To honor veterans, work for peace and the truth
Brooklyn: As a Vietnam veteran, I remember each day of service and the oath given to serve our country. My service in Vietnam during 1967-1968 brings constant memories. It is not only what occurred in Vietnam but the days after, and what I have learned.
My belief is that the opposite of conflict is peace, and countries must strive for peace without physical aggression. Our country is democratic with the principles of equality and liberty. We help other countries with the same belief that freedom and human rights are paramount.
Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, to remember the service of all and their outcomes of death and health issues before our exit (in 1973) and after.
The division between North and South in Vietnam found China supplying the North with troops and supplies, and the Soviet Union (Russia) supplying tanks and heavy weapons (missiles). The U.S. and its allies assisted the South over many years. I have learned from the Pentagon Papers (via Daniel Ellsberg), which exposed that the American public was misled and the war was extended. This was at a cost of thousands of military and civilian deaths.
My respect is for all veterans, our military, our Veterans Administration, and especially the generation of World War II, and the unity in service of our military, civilians and allies. The goal needs to be reaching peace at home and worldwide. Louis Cohen
Turning the other cheek
Bronx: Voicer Robert Adams, a Korean War veteran, appears to be incensed with my opinions; so much so, he’s invited me to kiss his butt. You would think that a man in his golden years who has served his country would, by now, know better. Mr. Adams, with all due respect, I believe you should have left behind all the petty, vindictive nonsense and grievance, and avoid being beholden to political and ideological dogma, especially that on the left. And as a veteran, thanks for your service. Bob Pascarella
Squat not
Port Jefferson Station, L.I.: Given the many unsettling stories about squatters, I hope that New York State addresses this issue posthaste. Squatters having rights over homeowners is a disgusting situation and must be taken care of before street justice makes a homeowner do something he/she will regret. Bob Cavaliere
Taking flight
Trenton, N.J.: President Biden’s singling out business aviation in the State of the Union address and White House budget unfortunately paints an important productivity-enhancing tool negatively with a broad brush. Companies use small aircraft because they offer clear functional advantages, helping to transport tools, personnel and supplies, travel to otherwise inaccessible locations, quickly alter travel plans, facilitate team collaboration during travel and maximize operations. Business aircraft support virtually every industry and sector in our country, including agriculture, construction and food production. General aviation supports $247 billion in economic impact nationally; 57% of business aviation serves small companies with 500 or fewer employees. Companies utilizing business aviation outperform their counterparts in asset efficiency, shareholder value and overall growth. Analyses span various company sizes, ownership structures and global presence, but reach similar conclusions. Unfortunately, the targeting of business aviation by the White House plays off of lazy stereotypes. Michael Egenton
Fighting hate
Manhattan: Hate crimes not only inflict physical and emotional harm but undermine the social fabric of our society. Yet the recent opinion piece by attorney Ron Kuby (“Hating Albany’s new hate crimes,” op-ed, March 26) defended and gave license to what we are seeking to deter in New York. Among the more stunning claims is that people draw swastikas to identify the Nazis among us. This is false, offensive and destructive. The Nazi symbol is intended to intimidate and display hate against Jews. Rather than justifying acts of antisemitic hate crimes — which in January and February saw a 60% increase in New York City over the same period in 2023 — we must stand up to them. The proposed expansion of eligible hate crimes is co-sponsored by more than two dozen elected officials and has the support of faith and community-based organizations across New York. Eric S. Goldstein, CEO, UJA-Federation of New York
Thinly veiled
Margate, Fla.: Voicer Don Schwarz should think hard about MLK’s wise and prescient words: “When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews. You’re talking antisemitism.” Richard Sherman
Cover for crimes
Ozone Park: Eric Trump is stating that Donald Trump’s properties should not be seized because he built skylines. Does that mean John Gotti should not have been prosecuted because car theft went to zero in Howard Beach after he moved in? Ray Hackinson
Exposure
Rockaway Park: The worst decision Donald Trump has made in the past eight years was to run for president. If he had not, he would not have been brought up on charges for paying Stormy Daniels hush money, been indicted for not returning top secret documents to our government, been arrested for trying to overturn the election in Georgia or been charged with being responsible for the attack on the United States Capitol. There is even the possibility that he would not have been found liable for sexual assault. Some of the statements he made concerning women while running for president coupled with his past history with women would make his denials hard to believe for anyone not in his cult. If you take those charges out of the equation, the only problem he would have to deal with is the overvaluation of his property for financial gains. Anthony Johnson
Revealing
Manhattan: To Voicer John Gelormino: Typical Trump apologist. “I never voted for him” but I’ll also deflect anything bad you say about him by pointing at Joe Biden. People are leaving the Democratic Party because of the DNC’s refusal to give us candidates who are not elderly. The GOP refuses to back anyone who’s not a hateful racist with criminal tendencies. They are not the same. Democrats leaving the party are not joining the GOP. Racists and bigots are the ones who run to join the GOP. Imagine disparaging immigrants when your own family is filled with them. We’re at the point where Trump apologists like yourself should just come out of the proverbial closet. Wear your red hat, here’s your sign. T.S. Fallani
Lucrative targets
North Massapequa, L.I.: In a Daily News article and editorial (“Can-lord,” March 24) about a slumlord who has been skirting the law since 2021 or longer, I have a solution: Get state Attorney General Letitia James and Judge Arthur Engoron to work on the slumlord issue. James took almost four years to get Trump. Can you imagine if she had the same four years to get these slumlords? They are both going to have the time since the Trump case is winding down. Just imagine the fines and confiscations they could collect from these landlords. Steven Malichek
Maligned breed
Farmington, Maine: Re “Rate of serious dog bite injuries in US rising” (March 24): I am and have been a proud owner of German Shepherds for most of my life. When I came across the story, the first thing that crossed my mind was The News’ stereotypical use of the breed’s photo for the article. After reading the story, I wondered why a small-breed dog’s photo wasn’t used. We all know that a dog is as good as its handler. Many small dogs are the first to nip a person or even bigger dogs. My area is mostly populated by small dogs and a large percentage of them respond negatively to my dog as we walk down the street. My dog backs off and waits for them to approach to be friendly. Nine out of 10 times, the meeting is amicable. Repetitive positive correction and a dog will learn proper behavior. John N. Honas
Money-maker?
Bronx: Re “DOT kicks off e-bike safety campaign after deadly year” (March 19): It will be wonderful to teach those e-bike riders how to be safe. But please don’t let the Department of Transportation honchos line their pockets by requiring riders to take a class like they did to all TLC license holders to the tune of $150, with the renewal course gimmick where they taught you how to use NYC’s app. Virgilio Carballo
