If Israel does no better, what makes it better?
Manhattan: Voicer Lloyd Litwak has taken “whataboutism” to a new level. Basically, he asks why the world is so focused on Israel when there are other murderous regimes in the world. He points out that there are other countries that have forced populations to become refugees and destroyed their enemies’ schools, hospitals, electricity, communications, water treatment and food delivery, while indiscriminately dropping 2,000-pound bombs on scores of innocent people in order to kill one enemy fighter. Other countries have displaced the same people over and over as they turn safe havens into killing grounds.
In a passing reference, Litwak even denies that the children of Gaza are innocent (photo following recent IDF strike), as their parents voted for Hamas. He conveniently sidesteps the fact that the International Criminal Court prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes. He fails to ponder whether the Israeli goal of finding every last Hamas fighter on Earth and killing them and anyone in their vicinity is legitimate. He spends zero space considering whether Hamas is already defeated and incapable of invading Israel again. He doesn’t address the 14 hours it took the IDF to come to the aid of its citizens on Oct. 7 or whether that would happen again.
All he is capable of saying is, “Oh yeah, well, what about them?” Well, Mr. Litwak, what about them? Do you like what those countries do? Do you support them? If you do, come out and say you support Israel as well, as it, in the tradition of murderous regimes throughout the world, lays waste to Gaza and its people. If you think those other countries are wrong, what keeps you from condemning Israel? Steven Fromewick
Rogue ally
Chester, N.J.: Voicer Lloyd Litwak starts his screed by complaining that Kamala Harris said she won’t be silent on suffering in Gaza, as though it is unclear to Democrats who started the war. Then he tries to conflate Ukraine’s suffering. It is clear that the Republicans would carve off part of Ukraine to appease Vladimir Putin, then allow him to rearm so he can take another bite later. Remember, we are supporting Ukraine and Israel, and in both instances we want some say in how weapons are used. While Putin is blowing up Ukrainian hospitals, schools, housing, even completely leveling cities, we won’t let Ukraine use our weapons to answer in kind. We have tried to convince Israel to use surgical means to destroy Hamas (and Hezbollah) without resorting to open warfare. If Hezbollah unleashes thousands of precision weapons, it will lead to (tens of) thousands of Israeli deaths. David J. Melvin
National lens
Bronx: It seems NBC is only concerned about the U.S.A.’s involvement in these Summer Olympics in France. The camera is hardly on any other country’s athletes. I thought the Olympics was about global involvement, but NBC’s cameras narrow the viewer’s appreciation of all countries. Eric Cummings Jr.
Break in
Massapequa, L.I.: Re “Gets 30 yrs. to life for Chinatown slay” (July 30): If it did take the police more than an hour to gain access to a screaming Christina Yuna Lee’s apartment, I wonder why the police didn’t call the FDNY for assistance with breaking in. Jill Ryan
Impressive inventory
Jenkintown, Pa.: As an advocate for retail jobs and a better economy, two years ago I started a petition to expand Smyths Toys Superstores, an Irish toy giant, to the United States. This would create thousands, if not millions, of jobs throughout the U.S. Some may oppose it and some may not think this is a great idea, but I think it would be a great way for the younger generations to make new memories the old-fashioned way. After I browsed their website, I was impressed by their selection of toys. This toy store should definitely expand to the U.S. Dante Medori
Passing days
Manhattan: Justin Brannan’s “Be Our Guest” article (“RIP student bus passes and student MetroCards,” op-ed, July 31) took me back. In the 1960s, you had to live at least 1.2 miles away from your school or you couldn’t get a bus pass. It was only when I got to high school that I finally got one. Passes were only good during school hours, forget using them after those hours. Mass transit was only 15 cents before rising to 35 cents during my time in school. As Mary Hopkin sang, “Those were the days, my friend.” Vanessa Enger
Contempt of court
Syosset, L.I.: Donald Trump identifies particular judges who in his mind are biased, and he’s supposedly risking the destruction of one of the three pillars of our democracy and of democracy itself. President Biden identifies the Supreme Court as being off the rails so much that the rules governing the court need to be fundamentally changed, and he’s hailed as heroic and a savior of democracy. Could someone please explain? I again have become confused. Drew Oringer
An odd couple
Swarthmore, Pa.: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is given credit for defining Donald Trump and his running mate in one highly descriptive word that we can all understand. Walz blasted the two as being “weird,” and by extension, too weird to be elected president and vice president. A review of these men’s rhetoric seems to amply reinforce this label. In Trump, we have a man who has repeatedly talked about how he’d rather die by electrocution than be eaten by a shark, and who on multiple occasions has discussed fictional character Hannibal Lecter as though he’s a real person. JD Vance has stated that women and men without children do not have the same stake in America’s future as do those who are parents, and that folks without children should not be given equal political power. Both men manifest a weirdness that should diminish their qualifications and appeal to lead this country. Ken Derow
Still criminal
Kew Gardens: Donald Trump said that three weeks ago Kamala Harris was a bum. Yet, three weeks ago he was a convicted felon and is still a convicted felon. Glenn Hayes
Times have changed
Danbury, Conn.: Irony (updated Webster’s definition): Trump losing the White House to a Black woman who his father Fred wouldn’t have rented an apartment to in NYC. Michael Eddy
Slogan suggestions
Whitestone: Kamala Harris could use some campaign slogans, so here are a few of my meager offerings: 1) There’s not much chance for the misogynist and Vance — but I repeat myself. 2) Roe, Roe, Roe, he wrote, abortion is a sin. If women come out and vote, Kamala’s gonna win. 3) Women, have those babies, Vance tells you that’s God’s will. It’s cat ladies versus tiger men; ladies, stay home and chill. 4) Project 2025 is the dictator’s bible. When you read this regressive screed, it’s tyrannical libel. Michael J. Gorman
Sitcom scheme
Hartford, Conn.: The American public is ignorant and is having the wool pulled over its eyes again, just like with the 1969 hoax of men landing on the moon. Donald Trump and Joe Biden have conspired to destroy 248 years of democracy in the United States. Now that Biden has withdrawn, both he and Trump have enlisted Kamala Harris to be a co-conspirator in this sinister plot. No matter who wins this sham presidential election, the winning candidate is going to suspend the Constitution, dissolve both houses of Congress and turn total power over to Donny Most, the actor who played Ralph Malph on “Happy Days,” who will rule as an authoritarian dictator. Most will then appoint Anson Williams, who played Potsie, to lead the military. The new slogan for the United States will not be “Make America Great Again” but rather “Happy Days Are Here Again”! John L. Purcell
Apparent contradiction
Glendale: If Venezuelan authorities are opening up their jails and insane asylums so inmates and patients can find their way here, as Trump as been saying for years now, how come one of his last actions as president in January 2021 was to give temporary legal status (deferred enforcement departure) to illegal Venezuelans for 18 months because of their deteriorating conditions at home? Just asking the question. Mary Haeberle
