Readers sound off on civil rights, executions and Trump cards

Flushing: Re “New war vs. antisemitism” (Dec. 13): The article points out that antisemitic hate crimes in NYC more than doubled in November of this year compared with the corresponding month a year ago. Most disturbing was the venom promoted by Kanye West, for praising Hitler and repeatedly making incendiary comments about Jewish people.

Mayor Adams said: “We have to look at the historical relationships between communities in general, but specifically, the Black-Jewish relationship.” Unfortunately, the mayor failed to point out that many Jews were staunch supporters of the civil rights movement historically for two basic reasons: First because we can easily identify with their struggle and second because, for many Jews, it’s part of understanding the need to do the right thing morally.

A case in point is the “Freedom Summer” campaign of 1964 to organize a voter registry for African-Americans throughout the South. Among the volunteers were two young New Yorkers, Andy Goodman and Mickey Schwerner, both Jewish, who, along with Mississippian James Chaney, who was Black, were pulled over and murdered on June 21, 1964. The outrage over the activists’ disappearance, by the way, helped gain passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Famous musician Paul Simon dedicated a song to Goodman, who was a friend and classmate of his at Queens College, titled “He’s my brother.” I, too, attended Queens College (as a history major) and knew of Goodman’s sad ending for a just cause. Al Musaffi

Howard Beach: To Voicer Janice Amato: What planet are you living on? Republicans and conservatives want to keep religion in Christmas as well as celebrate Chanukah. What are you, a liberal leftist who probably wants all signs of the holiday as well as Chanukah removed from public schools? You lot have done enough to this city. Get a life. Grace Destefano

Pleasantville, N.Y.: I find myself wondering about Bramhall’s Friday cartoon depicting the Three Magi bearing not gifts, but the triple threats of illness. Is that what he really thinks is their gift to a newborn king? I thought they were three wise men, following their science and the sky above, seeking the Christ-child dwelling in poverty beneath one particular shining star. They carried precious earthly gifts, yet found themselves enriched with heavenly knowledge and peace. Their journey succeeded. Hopefully, our quest in life will be similar. Perhaps Bramhall can enlighten us further as to his message and avoid causing offense to the faith of readers. Thomas Casey

St. Albans: Voicer Veronica Kwiecinski responded to my request that FedEx, UPS, etc. take a second to ring the customer’s doorbell when delivering a package. As a retired septuagenarian, I’m not too keen on downloading apps. I’m able to schedule my day to be home on the scheduled delivery date. Thanks for your concern. Stephanie Revander

Bayside: I find it beyond pathetic and ludicrous that states can’t offer painless deaths at this stage of the game. Instead, they bemoan a failed system of “safe and painless” execution for convicted murderers who gave not a thought to the person/people they killed. Count me in, then, for an excruciating death, if need be, since justice must be served. However, since that will never happen, here are two foolproof methods: Have them kiss any third rail or overdose on fentanyl. Both are immediate and get the job done — problem solved and everyone is happy. This would only apply to those who are 100% guilty, like all the idiots now committing mass murder in front of video cameras. Karen Sabatini

Bayside: In the Voice of the People, you require that writers provide their name, address and phone number with the submission. However, the editorial column is published without a name of authorship. Why are those opinions protected from identification while the people’s voices are not? If it is, in fact, solely the opinion of the Daily News editors, then that should be made a little more clear. Frank Macchio

Flushing: Gene Conley played as a basketball player for the champion Boston Celtics (1959-1961), and as a baseball player for the champion Milwaukee Braves (1957). Wouldn’t it be nice if Uncle Steve offered a contract to Brittney Griner to play baseball as a pitcher for a minor league baseball team, with the prospect of Brittney playing, one day, for the Mets? After all, Brittney has already played for the Phoenix Mercury basketball team and intends to play for them again in 2023. Saul Grossman

Charlotte, N.C.: To Voicer Robert Kralick: Again with the Keystone Pipeline? Do your research. The pipeline was not shut down by President Biden. It was completed and has been running. Did you miss the news this month about the leak in Kansas? You can’t have a leak without oil in the pipe. Biden canceled an extension of the pipe. That extension was only 8% completed and did not transport oil. The Keystone Pipeline affecting gas prices is a Republican myth. Look at the facts. If high gas prices were caused by Biden’s actions against the extension, why are gas prices coming down and why are oil companies posting record profits? Barbara Haynes

Chicago: Re “Don’s digital cards show some muscle in marketplace” (Dec. 17): Did you catch those new Trump trading cards? The only thing sillier than him posing as Superman was the disgraced ex-prez dressed up like an astronaut. Are we really supposed to believe that lardass could even fit inside a space capsule? The only way he’d make it to the moon is towed behind a rocket ship. If he’s a superhero, then I’m a Greek god. Bob Ory

Jacksonville, Fla.: Hey, Donny, if you rip one of your cards in half and send it to me, will you charge me only $48.50? I’m sure Tucker Carlson, Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham of Fox News will be the first suckers to buy these worthless pieces of cardboard! Just when I thought you couldn’t embarrass your unfortunate White House tenure any further, you pull this stunt! Ugh! Carl Hafner

Bronx: I nominate the orange-faced and yellow-haired clown as the entertainer of the year. The superhero cards clinched his title. Rose Mary Lancaster

Brooklyn: With all due respect to Voicer Michael Quane: The president who was intentionally trying to destroy this country and who was incompetent was thrown out of office in 2020. June Lowe

Woodside: To Voicer Bill Barrett: I actually didn’t vote for Hillary Clinton, who — six years later — still lives rent-free in your head. Yeah, conservatives are pathetic. Happy holidays! Sheila M. Richardson

New Hyde Park, L.I.: Re “City gets win in tiff over retiree benefits” (Dec. 16): Of course, the article failed to mention that the “tiff” is about 250,000 NYC retirees who, by no fault of their own, may lose health care benefits proscribed by code and affirmed in the appellate court. Remember that this became an issue when the United Federation of Teachers raided the Health Stabilization Fund (which covers all NYC retirees) of $1 billion to fund UFT raises. Furthermore, you failed to mention that the arbitration was solely between the city and the Municipal Labor Committee. The MLC represents the unions that want the same changes as the city. They are the same body. Not included was the NYC Organization of Public Service Retirees. Retirees are not represented! Mark Klein

Freeport, L.I.: New York City should shop for a better Medicare Advantage plan for its retirees. Mine is great! No monthly premium, zero-to-low copays for meds and docs, no need for referrals to specialists and it is broadly accepted in New York and New Jersey, where I have residences. There are annual allowances for dental work, eyeglasses and gym membership and cash rewards for preventive measures like colonoscopies and blood work, plus $70 per quarter to buy over-the-counter items like mouthwash, aspirin, etc. Aetna is not the only arrow in the medical-coverage quiver. Bob Sterner