Speaking Up for a Terrorist: Melissa Misses the Mark
THE ISSUE: The City Council’s resolution calling for the pardon of Puerto Rican terrorist Oscar Lopez Rivera.
It’s no secret that City Council Speaker Melissa MarkViverito has strong social hardleft leanings (“Voting for Terror,” Editorial, June 12).
So it wasn’t surprising to read that she once again acted on behalf of her idol, homegrown terrorist Oscar Lopez Rivera, by pushing a resolution through the council asking President Obama to grant him clemency and an unconditional release from prison.
What is surprising is that 41 of the 51 council members voted in favor of the measure, proving that there are few in the council who have the guts to place New Yorkers ahead of their political agenda.
Lopez Rivera was a leader of the militant separatist FALN, which was deemed responsible for 114 bombings, 130 injuries and at least four murders of Americans during its terror spree, including the bombing of historic FrauncesTavern in 1975 in NewYorkCity. MarkViverito was barely out of diapers when that incident occurred, not old enough to remember the devastation, death, maiming and fear left in itswake. J. M. Norris
Brooklyn
MarkViverito is absolutely correct in her quest to have Lopez Rivera released from prison.
She should also fight for the unconditional release of Charles Manson, Ted Kaczynski and Dennis Rader, the infamous BTK serial killer.
These people have suffered long enough and have paid their debt to society.
Ray Medico New Rochelle
Our speaker wants FALN terrorist Lopez Rivera freed because, as she puts it, “his continued incarceration is unjust and serves no legitimate purpose.” Actually, MarkViverito’s term as speaker is unjust and also serves no legitimate purpose. How do we remove her from office?
Barry Koppel Kew Garden Hills
So MarkViverito and the members of the City Council have nothing better to do than pass a resolution urging President Obama to grant clemency to Lopez Rivera. Clemency to a convicted terrorist who refuses to renounce the violence he committed and any future violence?
There are more pressing issues facing New York City at this time. She and the rest of the council really have to get their priorities straight. Michael J. Murphy
Mahopac
Does MarkViverito care about the hardworking, taxpaying people of this city at all?
Or is she just trying to get her agenda accomplished and do as much damage to our great city as time will allow? I’m going to speak on behalf of the families of those murdered, maimed and injured: Are you out of your mind? The only thing more troubling than what you are trying to accomplish is the fact that so many of your loyal followers in the council voted along with you.
Have any of you no shame? Do any of you remember the bombing at Fraunces Tavern and the panic that it led to? How about the bombing of Police Headquarters in 1982 that maimed three officers? MarkViverito’s job is to work on behalf of the people of this city, and so far she and the council are a disgrace. Palmer Doyle
Belle Harbor
Why is she allowed, at the taxpayers’ expense, to even entertain such nonsense? The spineless City Council goes along with it. Where is the mayor’s voice in all this? His silence tells me he agrees with it.
The ones who should be held responsible are the dummies in New York City who vote these clowns into power. I’m glad I don’t live or work in the city. Pete Calogero Red Hook, NY
In what political sewer did New York City find MarkViverito?
Let’s pray she removes herself permanently from our city.
Sal Dye New Rochelle
If Lopez Rivera is released, he’ll have to go somewhere, and my suggestion is this: He should move in with MarkViverito and her family for at least a year.
After that, each council member who voted for his release should get him for a year. John Colombo
Whitestone