Unite to ward off sexual abuse

Manhattan: I admire and applaud the victims of sexual harassment and rape by Harvey Weinstein and others for having the courage to speak out about their horrendous experiences. These crimes were often perpetrated against them when they were young and just starting out in their careers. They were, undoubtedly, afraid or embarrassed to confide in anyone or report the crimes to the authorities because they felt alone, fearing no one would believe them and they would suffer retaliation if they spoke out. Apparently, it was an open secret in Hollywood and other industries that certain male bosses and those in powerful positions were sexual predators.

Now that we know how pervasive these insidious crimes are, as a civilized society, we must do everything we can to eradicate them and prevent their perpetuation. Maybe the professionals, including psychologists, school personnel and law enforcement, can form an organization that provides a safe haven for the reporting of these crimes, conducts immediate investigations and takes appropriate action in response. Also, the rest of us (parents, grandparents, relatives, older siblings, co-workers, friends and neighbors) need to be educated in how to help the victims and what signs to look for. Maybe it will serve as a deterrent to perpetrators in the future if they understand that society will no longer tolerate their abusive and criminal behavior.

Chana Schwartz

They knew

Bronx: Every one of these actresses and actors now saying they were sexually assaulted knew that to get into show business they had to do the casting couch, and I believe they all did it for the money and fame. That’s why it took 10, 20 and 30 years for some to tell their story. That’s Hollywood. Everyone was doing everyone else and nothing was ever said. Now that it is out in the open, none of them want to be left out of the picture. Get over it and pull down the curtain — the show is over. Jimmy Durda

Perv Prez

Beachwood, N.J.: Why is it that our President Donald Trump was not on your “Perv Nation” front page (Nov. 11)? He is the leader of the free world but was recorded telling a TV reporter before he was elected that because of who he is he can grab a woman by her genitalia. He also reportedly exhibited lewd behavior at his beauty pageants and was accused by many women of inappropriate behavior. His picture should have been right up there with the other powerful sickos. Linda Jones

No Moore

Forest Hills: Roy Moore is so creepy even Trump campaigned against him. Alan Hirschberg

Feeling a draft

Glendale: I keep reading comments about Donald Trump being a draft dodger. In what branch of the service did Barack Obama and Bill Clinton serve?

Rosie Stine

All in the family

Manhattan: Voicer Ron Perri is critical of Mike Lupica referencing his father’s military service “as if it bestows some sort of honorary veteran status on Lupica himself.” Actually, Lupica never seems to miss any opportunity to reference his parents, wife and children. His pride and gratitude of being a part of this particular family shine through. Since Perri questions Lupica’s own veteran status, he perhaps would question mine — I received a deferment in 1968 and did not serve in the military. I guess that qualifies me and Mike to be commander-inchief. Sam Soffer

What they protest

Yonkers: Reading “A Pitch for Vets” (Nov. 11), I was deeply disappointed that the Daily News still thinks “public support for veterans has become such a divisive issue in the country and in sports.” How many times do these athletes (and the fans who still attend games though they have been instructed not to by Trump) have to tell you that they are kneeling to bring awareness to social injustices that their communities endure? The issue is not whether they support the vets, though our President would like to make us think that. It’s gun violence, racism, poor school systems, etc. But keep spreading that fake news, Daily News. Sad!

Michelle Ryan

Simply unfit

Dowling, Mich.: With his flattery of brutal Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, President Trump continues to prove that he must never be allowed out without qualified day care professionals. I’m a senior citizen who was honorably discharged after completing my enlistment in the U.S. Navy over 50 years ago. I have been interested in American and world politics since 1953, and have always kept up on what is happening in the world. This President is the very first one who has ever caused our citizens concern about his being a loyal and trustworthy individual. His constant practice of defending Vladimir Putin should be alarming to every American. This is not a person who can be trusted with the nuclear weapons security codes. How much has he given to Putin by now? William Norris

Again: It’s about police abuse

Manhattan: Voicer Anna-Marie Henderson is one of many who, in the face of repeated spoken and printed corrections, continue to cling to a fundamental factual error about the protesting NFL players. The fact is, and it has been made clear again and again, the players and their many supporters are protesting pervasive abuse by police of American black men. Why protest during the national anthem? Because, like the flag, it stands for our inalienable rights, which include equal protection under the law, that no person or group of persons should be subject to different treatment than others. That is the most important principle generations of American servicemen and women have died for. That’s what it means to be an American. The players’ protests are merely asking that this treasured principle protect black folks, too.

Helen Hill Updike

Taxes vs. jobs

Beechhurst: Voicers Jeff and Joan Ganeles parrot the tiresome Democratic talking point that “‘trickle down’ is a lie.” Then why is it that a great Democratic President like JFK and a great Republican President like Ronald Reagan both championed big federal tax reductions that resulted in booming economic growth? As Kennedy succinctly put it, “A rising tide lifts all boats.” The U.S. has one of the highest corporate tax rates in the world. Do they suggest we maintain that rate and expect jobs to fall from the sky?

James Hyland

A need for fees

Brooklyn: Allan Wernick writes that filing fees for immigration papers may be waived (“Get back your filing fee,” Nov. 10). If we are allowing these immigrants to come to America, they at least should be able to pay all the filing fees needed to get their immigration papers. Why should we waive any immigration fees? Our policies for entering the United States clearly say you will not be a burden to the people of this nation. It is little to ask if you want to be a part of America.

Bob Thorne

Pair the police

Brooklyn: Having transit cops patrol the subways by themselves is insane. Statistics show crime in the subways is up in many districts. Now when you throw in the number of people who use the subways every day, having the cops work in pairs makes much more sense than having them go at it alone. In addition to the millions who use the subways, you also have many homeless GARY CORONADO/LOS ANGELES TIMES people in the subways, especially during the winter months. To make matters worse, the cops have trouble with the radio frequency underground, which is another reason to have them work in pairs. So maybe this would be a good time for Mayor de Blasio to weigh in on the situation. Since he will be around for another four years, it will be a good way for him to start to repair his relationship with the NYPD.

John DeAngelo

Vetted mortgages

Auburndale: To Voicer Nichole Mader: I appreciate your husband's service and your efforts to help him. Many banks, such as JPMorgan Chase, have programs to help veterans refinance their mortgages. You can check their websites to find the contact information. Good luck and thanks to both of you. Cathi Venis

Not all voters

Brooklyn: Now that Bill de Blasio (aka Warren Wilhelm Jr.) has been reelected mayor of once beautiful New York and has a chance to sell Gracie Mansion, City Hall is gone. Naturally we are not going to see any more homeless and all the petty stuff that once was classified as crime. That is the way crime went down. De Blasio said that he has a mandate — from whom? Of the city’s 5 million registered voters, 21.7% went to vote and 78.3% stayed home. He calls it a landslide. Make sure that landslide won’t run you over, mayor.

Leonardo Timpone