Animal rights amok in Council

Manhattan: The City Council is shamefully trying to railroad circus folk and their animals to appease radical animalrights extremists. The Committee on Health held a hearing on Intro 1233 back in October, which most Council members did not deign to sit through — perhaps because the original bill would’ve banned the beloved camels at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, and the hearing featured the same mendacious cast of characters that attacked the carriage horses. Despite no credible evidence that traveling and performing are detrimental to the welfare of circus animals, the bill is now suddenly being fast-tracked for a Thursday vote.

Without warning, camels are being reclassified by the Council as “farm animals” while continuing to classify domesticated Asian elephants as “wild/exotic.” Further, the bill would ban performing sea lions, while allowing such performances to continue daily at the Central Park Zoo.

What is it that the Council objects to? That the animals are “wild”? (In which case, ban sea lion shows at the zoo.) That the animals are being transported? (In which case, ban the NYPD’s Mounted Unit from trailering its horses to patrol stations.) Why are elephants wild but camels not? What about big cats that have been bred by circus families for 10 generations and could not remotely survive in the wild? What do vets and animal experts say?

It seems most likely that the Council doesn’t really know the answer to these questions. Nor do Council members intend to give circus people and supporters much of a chance to educate them. Why are they appeasing animal-rights organizations who have so far proven themselves to be ignorant of all manner of animals, not least of all carriage horses? What makes anyone believe these groups about circus animals, other than that they have more time, money and influence than the hard-working, animal-loving circus performers they seek to defame and destroy? Christina Hansen

Give Weiner a chance

Manhattan: Re Anthony Weiner: People have addictions — gambling, sex, alcohol, generosity, etc. A leopard can change his spots, if the leopard himself does the changing. I’m certain this man knows how his life has evolved and why. He is intelligent and has much to give. There is a little boy involved, who loves him. How many men out there have actual affairs? How many of us are examples of virtue and perfection? I hope society and God give Weiner a second chance. He is no serial killer. And where is the mother of this dumb kid on the computer with him? I wish for Weiner strength and a new life. And I am not a Democrat.

Marion Saulig

Lab-grown President

Bronx: I really think Dr. Frankenstein put Igor’s brain into Donald Trump’s head, and that’s why he’s insane. Trump thinks he knows everything and will not listen to anybody. Steve Bannon is giving Trump bad advice. I don’t ever remember having a President this stupid in all of my years. Trump is taking us backwards, not forwards, and I hope he gets impeached. Doris Festante

Topsy-turvy leadership

Howard Beach: Since our crotchgrabbing, tweeting commander in chief has been in office, and even before and on his world tour, he has smiles, warmth and congratulations for tyrants, dictators and bullies around the world, but scorn and lectures for our loyal allies. Presidency by Bannon!

Steven Schwartz

What’s up?

Manhattan: Hair replacement centers — what scammers! We all know the one big name. If they worked, why is it that Donald Trump’s hair looks so wrong? And why is it that Prince William is, wow, so bald? Guess money can’t buy it all. My all-time favorite is Howard Cosell’s toupee. LOL. Yvonne Crequé

Trashing his home

Brooklyn: President Trump is out to destroy the America we once knew, but I didn’t think he would go as far as decimating planet Earth. Rose M. Walsh

The President’s English

Brooklyn: I sincerely hope President Trump will deal with the issue of this being a bilingual country. English should be learned by everyone. I can’t believe that any group should enter this country and dictate what language they are going to speak. It is a shame America allows this travesty to continue. No other country would. Enough is enough.

Muhammad Abdul-Rahman

Flagging interest

Brooklyn: Today is Flag Day, but it does not get the attention that Memorial Day or Independence Day do because we don’t get the day off. On those days, people head to the beach or a barbecue, but how many really stop and think why they have the day off? We are too busy wrapped up in our plans for the day. Take a minute to remember all those lost fighting for freedom. Take a minute to thank all those today who continue to fight for our freedom. After all, that is what the American flag represents — it represents our freedom, our independence. Sure, it’s nice to relax and enjoy time with friends and family, but take some time to remember those who gave you the chance to enjoy those wonderful times by fighting for the freedom you now have and enjoy.

John DeAngelo

Unholy thought

Jersey City: Can someone find out what Donald Trump does on Sundays between 8 and noon? I know he’s not going to church. He’s not a God-fearing man.

Wilmar Bociz

Hawaii, occupied state

Elizabeth, N.J.: During the Obama administration Israeli settlements and the legitimacy of Barack Obama’s birth both loomed large. Israel’s claim to all of Jerusalem was questioned, but no one questioned the American claim to Hawaii, the land of Obama’s birth. Just how did the United States acquire Hawaii? Not by plebiscite, not by the acquiescence of the royal government of Hawaii, and not by a popular revolution. Led by American missionaries and pineapple and sugar growers in the 1890s, the U.S. government merely annexed, occupied and settled Hawaii. Obama provided proof that he was born into a piece of American territory that was forcibly occupied and settled. America’s uncertain claim to Hawaii goes back a little over a hundred years. The Jewish claim to Jerusalem goes back thousands of years. Joel Glazer

Uber under

Long Island City: Kudos to Harry Siegel for “Tech dystopia, here today” (June 4). His insights into Uber are, unfortunately, especially true. Seldom has a global giant had such a well-documented corrupt corporate culture. So it’s not surprising that Uber shamelessly schemed to cheat its drivers, not to mention run roughshod over laws and regulations designed to protect the public. While Siegel’s comments are welcome, exposure of these scandals is solely due to the investigation and dogged efforts of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance. Still one question remains: When Uber switches to driverless cars, will its drivers be treated better or worse than roadkill? William Lindauer

Three solutions

Brooklyn: Here are three ways to end homelessness and open mental health facilities for those who need them. 1) Bill Gates, worth $85 billion. 2) Jeff Bezos, worth $76 billion. 3) Warren Buffet, worth $74 billion. Ask them to donate $10 billion each to rid society of this abomination once and for all. Charity begins at home. This is money they’d never miss. MaryAnne Zoleo

Win-win games

Astoria: I love sports for many reasons. None other than seeing a black man (and/or woman) high-fiving and hugging a white man (and/or woman). It gives me hope that racism can be defeated.

Thierry Spitzer

Best-laid plans

Iselin, N.J.: Here is something future suicide bombers should think about: Is it possible that their remains will be gathered up and fed to pigs at an unknown location? How would they like that? Jack Fetchko

Ladies first

ANDREW SCHWARTZ Long Island City: I won’t see the new version of “Wonder Woman” because it won’t make America great again. It has nothing to do with America. But my lesbian friend Daisy saw it twice in one day and told me it was nirvana and that she can’t wait for “Wonder Woman II.” Steve Chaddock