Kwanzaa — an atheist ‘holiday’

Bronx: Although I disagree with almost everything lying, racist Donald Trump says, I agree 100% with what he said about Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa was started in 1966 by an American black professor of philosophy at what is now known as Rochester Institute of Technology. Prof. Maulana Karenga, who changed his name from Ronald McKinley Everett, was a black separatist, a Communist and an atheist.

He created this holiday because he thought black Americans should not celebrate Christmas. He selected the Swahili language because no black slaves ever spoke this language. He patterned it after the Jewish Chanukah with the candles. Some American blacks have attempted to introduce Kwanzaa to Africa with little success.

Karenga spent three years in prison for stripping naked two young black women; beating them with an electric cord; and forcing soap and other liquids in their mouths because they did not follow his instructions. He had also been the head of a black separatist group at UCLA fighting the Black Panthers for leadership. In their fight two Black Panther members were killed.

Although the media has been pushing Kwanzaa on American blacks, I, as someone who believes in Jesus Christ and am also a woman, could never follow this atheist holiday. Unfortunately, a cottage industry has been created around this holiday and those responsible for maintaining this atheist holiday actually try to deny the truth of its origins. Juanita M. Johnson

Seasons non-greetings

Elmont, L.I.: Reading the Voice of the People just days after Christmas is quite depressing. What happened to the Christmas spirit we all claimed to have two days ago? For example, one woman wrote we shouldn’t help Americans living in Puerto Rico because they aren’t paying their share of taxes (not true; they are). Another person belittled the Russia investigation by saying Santa was being investigated by Robert Mueller. What happened to the days of holding our elected officials accountable for their actions? If the President helped rig the election in his favor then shouldn’t we investigate it and find out what is going on? Another woman shouted for the UN to get out of the United States and to pay their damn bills. This one is perplexing to me. The United Nations was created to stop the rise of fascism. While it hasn’t been perfect, it still is a necessary world-governing body. It does a lot of great work. What a weird time to be living in America. Isolationism has reared its ugly head again. Marie Elias

Vision of the future

Bronx: The closing down of Bethlehem’s Christmas celebrations, protesting President Trump’s recent actions, is just a hint of what will happen if Israel loses control of Jerusalem. Then Christian holidays will be politicized for Palestinian purposes. holy sites will lose their international flavor. Let’s see if protest closures are in store during Islamic holy days.

Kevin Harrington

Voicer three-for-all

Holliswood: To Voicer Diane Hombach: You labeled me “right wing” and my letter phony. I self-identify as a middle-of-theroad independent and facts — even ones you don’t like — are not phony; they are facts. To Voicer Dan Freeman: Philando Castile was stopped lawfully, the vehicle he was driving had a defective brake light. Also, I don’t know how many gun safety classes you have taken, but I have been to many, and we are taught that the uniformed police officer is in charge and to listen to directions from that officer. Castile verbally acknowledged he was carrying a firearm, never mentioning if it was legally possessed, then started to reach for something, disregarding the officer’s three verbal commands not to reach for anything. The autopsy report revealed Castile had high levels of THC in his blood, possibly lowering his comprehension abilities to follow verbal commands. To Voicer Michael Wilbekin: I don’t know what conspiracy theory channels you subscribe to on YouTube, but CNN has the dashcam video on their website and that is what I watched.

Gregory W. Chupa Manhattan: I think it is reprehensible that NYCHA Chairwoman Shola Olatoye still has her job when she brazenly lied and signed paperwork certifying NYCHA was in compliance with lead inspections, when she knew this to be false. Now, these children contaminated by lead will suffer with learning disabilities their entire life. There is no job in the world where this is acceptable. She is not above the law and her actions were not only unlawful, but, unconscionable. Mayor de Blasio, you dropped the ball. Now fix this mess! Olatoye needs to go and new compliance officers from NYCHA must face intense scrutiny to ensure testing is up to par. Do not send the message that intentionally falsifying paperwork on the job is acceptable, terminate Olatoye now! Pamela Carter

Social insecurity

Woodside: I received notice of next year’s Social Security benefit. I will be receiving a whopping $3 a month raise. I can’t even buy a decent loaf of bread for $3. What a cruel joke. Jean Hampsas

Puerto Rican patriotism

Brooklyn: Voicer Barbara Arias needs a lesson on Puerto Rico’s responsibility and history. Although Puerto Ricans on the island do not pay personal income taxes, as Americans they’ve paid federal taxes for business, payroll and estate taxes of $21 billion and counting. A lot of that money goes to FEMA. In addition, Puerto Ricans have served in the U.S. military starting with the Revolutionary War when they helped kick the British out, to now as proud American servicemen and women around the world. There are 100,000 Puerto Rican veterans living on the island including injured vets who gave their blood, sweat and tears for our country, or suffer from PTSD, as well as war widows and their families. I sadly recall burying my Army veteran father in Puerto Rico as taps played, then being handed a folded American flag. Who could be more deserving of help than they?

Sonia Valentin

Statehood fantasy

Bronx: In response to Voicer Barbara Arias’ ignorantly expressed opinion, I’d like to reply by saying that the great majority of Puertorriqueños like myself would welcome becoming a state while paying our fair share of federal taxes. But does she, or anyone who is well-informed, truly believe that a Republicancontrolled Congress, and our infamously bigoted President, would welcome a new state populated by three and a half million Spanish-speaking and mostly Democratic-voting American citizens? Not to mention having two Puerto Rican-born senators and perhaps eight to nine House members representing us in Washington? Let’s be realistic here! Carlos B. Martinez

Learning from the classics

Jamaica: I recently saw two separate episodes of the acclaimed show “Law and Order.” These episodes are 10 years old and gives an accurate account of what sexual harassment can be like, from subtle to very blatant. And that attempts are made to file a complaint. Maybe seeing it in 10-year-old episodes may give more proof that the problem is still evident. Back then, unless you had solid corroborating evidence, it was his word against hers and who was in the power seat. We must take extreme caution and perform due diligence when accusations are made. And, again, watch Spencer Tracy’s “Fury” and Jodie Foster’s “The Accused.” Each movie is self-explanatory and both make a powerful statement and issue a powerful warning. I hope people will watch and get a better understanding for 2018. Carol Grant

Sticking the Landon

Fort Lee: Good for Landon Collins in calling out his teammate Eli Apple. Apple had no business using Twitter during a Giants game. What if Collins had remained silent? Does Apple continue in his unprofessional behavior or turn it around on his own? Best to get it out in the open sooner than later. In regard to having a falling out with his stepfather and support system resulting in his erratic performance — Eli Apple is a grown man who makes a living playing professional football. It’s time for Apple to take accountability for his actions and his poor play. Put down the wireless device, get healthy and start playing like a first-round pick should.

Charles Greene

Happy viewing

HOWARD SIMMONS San Francisco: Due to the absence of President Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the event. Thanks for not attending.

Jimmy Layton