Readers pontificate on enduring democracy, the MTA and a rat czar

Newburgh, N.Y.: Two days in the past, on Dec. 1, the US turned 90,000 days outdated. If our nation’s delivery was the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, then Dec. 1, 2022, is 90,000 days after.

That is fairly cool and worthy of a second to present thanks that we reside in the usA. It’s lower than 30 days after electing our leaders in probably the most primary demonstration of our freedom and self-determination — voting. For many who take this with no consideration, take into account that a lot of the world’s inhabitants lives below dictators’ rule and, as in Ukraine, many would die to reside in a democracy corresponding to ours. To cite Winston Churchill: “Democracy is the worst type of authorities to have ever existed aside from and together with all others.” We face the selection between democracy or dictatorship every day. A dictator can seduce free folks to surrender their liberty with guarantees, threats, hatred, worry and violence. Nothing reveals this extra clearly than the interior division gripping our nation and the assault on the Capitol Constructing on Jan. 6. Democracy is a fragile factor and we the folks must defend it.

Can this nation, conceived in liberty that each one males are created equal, lengthy endure? Will we defend our democracy so a nation “of the folks, for the folks and by the folks shall not perish from the earth? Will the usA. survive till April 19, 2050? That date is 10,000 days after Dec. 1, 2022, and 100,000 days after July 4, 1776. Time will inform if our democracy makes it to then, provides a digit and flips the odometer once more. Drew Kartiganer

Bronx: Palms down, the very best e-book I’ve learn all yr is “The Scheme” by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. Vilma Nelson

New Haven, Conn.: U.S. corruption is destabilizing the world. Absolutely, our corruption is hypocrisy and we’re now not the beacon of democratic beliefs. This messaging weak point creates despair and is emboldening our enemies. Democrats and Republicans want to affix collectively to wash up this mess. Ahron Possick

Sebastian, Fla.: Regardless of claiming ignorance of the tax fraud being dedicated by their prime monetary executives, wouldn’t the Trump Group and Diaper Don himself be responsible below the authorized precept of respondeat superior? Hal Lichtman

Jamaica Hills: So let me see if I’ve this right: The MTA says they want $600 million to fulfill their price range, and so they additionally say they misplaced $600 million to fare-beating. So as an alternative of going after the fare-beating freeloaders, they need the hardworking trustworthy those that do pay the fare to pay one other 5.5%? Purpose #117 to go away New York Metropolis. Yvonne Scibelli

Manhattan: Whereas congestion pricing is meant to pay for transit enhancements, the cart is being put earlier than the horse. To get folks to change from autos to buses and subways, present these enhancements first. Congestion pricing alone received’t be practically as efficient in getting folks to change journey modes. To perform this, New York State ought to difficulty bonds initially secured by the state however to be repaid from congestion pricing revenues. Raymond Tillman

Manhattan: I’m penning this to voice my full settlement with the op-ed by Ralph Gardner Jr. (” stem the e-bike tide,” Nov. 30) concerning the massive numbers of e-bikes, scooters and motorized autos driving on the sidewalks, operating pink lights and going the improper manner on one-way streets and in opposition to the visitors. I’ve written about this earlier than however have just about given up on different types of complaints. I hope that perhaps with Gardner’s op-ed and hopefully extra letters to the editor, one thing will probably be performed about this persevering with downside. Douglas Leeds

Brooklyn: We totally loved studying Ralph Gardner’s op-ed concerning the risks of rampant e-bikes on our metropolis’s streets and sidewalks. Nevertheless, we felt his final paragraph was extra of a suggestion than an answer. Sure, selecting up our personal meals orders would foster neighborhood interplay and provides us some train however it wouldn’t do a factor to unravel the issue. He mentioned that the police employed a ticketing blitz however that didn’t work. Why interact in a ticketing blitz when implementing the regulation must be routine? What occurred to “see one thing, say one thing”? We expect the answer could be to register each e-bike in NYC, require license plates and identification and make the companies that make use of these folks financially accountable for any fines. This might incentivize accountable conduct by each employers and staff. Gail and Ed Temple

Jackson Heights: Can your paper please publish a few of the resumes submitted for the brand new place of “rat czar”? Readers could be very to overview the {qualifications} and previous positions that would come with swashbuckling and a bloodthirsty demeanor. We may additionally use the laughs. Glenn B. Jacobi

Westwood, N.J.: Relating to NYC’s rat downside, simply questioning if anyone checked to see if the Pied Piper is perhaps out there. Anthony J. Cappiello

Ridgewood, N.J.: Congratulations to Congress for priming a wildcat railroad strike by union members. The contract renewal was predicated on sick days and household time. It was by no means concerning the pay. Imposing this contract on the union whose members have mentioned no deal is asking for hassle. A couple of quarter to a 3rd of America’s logistical necessities are by rail. A strike will damage everybody depending on items moved by rail. Plan for a strike and really tight provide traces. Peter J. Peirano

Brooklyn: I’d wish to thank Alexa D’Angelo for therefore clearly stating the case for not switching town’s retirees from conventional Medicare to a Medicare Benefit plan (”Millennials can save Medicare,” op-ed, Dec. 2). I hope the mayor and Metropolis Council take into account the implications of their choices on this matter earlier than they do one thing that may impression the well being and monetary well-being of 1000’s of their constituents. They need to additionally take into account that senior residents vote and won’t neglect those that stabbed them within the again. Ilsa Ruthen

Bronx: There are various approaches to managing town’s rising health-care prices that needs to be thought of. Financial savings might be achieved by measures corresponding to negotiating with hospitals for a extra equitable reimbursement charge, addressing skyrocketing prices of pharmaceuticals and auditing present insurance coverage suppliers. The burden shouldn’t fall on staff, retirees and their dependents. The unions and town labored in good religion throughout previous monetary crises in 1975, 1991 and 2008 to protect advantages for all present staff and retirees. A particular panel composed of retirees with administration and labor backgrounds, the comptroller, different metropolis officers and Metropolis Council members would go a great distance. Stuart Eber

Richmond Hill: I’ve appeared it up and verified that there isn’t any god, angel or saint named Black Friday. Which means we will go about our lives as regular people and eat, drink, store and adorn as we see match. If we plan it proper, we will all have enjoyable and worship God in a dignified method. Amen. Robert Clolery

Richmond Hill: For many who are complaining about NYPD officers not being fired for crimes they dedicated, riddle me this: Why can criminals commit offenses and be set free free however cops can’t do the identical? Francheisko Perez

Keyport, N.J.: My supply particular person despatched a notice final week that resulting from many causes, they’d now not be delivering the paper. Since then, we’ve acquired the paper as soon as. I name every single day and am instructed the identical factor: “I’m sorry for any inconvenience,” and that right this moment’s paper will probably be delivered both right this moment or with tomorrow’s paper. Effectively, neither has occurred for the final 10 days. I name and name however am instructed sorry — however that I can learn it on the internet. I’ve a cellphone however can’t determine find out how to do the crossword on it. Simply too outdated, I suppose. Thanks, Each day Information. Joe Napolitano