Working together, we the people have the power
West Babylon, LI: If we are concerned about our institutions being subjected to ideological litmus tests left and right, the worst thing we can do is self-censor to improve our reputation. If we are concerned that political violence is undermining the democratic process, the worst thing we can do is act as if our words and actions are not helping to solve the problem.
If we support separate and equal branches of government, the worst thing we can do is voluntarily cede those powers when our “side” is in power. If we're worried about a lack of economic competitiveness, the worst thing we can do is give the government unprecedented control over the private sector while drowning us in debt to finance pet projects and weakening the value of the dollar. If we are concerned about the biggest threat to world peace since the beginning of this century, the worst thing we can do is lie to our fellow citizens by saying that the combination of everything is our concern, nothing is our concern, everything can be solved immediately, and we can fund everything we want at once.
If we want strong families and communities focused on moral awakening, the worst thing we can do is listen to who is right rather than what is right—to pay lip service to good moral values while ignoring them when it suits our partisan or personal needs. The power of us all together is a force that can captivate and influence a minority, many of whom hold positions of power, who treat our country like a reality show. Who will stand and be counted? Greg DeLapi
Running rough
Kew Gardens: What will it take to stop President Trump and his destruction of our democracy? Millions have been spent on building a bigger ballroom, gilding the Oval Office, arresting citizens, pardoning criminals for his own gain, and trying to bring to justice those who might challenge him. This is just the beginning, and yet the Republicans are taking away any help Americans might need. Their greed and attempts to claim they have Christian values would make my head explode. Leslie Duzan
Give to someone who needs it
Toronto: If the Justice Department had paid Trump $230 million at his request, where would that money have come from? Exactly – all of us, taxpayers! As a taxpayer, I would prefer that any portion of the $230 million I contribute be spent on more beneficial and charitable purposes. Providing health care and food to those who otherwise couldn't afford it may be a more heartfelt use of money than putting it in Trump's pocket or building a ballroom for the already privileged, rich or wealthy. Peter Earl
Hostile Territory
Brooklyn: On Thursday, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “The federal government was preparing to 'surge' San Francisco, California, on Saturday, but my friends who live in the area called last night and asked me not to continue the surge because Mayor Daniel Lurie has made significant progress.” Friends in San Francisco? Yes, that's right, and I have friends on the moon. Peter Magnotta
He's done this before
Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: It may come as no surprise, but Trump lies about architecture, too. In 1980, when he demolished the Bonwit Teller Building for Trump Tower, he promised to preserve and donate the original friezes on the façade. Instead, he destroyed them and destroyed them. In July, he promised that the original East Wing would not be converted into his ballroom. Instead, he destroyed it all. He also promised that he and donors would pay for it. Guess who will have to pay the bill? Bob English
Bully politics
Edgewater, NJ: For nearly a year, the GOP has tried to fool us that its election “result” allows it to govern alone, but in May everyone knew a minority party was still needed when Senator Chuck Schumer voted to keep the government funded, for which he incurred much ire from his own party. Despite this, the majority scoffed, pounced on this olive branch and, following the Senate's bizarre rules, began pushing through their Big Beast Bill. Now they need a minority party, but they still won't admit that their “mandate” is not enough to go it alone, so the ideal solution is to blame the minority, even if the majority holds most of the reins of power. Why should the minority have any reason to trust the majority's promise that they will negotiate in good faith once they help them reopen our government? Jay C. Egelberg
Black humor
Forest Hills: To Vice President J.D. Vance: If you truly believe that comments about the Holocaust, Nazis, concentration camps, gas chambers and ovens are just jokes, I would like to make you an offer, or at least a proposal: We will take a trip to Dachau together. I'll pay for the trip. We come there together, but with one condition: we both must wear this striped uniform. In fact, your staff does just that (many members of my family did, and boy was it a laugh – our favorite song was “I'll Be Home for Himmler”). In any case, let's go together. It will hurt, I assure you, but it will be worth it. Come on, JD, come with me. We'll have a good laugh. It's just a joke. Stu brags
Desired legacy?
West Orange, New Jersey: I would ask Curtis Sliwa how he would like to be remembered – as the heroic leader of the Guardian Angels or as the man who helped Zoran Mamdani get elected? Miriam Sheff
Party disloyalty
Brooklyn: Mayor Adams endorsed Andrew Cuomo for mayor. This is amazing. Eric sold his soul to the Devil. The rules have always been that if a person wins a primary, he or she receives the party's support—except now. Many Democratic leaders, such as Chuck Schumer, did not support Mamdani. The same thing happened with the Republicans. Sliwa has been running for office for years and now people want him to drop out and want Republicans to vote for Cuomo, who is an independent. Incredible! Don't trust man, trust God. Carol Atkins
Choice of violence
Long Beach, LI: I hope voters will vote for law and order and against all those who refuse to condemn violence and instead incite unbridled hatred and condone and encourage the criminal behavior demonstrated by the Texas Representative on Thursday. God help and save America, just like Charlie Kirk tried to do. Arlene Reilly
Finish it already
Park Ridge, New Jersey: The war in Ukraine continued with the explosion of a school where kindergarten students were studying the other day. Previously, wars were fought where the target was military and other strategic objects. Russia has been bombing and strafing schools, hospitals and residential buildings since the start of the war, and our and the world's response has been sanctions. The “don't poke the bear” answer was accepted because no one wants war with Russia, but allowing thousands of people to continue to be killed is wrong. Trump talks about concessions on both sides and suggests Ukraine may have to give up land to end the war. What if the US, NATO, European countries and the rest of the world order Russia to withdraw its troops and pay reparations for this unjustified, illegal attack on a sovereign state? Steve Ostlund
Didn't choke
Maspeth: Kudos and God's blessing to the two NYPD officers, Botirjon Botirov and Gabriel Gonzalez, who responded to save a suffocating 10 month old boy! The video shows the methodical and determined efforts to save one of New York's youngest residents! These are essentially two rookie partners and as we can see from their names, they are, as usual, a varied representation of the great mosaic of our model police force! Good press is deserved! Thank you to our brave and dedicated men and women in blue! I know one family that will actually have Thanksgiving this year! Once again, God willing! JC Makowski
