Demagoguery follows a well-worn narrative arc
Manhattan: Many years ago, I read a book called “Baal.” It was about an evil child who grew up to be an even more evil man — perhaps he was the Antichrist? He became so powerful that millions followed his every word, and soon he had captured the minds and souls of all who followed him.
I see this evil now in the presence of a very powerful orange turd who has enamored a huge following of what would otherwise be good people. Sycophants and grovelers of the worst kind have aligned themselves with him. Billionaires have hitched their fortunes to him in hopes of becoming richer and more powerful. War veterans have chosen to ignore his words regarding their fallen comrades — a “bunch of suckers” — yet they blindly support this bone-spurs coward. Policemen and firemen rally to support him, knowing he was responsible for creating the incendiary atmosphere that ended in the deaths and serious injuries of many of their fellow officers. Women who love him will see themselves thrown back into the age of the Crusades.
What has happened to my wonderful country that she would consider placing a monster with questionable sentiments for a historic monster — Hitler — at America’s helm? Have we learned nothing from history? Are we so willing to look for scapegoats that we would readily give up our freedoms for the sake of electing a monster who promises to keep us safe from “them,” who he blames for everything?
If the Orange Turd wins the White House, we will see the complete destruction of our Constitution and our freedoms. Marilyn D. Rodriguez
Prove it
St. Petersburg, Fla.: This former Marine would like to know where I can find the tape/audio of Trump calling veterans suckers and losers. Also, I would like to know what branch of the military President Biden and Hillary Clinton served in, or what excuse they had for not serving. Bill Barrett
Unelectable
Rockaway Point: Americans have been complaining about declining standards of behavior in our society for years. Have we really sunken to the point where a person convicted of sexual abuse and felony financial fraud can still become our president? Great wisdom that I came across: “Don’t vote for the Trump you wish existed. Vote against the one that does.” Patricia J. Murphy
Money to burn
Edgewater, N.J.: The GOP is proudly boasting of its fundraising prowess since its leader became a convicted felon. I can’t imagine what it would be like to have enough disposable income to make a contribution to any political campaign, but if they can, this GOP success certifies that Bidenomics is working for all their supporters. Jay K. Egelberg
Chant to fruition
Manhattan: Dear District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Judge Juan Merchan, when it’s time for sentencing Donald Trump on July 11, please remember the shouts of his stupid followers in the streets when they taunted Hillary Clinton with “Lock her up” — when she committed no crimes. Well, it’s time for payback for Trump’s crimes, so lock him up and throw away the keys! Tony Warren
Thrown under the bus
Manhattan: Given that Rocky Granata and Donna Eiden are such loyal Trumpers and that their MAGA bus was totaled, do you think that the person to whom they seem to have unswerving loyalty will help pay for the bus repairs? And give them a home ’til their bus is repaired? Or do you think, now that they are homeless, Trump will lump them in with all the homeless people he despises and has no compassion for? Just asking for a friend! Joie Anderson
Too little, too late
Medford, L.I.: So after 41 months of incessantly lying that he didn’t have the power to close the border, President Biden has now signed an executive order to — drumroll please — close the border! To the media that from 2016 has been breathlessly panting that former President Trump was a Russian agent bent on destroying the country, we now know what a president looks like destroying the country, and they all seem fine with it. I must laugh at all this talk about Trump seeking retribution and revenge should he be reelected. On Biden’s last day in office, he’s going to issue a massive blanket pardon that’s going to exonerate everyone who has done his dirty work. How does anyone not see this coming? The man has been giving us the middle finger from day one, making every decision against the best interests of the American people. Luana Dunn
Worth weighing
Forest Hills: I have read many articles that claim young people are not enthusiastic about President Biden. There are reports that many won’t vote for him due to the situation in Gaza and his support of Israel. To all those young people, please consider this: He has passed more than 100 new laws and initiatives to combat climate change. Trump promised the oil industry that he will end all of Biden’s environmental initiatives. Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices who made it possible to overturn Roe v. Wade. If he is allowed to appoint more justices, it will be about 40 years before there is any change on the Supreme Court. Finally, Trump asked his military advisors if it was legal to shoot Black Lives Matter protesters. If you are planning to protest for any reason, that should give you pause. Libby Gurgis
Unstudious analysis
Hyde Park, N.Y.: To Voicer Charles Winokoor: Your letter is exactly why young people need to get out there and use their power of free speech. You use the term “anti-Israel” twice in your letter. Isn’t it possible that Sofya and her classmates are not anti-Israel, but pro-Palestine? It is possible to be one without being the other. Also, how could you possibly know what all 1,000 kids’ parents are encouraging them to do!? Then you finish by insulting their intelligence! Wow. Who’s the real problem here? I think Winokoor should look in the mirror for the answer. Jack Cregan
Backed up
Manhattan: Thirty-six new or renovated public loos over five years (“So how about loo?” June 4)? That’s a tad more than seven per year, a pathetic goal not worth announcing to our nearly 9 million dwellers. To say the system is constipated is an understatement. Frankie Turchiano
Scramble distractions
Middle Village: Regarding your editorial about students using cell phones in school (“Expel smartphones from schools,” May 31), there is a simple solution: signal jammers. For a century, kids existed without cell phones and the ability to speak with their parents anytime at all. If there was an emergency, parents would call the school office and have their child pulled from class. Once they leave the school, their phones will work. Problem solved. I know jammers are illegal, but an exception could be made for schools in order to facilitate learning. Lee Rottenberg
Didactic impulse
Staten Island: To Voicer Glenn Simpson: I’m glad I’m not the only one who corrects people’s grammar. It makes me crazy! I credit my Catholic grammar school and high school educations. Maria Saporito
Venue villain
Manhattan: Sorry, fans, but it was inevitable that after great seasons and early playoff wins, both the Knicks and Rangers collapsed. Just as the Red Sox “Curse of the Bambino” caused an 86-year World Series drought, we now have the “Curse of the Dolan.” James Dolan, who is disliked and disrespected more than any local team owner, has angered the sports gods, who don’t want him with any championship bling on his fingers. It also means that using facial recognition, they too will be prohibited from MSG! John Brindisi
First granny
Manhattan: A sad farewell to Marian Robinson / Michelle Obama’s mother / Known as the first grandma during the Obama administration / she was like no other / She moved into the White House / to help care for her grandchildren for eight years / Mrs. Robinson was always there with her love and support / to share happy times and wipe away tears / I send my deepest sympathy
to the grieving family / I hope you find some measure of comfort / as you treasure each sweet memory. Phoebe Celentano
