Readers sound off on Israeli abuses, spring breakers and the Mermaid Parade |
Confusing outrage with hate earns no sympathy
Manhattan: To guest columnist Joshua M. Davidson (“Hatred’s global war against all Jews everywhere,” op-ed, March 22): You just don’t get it. In a half-page essay, Davidson decries the current state of antisemitism. Thankfully, he spares us the Bible quotes, but he does give us a history lesson going back to the 1960s. The problem to which Davidson is simply blind, or intentionally ignores, is Israel’s conduct in Gaza, where even Palestinian journalists have been killed, and now Lebanon and Iran.
Davidson specifically casts his arguments in the persona of “American Jews seeking solidarity with Israel.” Well, I’m an American Jew who seeks to distance himself from Israel. I am certainly not antisemitic. What is missing from Davidson’s missive is a single word, even a syllable, that acknowledges what three-fourths of the world’s nations, the UN and the International Court of Justice have labeled Israeli war crimes in Gaza. He and every other Israel-apologist can not bring themselves to admit the obvious crimes of Israel. If he even went so far as to claim that there might have been some Israeli actions in Gaza that were against societal norms, he would have sparked the beginning of a constructive dialogue.
However, Davidson will never do that, and neither do any of those decrying antisemitism. As long as Israel’s crimes in Gaza are ignored or justified, there’s nothing to talk about. Steven Davies
Nutley, N.J.: As the brave senator from South Carolina, Lindsey Graham, said the other day, “We did Iwo Jima. We can do it there.” Well, why doesn’t the brave senator lead the Marines on to victory? Actions speak louder than words. Elaine Bucino
Middle Village: I wonder if President Trump will take the same route as Ronald Reagan did after the 1983 bombing of the Marine barracks. That is to say, cut and run. John Puglisi
Dismantling our greatness
Woodside: So Trump has pronounced the Democratic Party the “greatest enemy of America” after Iran. Yes, there is a political party that is the enemy of America. It helps Trump destroy us in every way, every day. It actively works to destroy our environment, voting rights, economy and international allegiances around the world. That party is the Republican Party. That is the greatest enemy of America. It’s populated by craven, cowardly traitors. It must be abolished if we are to continue to exist as a great nation. Sheila M. Richardson
Bronx: I pity the next president who will be responsible to clean up the mess this president has made, getting us in numerous “excursions” hated by everyone, and just plain incompetence. The president is threatening military action in Cuba that should never be undertaken. Martin Sandok
White Plains, N.Y.: Voicer Gary Butler thinks wealth is the reason Barron Trump doesn’t serve in the military. While that is partially true — there are the rich who serve and the poor who do not — the young man still has free will and can volunteer any time he chooses, irrespective of how rich his dad is. The real reason is that he inherited a trait from his father of being a gutless coward. Chris Lee
Paragon of patriotism
Monroe, N.J.: Our compassionate president posted a heartfelt statement for former FBI Director Robert Mueller, who came from a wealthy family, and upon graduating from Princeton University, volunteered for service (no bone spurs here). In Vietnam, he was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism and a Purple Heart. Upon returning, he went into public service instead of riding on his family’s influence, leaving a prestigious law firm (doesn’t that sound familiar!?). He was highly regarded for leading the FBI under Republican and Democratic presidents. With all this service to our country, he is the complete opposite of this president, yet Trump could post, “Good, I’m glad he’s dead.” Disrespectful, inappropriate, disgraceful! Katherine A. Moloney
Mamaroneck, N.Y.: Upon the news of the passing of one of the FBI’s most committed directors, Trump said, “Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” When Trump finally gives up the ghost, I will honor him with those same bitter words. Paul Matthews
Manhattan: I have a split of champagne on ice for when Trump finally leaves us. I know that I’m probably repeating what many others have said, but I’ll be saying the same thing about him that he said about Mueller. I know for a fact that Trump has harmed more people than Mueller ever did. Mueller did more good in one hour than Trump has done in his entire lifetime. Joie Anderson
Manhattan: The news of the passing of the well-respected Mueller prompted Trump to post a cruel, sadistic message on social media. The president can be assured that his low-life actions will eliminate him as a candidate to get to Heaven. Not an option, Humpty! As far as Hell goes, you also defy and surpass all of the diabolical standards required to gain entrance, Dumpty! The better choice would be to take your morally rotten ashes and sprinkle them on a manure-spattered floor at the closest pigsty. Apologies to the hogs. Elaine Young
East Meadow, L.I.: Since Trump is sending his ICE goons to our airports, how long will it be before they shoot someone for having more than 3.4 ounces of shampoo in their carry-on bag? Richard Skibins
Ormond Beach, Fla.: Daytona Beach spring break in 2026 was another weekend of chaos, fights and gunfire. Spring break at Daytona Beach has once again descended into lawlessness. Massive crowds were packed shoulder-to-shoulder, dancing wildly, brawling and turning the shoreline into a scene of disorder right before multiple gunshots sent thousands sprinting in panic. Police confirm four separate shootings across the city over the weekend, leaving several injuries, including one police officer. Authorities arrested 133 people on charges like disorderly conduct as unsanctioned events drew huge crowds despite restrictions on loud music and alcohol. This isn’t a celebration, it’s a stark reminder of failed crowd control, zero consequences and a culture that glorifies mayhem over basic civility. Florida’s beaches deserve better than becoming annual battlegrounds, and law and order must come first. Charles Michael Sitero
Brooklyn: I just read in a local newspaper that this year’s Coney Island Mermaid Parade may not take place because of a lack of funding. The parade is free, but it costs money to make it happen. I can’t imagine what the summer would be like without this international extravagance. We must do all we can do to support Coney Island. Let’s make it happen. Louie Scarcella