him the medal of dishonor. Jerry Dawson