On this somber day, what speech goes too far?
Manhattan: Today, while decent people are mourning the Hamas terrorist attack, there are multiple planned demonstrations in our city organized by the group Within Our Lifetime. WOL is calling the event “Flood NYC for Palestine.” The name references the barbaric massacre that was called “Operation Al Aqsa Flood” by its perpetrators. Even the name of this event is meant to terrorize.
WOL is a pro-terror, antisemitic organization that echoes Hamas tropes and routinely calls for the destruction of Israel. WOL endorsed the Oct. 7 attacks, and its leader, Nerdeen Kiswani, openly supports Hamas, a terrorist organization bent on the destruction of Israel and murder of Jews. During their demonstrations, this group marches with banners proclaiming “By any means necessary!” and reciting chants such as “Globalize the intifada!” Thousands attend, calling for the destruction of the Jewish state and the targeting of “Zionists” worldwide. Their speech incites violence and hatred and should not be included under the umbrella of free speech. This is designed to justify the killing of Jews.
The impact of the atrocities committed on Oct. 7, 2023 is felt by the global Jewish community and all Americans. While I look toward a more hopeful future, on this anniversary, I worry about the hostages still held by Hamas. I think about the courage of those on the frontlines fighting terrorism, from the IDF in Gaza searching tunnels to our brave U.S. soldiers confronting ISIS in Iraq and Syria. I am angry that there are protesters on our streets and campuses proudly supporting Islamist terrorists rather than condemning them and demanding the release of the hostages. Holly Rothkopf
According to whom?
Philadelphia: Horrifying to learn that Palestinians are being “raped to death with objects by Israeli prison guards,” as Voicer Jessica Caban claims. What is she talking about? Where does she get this stuff? Is it from a new placard replacing “From the river to the sea?” As usual, she offers a wild accusation without backing it up with any facts. Bruce S. Ticker
Dubious descriptors?
New Rochelle, N.Y.: As a daily reader and subscriber, I notice that some writers on the “Be Our Guest” op-eds have more titles than body, but I wonder what they really do. Not to mention, most of them are authors trying to sell books. Charlie Morales
Deserved and overdue
Brooklyn: I think it is time to forgive Pete Rose for his wrongdoings. His family deserves a celebration of his accomplishments with his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In my eyes, he was always the leader, all-time hits, among other accomplishments. Karl Stults
Passing costs
Massapequa, L.I.: I agree with Voicer Virgilio Carballo about congestion pricing, but I think the manufacturers of the products delivered by trucking companies will raise their prices to compensate for the extra delivery expenses, so I fear all consumers in the U.S. will be paying more for those products. Jean Marie Chiaramonte
Shortage fear
Massapequa, L.I.: To Voicer Dennis Pascale: I really don’t think Stop & Shop was playing games during the port strike. Did you see the lines outside of Costco? People were panicking and starting to hoard items just like they were during the pandemic. Judi Bruch
Won’t work
Bronx: I want to thank James F. McShane for his thought-provoking article (“Congestion pricing is not the (complete) answer,” op-ed, Oct. 3). His argument showed why congestion pricing won’t solve the problem. With cutting down lanes of traffic for bus and bike lanes, reducing places where you can drive, how would congestion pricing reduce time for emergency vehicles to operate? Answer: They can’t. I always thought congestion pricing is just a cash grab, but this puts it in a different perspective. Martin Sandok
Poorly planned
Long Island City: Congratulations to James McShane, the retired NYPD chief who served six years as the executive/commanding officer of the Traffic Control Division. His op-ed on traffic problems in Manhattan was the most intelligent, insightful piece on the problem that I have ever seen. We need thoughtful people like McShane addressing our problems rather than the “consortium of local Brooklyn elected officials” referenced in your article in the same edition of The News on the plan to reconfigure McGuinness Blvd. in Greenpoint (“U-turn on B’klyn road bid,” Oct. 3). That plan is a total disaster that is poorly conceived and designed, and is opposed by most long-time Greenpoint residents and businesses. I ride my bike over the Pulaski Bridge almost every day. The section the Department of Transportation has already reconfigured at the bottom of the bridge in Greenpoint now makes it incredibly dangerous for cyclists exiting the bridge onto local streets. Another example of incompetent planning. Paul Camilleri
Could be worse
Brooklyn: While I’m not a big fan of this current mayor and his nepotistic ways, keep in mind that if he’s forced out, who takes over: the king of “defund the police” and no-bail, Jumaane Williams (whose best friend is AOC ). Watch the city burn to the ground! Rocco Conte
Visionary reversal
Tarrytown, N.Y.: Over the weekend, a dangerous new version of MAGA was created: Musk And Gullible Airheads. We now have one of the richest, most powerful and influential men in the world bowing to the orange grifter. This migrant carries 200 million followers and is now posting dangerous and ridiculous falsehoods daily. His tweet in 2022 was, “I do not hate the man but it’s time for Trump to hang up his hat & sail into the sunset.” Remember, Elon Musk has only been an American citizen since 2002 and has always voted Democrat. It all started with him being snubbed for the EV summit by President Biden. It also did not help that he is fighting his workers who want to unionize and his many shoddy employment practices. Does he not realize that it’s the Democratic Party that believes in climate change, electric vehicles and space exploration? Stephen Talenti
Petty ex-prez
Manhattan: Will someone please explain to me why Biden and all the former presidents wished Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday except for one, of course: Donald J. Trump. George W. Bush was gracious, Barack Obama was cool and the rest of them said lovely things. Why couldn’t this narcissistic sociopath just once say something nice about someone else? Instead, he was filmed making snide remarks. Do we really want this self-absorbed clown to have his finger on the button? Joie Anderson
House purview
Manhattan: It is a shame that a know-nothing reader like Voicer Michael P. Devine blames the Biden administration for a possible shortfall of funds in FEMA due to aid to Ukraine. His lack of knowledge shows up in his letter because he probably supports the felon Trump. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives allocates funds to FEMA. The House controls the purse strings. If FEMA is short on funds, it is the fault of the Republican-controlled House, Mr. Devine, not the fault of Biden. But of course, who would expect a supporter of the convicted felon Trump to know that fact? Richard Simon
Dishonest dept. head
Whitestone: Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas is a despicable human being. This man has the audacity to tell the residents of North Carolina that there is not enough money to aid them after the disaster they just experienced. These poor people are offered just $750 for groceries to start. It’s pretty apparent that the money has been mismanaged and this secretary does not know how to run a very important department. This smug man lied before Congress and lied to the American people. The Justice Department should bring him up on charges and he should be dealt with through the criminal justice system. Gene O’Brien
History bears proof
Freeport, L.I.: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has good reason to be concerned about criminals immigrating to the United States. Britain emptied Newgate Prison for people to settle Georgia, and look how that turned out. Bob Sterner