Queens DA: It was honest case

Kew Gardens: “Rebalance the scales of justice in New York” (editorial, Jan. 4) misstated material facts related to a Queens County murder case involving the now-commuted conviction of Felipe Rodriguez (photo right, with Gov. Cuomo). The editorial was wrong when it asserted, “Rodriguez spent 27 years behind bars after his lawyer failed to obtain a tape of a key prosecution witness contradicting his own account.”

In truth, the question of whether the referenced tape was provided to defense counsel was thoroughly litigated at a postconviction hearing in New York State Supreme Court, which, after taking testimony from the trial prosecutor and two of Rodriguez’s lawyers, found that the tape had, in fact, been turned over to the defendant — as the law required — before trial, along with related police reports about the tape.

Defense counsel actually cross-examined the witness about the prior statements at the trial. The witness admitted to making the prior statements and offered the jury an explanation as to why he had initially said what he did to the police — an explanation the jury apparently accepted.

Our office has agreed to reinvestigate the case at the urging of Rodriguez’s current attorneys. While I cannot predict what that reinvestigation will yield, there is as yet no evidence that anything was hidden from his lawyer or the jury that convicted him. We will make our decision based on the facts. It is important that your readers also know the true facts. District Attorney Richard Brown, Queens County

Dressed down over dressing up

Manhattan: I am peeved beyond belief at Voicers like Robert Mruczek and Nancy Freedman, who had the audacity to say women should have worn old sweatpants or something not sexy if they really wanted to make a statement at the Golden Globes. You both have some gall! Why must a woman dress down to get respect? We do not have to dress down. We can wear something pretty and sexy! At any time! Do men have to cover their muscles? Dress in sweats and cover their abs? You sound ridiculous! Yes, we are fed up! But we don’t have to cover up anything! We are women and yes, we dress up. We smell good and look good. That doesn’t give any man the right, nor an excuse, to sexually abuse us. It is pitiful that you both think a women must dress down to be taken seriously. Your perspective is part of the problem. Sad indeed.

Pamela Carter

Standing up for Seth

Lake Worth, Fla.: Voicer Alex Yatsevitch’s letter on Seth Meyers was so off base, it was out of the ballpark. The statement that poor Meyers “spent all that time in show business without meeting anyone he found attractive” implies that he didn’t sexually harass or assault anyone because they weren’t attractive enough. What planet is he living on? Does he really not understand what is going on in this country now? Sexual harassment will no longer be tolerated. Did it occur to him that perhaps Meyers is one of the good guys who respects women for their real worth and never found it appropriate to force himself on anyone, no matter how they presented themselves? It’s time for Yatsevitch to crawl back under his rock.

Judith Levine

New twist on an old story

Staten Island: I did not watch the Golden Globes because I do not like any of the award shows. But I am confused as to how all of a sudden nobody had ever heard of the so-called director’s couch. I am not in the entertainment industry but always heard of sex-for-stardom. This is not something new. It is now in the headlines because finally someone had the guts to stand up for what is right. Thomas Bell

Deneuve of that woman

Victoria, British Columbia: Catherine Deneuve rues the possibility that legitimate sexual expression between equally yoked individuals may perish in the quest to eliminate sexual harassment and assault so formidably enabled by unequally yoked individuals — the powerful and the unpowerful. Sadly, an important point is missed. The harm suffered by two people facing a more guarded atmosphere in which to enjoy their consensual sexual expression is minuscule in comparison to the harm suffered by those who are victims of sexual harassment and assault. It makes no sense to forego protection and safety for those in grave danger and harm for the sake of those who simply speculate that their consensual dalliances may not be as freewheeling. Joanne Thibault

Speaking out for all

Old Forge, Pa.: Rose McGowan is one of the younger actresses who have come forward claiming to be sexually abused by Harvey Weinstein. That means that before Harvey allegedly raped McGowan, there were many of her peers who knew what Harvey was capable of. Had they spoken up, perhaps McGowan would never have been in the predicament she was in with Weinstein. Now anyone who has watched “Law & Order: SVU” would know that as difficult and painful as it must be, the rape victim is encouraged to come forward to identify and testify against the rapist so he can never rape another woman. It’s a solidarity thing. So I wonder how many women in black are willing to wear a T-shirt that says “I knew but said nothing.”

G. Leonard Vaivada

A hero remembered

Brooklyn: As a Vietnam U.S. Air Force combat veteran, I would like to express my support for Marine Corp. Ernest James Hill being awarded the Purple Heart for having been killed during combat operations in 1968 even though he was not killed by direct enemy fire. While on an artillery fire mission against North Vietnamese troops, he was killed when his 155 howitzer exploded. He was killed in performance of his duty actively engaged with the enemy, which is a credit to his service. Whether suffering wounds by direct enemy fire, friendly fire or some accident, it occurred while being engaged with the enemy. As a veteran of B-52 operations during Operation Linebacker in 1972, I know that B-52 crews shot down were awarded Purple Hearts even though they did not suffer wounds by direct enemy fire. I would hope the Department of Defense can rectify this injustice.

Kenneth S. Katta

Who poisoned the U.S.A.?

Bound Brook, N.J.: Rick Wilson decries the toxic politics (he says) President Donald Trump has inserted into every corner of the U.S. (“How Donald Trump ate the nation,” Dec. 31). Really? Did he sleepwalk through eight years of divisive remarks by Obama? Everything that went wrong during his two disastrous administrations was somebody else’s fault, especially Republicans.

Frank Higbie

A bridge too far

Brooklyn: Democrats, in order to keep DACA, should agree to the wall, by using the “Bridge on the River Kwai” analogy. Submit to autocratic bullying in order to get something, and then wait for William Holden to blow it up.

Ira Cure

There is always hope

Brooklyn: To Voicer Gary Schwartz: Just because you’re older than most does not mean you have to look at it as you’re closer to death at the start of a new year. The start of a new year is not only for young people to feel positive, but for everyone. Be thankful you made it this far — many people don’t get the chance. There are many children who are sick, but they live for another day. You have been around for decades, so be thankful and live for today. If you don’t like the start of a new year, I guess you don't like birthdays, either. So here is your birthday wisdom: Age is just a number. Think young, act young, stay young, it works.

John DeAngelo

Locked and loaded

Bedford, N.Y.: Regarding the NYPD sergeant whose hair weave tested positive for marijuana, it appears Theo Kojak may have been ahead of his time.

Glenn B. Jacobi

Food for thought

JEFFERSON SIEGEL Manhattan: I just wanted to thank the editor responsible for the brilliant headline “It’s a cookbook!”on the article about the Cannibal Cop’s novel. I laughed my butt off. I saw the “Twilight Zone” episode it referenced when it was first broadcast, but it’s perfect even if you don’t get the reference. Thanks again, it made my day. Sam Soffer

Jersey twilight zone

Wallington, N.J.: Where did Gov. Christie get that fantasy of being President if not for Trump — Rod Serling? Ronnie Deckert