Without the infrastructure, EVs can’t take off
Plainview, L.I.: I purchased my electric vehicle with the best of intentions. I wanted to do my part by reducing pollution and embracing new, greener technology. Rising gas prices were another factor, and I was excited about the prospect of a smoother, quieter driving experience.
However, my experience over the past two years has led me to reconsider. The promise of electric cars, while admirable, falls short when faced with the practical realities of daily life. Here are the primary reasons I am saying goodbye to my EV: Constant anxiety about running out of charge on longer trips has caused me to alter or cancel travel plans multiple times. Even a short trip can turn into a logistical headache, especially when a quick detour could add 45 minutes or more for charging. Finding an available charging station is often a nightmare. Stations are frequently full, out of service or occupied by people who leave their cars plugged in while they enjoy two-hour dinners. I have even witnessed confrontations as frustrated drivers fight for their turn. Some local governments refuse to approve new charging stations, further exacerbating the issue. Availability of chargers is often limited, especially outside major cities. Rural areas are poorly served, and until infrastructure catches up, the dream of seamless, long-distance travel in an EV remains a dream.
I still believe in the promise of electric vehicles and their potential to reduce emissions. However, we need better solutions to the problems that prevent widespread adoption — mandatory charging stations at gas stations, home charging support from car manufacturers, charging stations in residential and commercial buildings, and solar-powered backups. Hossam Maksoud
Who’s this guy?
Carle Place, L.I.: Nothing against Taylor Swift, but if she never dated Travis Kelce, we wouldn’t be getting brother Jason Kelce shoved down our throats at every opportunity. Did he cure cancer and I missed it? Rudy Rosenberg
Pride before the fall
Camden, N.J.: Ten years ago, we were all so very proud of Sean Combs aka P. Diddy. Howard University extended its invitation to be the 2014 commencement speaker. Diddy was proud of being awarded the honorary doctorate. It was a whirlwind of a tribute for a former college student from New York who had made it big prior to completing his undergraduate schooling. He had attended the very elite higher education institution that is historically known for many outstanding, prominent Black Americans who have contributed to the social impact of America. Even Vice President Kamala Harris is an alumnus of the high-ranking university. How did Combs become so misguided? There is bad stock everywhere. I truly want to hear his redemption song. Wayne E. Williams
Depth of depravity
Hallandale, Fla.: You would think that after 11 torturous months, Israel would finally mitigate the daily murders of civilians in Gaza, but no, it has become too much of a ritualistic success, even spreading its carnage to the West Bank. They have leveled 92% of the schools, depriving 625,000 children in Gaza an education. With U.S. university students aside, why are a plurality of Americans so totally aligned with this government, regardless of party, to subsidize Israel with such barbaric, inhumane, unhinged massacres? Have we become so inured to such evil, a partial result of our massive gun culture? Of course, the U.S. and international media will not dare print this. Sid Sussman
Familiar scapegoat
Beacon, N.Y.: A certain self-promoting huckster and grifter who labels as an enemy and threatens vengeance against anyone who doesn’t kowtow to him has recently launched a preemptive strike — unprovoked, indefensible — against a particular ethnic/religious group, namely the Jews, who he declares will be to blame when he loses in November. That’s all Jews, every last one of them — no exceptions. Presumably, he hopes his armed followers will enact his revenge upon them. In middle America, there are vast areas where people only get to hear one news source, predictably tilted toward the right. So, less-well-informed voters may not be aware that their hero’s son-in-law is Jewish, and his grandchildren are being raised Jewish. One wonders how this scenario is going to play out. Will his daughter and her children have to flee the country? N. Binnis
Right-wing ramp-up
Forest Hills: To Voicer Frederick Robert Bedell Jr.: Concerning your “proudly supporting” Donald Trump and his vice presidential pick for the White House on Election Day, you mentioned the second alleged assassination attempt on the Republican candidate for president but conveniently failed to mention that all of this rhetoric came from his end of the stick, not Democrats. Have you forgotten how vile Trump’s rhetoric is for his supposed political enemies? Have you forgotten how he’s threatened judges, witnesses and others in his various criminal and civil trials? He riles up his supporters at every rally they attend. Didn’t you read the letter from Voicer Michael DeSouza that says it all: “Real Republicans know Trump is bad for us all.” Ron Gersh
Let them lead it
Greenburgh, N.Y.: A suggestion for the next presidential and vice presidential debate: Instead of having moderators come up with questions for the candidates, provide each candidate with the ability to ask his/her opponent any questions they want. Trump and Harris should be provided with the chance to ask each other the same number of questions and should be given the same amount of time to respond. The same process should be used for the vice presidential debate. This would make the debates more interesting and issue-oriented, and also highlight what issues both candidates feel are important. The moderators’ only role would be to ensure that both candidates don’t shout at each other and have an equal amount of time to talk. Paul Feiner
Assassination incentive
San Francisco: Regarding the election, Voicer Jimmy Durda suggests: “Let’s put both parties in the White House. This way, whoever wins becomes president; whoever comes in second becomes vice president. This way, both parties are forced to work together.” This may sound reasonable, but just think for one second. If Harris wins and is president and Trump is vice president, how long do you think it will take until Trump or one of his allies assassinates Harris so Trump can be president? Not a practical solution. Sorry, Jimmy. Jimmy Layton
Crisis averted
Brooklyn: What would your life be like today had Donald Trump served a second term? Take a moment to think about all the chaos, grift and corruption of the first Trump presidency. President Biden brought back dignity, sanity and honor to our government. We can’t risk another Trump presidency. Where would we be now? Anne Slamka
Rejected
Kew Gardens: An individual is applying for a job with your company. You realize this person worked for you previously and was such a screw-up that you fired him. Along with his previous poor performance, he now has a criminal conviction, other pending indictments and a penchant for associating with criminals and other sordid characters. Rather than waste your valuable time, you throw his resumé in the trash. That’s how unsuitable job applicants are normally treated. Glenn Hayes
Criminalized criminal
Fort Worth, Texas: You know what’s hilarious? Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently announced that it’s illegal for any convicted felon to register or to vote in the 2024 presidential election, which means that if Donald Trump lived in Texas, he could go to jail for voting for himself. Sharon Austry
Predator power
Sayville, L.I.: The political party that wants authority over the reproductive health of sexual abuse victims is led by a man held liable in a jury trial for sexual abuse. Can anything be more messed up than that? Michael Hooker
Safe in some states
Spotswood, N.J.: I just saw a political commercial in New York that is a complete lie! Republicans do not have the power or the votes for a national abortion ban. It is impossible. It is up to the states, so N.Y. can abort all of the babies they want. Tom Scott
