Our rescuers deserve a more public celebration
Warwick, R.I.: This Saturday, we will be honoring all our men and women who serve as first responders for our public safety. This day was set aside by a resolution passed by the U.S. Senate in 2019. It was sponsored by Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Tom Cotton. As of this writing, I can not find a similar resolution from the House of Representatives.
Currently, this date has low visibility with most Americans. I have observed it the last three years, but very few citizens are aware that this day even exists. Most businesses do not offer any special discounts and the day passes as any normal day.
I have a concern as to why Oct. 28 was the chosen date. It does not have any historical significance for first responders and it is only two weeks before Veterans Day on Nov. 11. It is much too short of a time to establish large parades for both worthy events.
My suggestion is to have a secondary date: March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. From the mid-1800s, it was the Irish who joined both services in large numbers and grew in their professional development and in their protective level of service to all.
We can then show first responders and veterans our appreciation with our applause when they’re marching by in full dress uniforms. Both services usually turn out in large numbers and march in the many large parades across our country during March. This honor is long overdue. Bob Sweeney
Enabling
Lindenhurst, L.I.: I recently saw a state government ad about New York giving free testing strips to determine how much fentanyl is in drugs. Are we spending money for people to check their illegal drugs so they won’t die from fentanyl? The drugs themselves will eventually kill them. Would it not make more sense to eliminate illegal drugs and help addicts to clean up? Helping people to continue taking illegal drugs is an oxymoronic idea. What does it accomplish? A society of drug addicts? Louise Perrotta
Fed up
Howard Beach: I had seven aunts who married and had children and never said a curse word. The closest they would come to cussing was “darn it.” If it was a very bad situation, they would say, “Gosh-darn it.” Well, gosh-darn it, please settle this actors’ strike! Jean Novak
Justified violence
Williamsville, N.Y.: Re “Gaza & Israel need a ceasefire, now” (op-ed, Oct. 24): I wonder if Louisa Rachel Solomon called for a ceasefire with ISIS after one of its terrible massacres? Or if she called for a ceasefire with Al Qaeda after 9/11? Would she have called for a ceasefire with Japan after Pearl Harbor or with Germany after the Blitzkrieg? In all cases, extremely doubtful. Israel’s war with Hamas is just and must continue until victory is achieved. In this case, that means the complete destruction of Hamas’ ability to wage a terrorist war, unconditional surrender by any remaining Hamas personnel and war crimes trials for Hamas leaders and any Hamas people involved in committing atrocities, just like the Nuremberg trials. Daniel H. Trigoboff
Part of the plan
Calgary, Alberta: Hamas defense strategy includes placing rocket launchers in hospitals, schools and mosques in hopes that Israeli retaliation will be less severe. Hamas also keeps Gazans from fleeing combat zones even after Israel has begged them to do so. Hamas is depending on Israeli humanity to protect Gazans and by doing so, sparing its military viability. At the same time, Hamas spymasters are busy convincing the world that Israel is committing war crimes in hopes that the international community will force a ceasefire that will result in Hamas remaining in power. This time it is different. The world understands that Hamas is a sadistic, barbaric, evil force that must be eliminated. People who call for a ceasefire do not understand that Hamas wants Gazans to go without water and food. It’s part of its war strategy. Larry Shapiro
Clear-cut
Kew Gardens: On Monday, I woke up to a headline that said there were global demonstrations against Israel. I was shocked, to say the least. I can’t reconcile this fact after Israel was attacked in such a barbaric manner. If any demonstrations were warranted, they should be against the uncivilized and racist behavior committed against Israelis. Jews represent 0.02% of the world’s population, yet they have contributed so much to civilization despite attempts to wipe them off the face of the Earth. Hamas, driven by a distorted religious fervor, views Jews as infidels not worthy to exist. Years ago, I recall having dinner with an Israeli on business here. I tried to illicit from him the causes of the discontent between his country and his neighbors. I asked if he could summarize what it is that would satisfy them. Without pause, he looked me straight in the eyes and said, “They want us dead.” Phil Serpico
Constant threat
Port Jefferson Station, L.I.: To Voicers Jagjit Singh and Jeff and Joan Ganeles: I urge you to learn the meaning of apartheid and the history of the formation of Israel in 1948. Palestinians are not living in an apartheid state, as they can move freely, go to school and be legislators in the Knesset. This is far from being apartheid. Also, the stated position of Hamas is to kill Jews. Are you aware that immediately after Israel was formed and land was given to the Palestinians, Arab countries invaded Israel to destroy her? Your ignorance of the facts are appalling and leads to the erroneous thinking that it’s all Israel’s fault. Would you feel comfortable living next to a neighbor who has told you innumerable times that he will kill you? Bob Cavaliere
Moral clarity
Whitestone: As monstrous and evil as the Hamas attack on Israel was, I support the resignation of U.S. State Department official Josh Paul in protest of the U.S. sending weapons and ammunition to Israel as it attacks Gaza. He stated that this is being done without a debate and with blind support for one side, leading to policy decisions that are contradictory to the values we publicly embrace. Paul stated that Israel is the political “third rail” that no politician, including President Biden, wants to touch, even when current decisions are shortsighted and unjust. Paul said that Israel’s cutting off water, food, medical care and electricity to 2 million people in the Gaza Strip is a violation of human rights that should prohibit our nation from providing arms to Israel. He’s right, and if we don’t hear his message, U.S. respect for human rights will be seen as hypocritical at home and around the world. Michael J. Gorman
Deep in debt
Maspeth: Per the Congressional Budget Office’s estimate, the deficit for the end of the year is projected to be $1.7 trillion, or about $13,500 for every U.S. household. Now President Biden is asking for another $105 billion, which will bring us close to $2 trillion for year’s end. Our debt payments are close to our spending on national defense, and a third of the deficit is going to pay interest on money borrowed. Maybe the House could stop this unlimited “Boomer” spending if they can get their act together — or the voters will have the chance in 2024. Wes Warchol
Pertinent info
Millburn, N.J.: Call me crazy, but may I humbly suggest that when you run a long story about the Penn State-Ohio State game (“Again, PSU trips on next step,” Oct. 23), you tell readers what the final score was? Ed Marks
Fact-free
Hamilton Square, N.J.: To Voicer Fred Schoeneborn: Stop drinking the orange juice with your Daily News. The paper prints facts, not the innuendo and falsehoods you want. Read the entire Mueller Report, not Bill Barr’s fantasy version. Even the Russians admitted they interfered. When you have real evidence against President Biden, enlighten us. If it existed, Rep. Jim Jordan would be shouting it from the Capitol dome. Eileen T. Johnson
Immovable
Orangeburg, N.Y.: The slogan “Never Surrender” that Donald Trump puts under his mugshot on his T-shirts — is that the same motto that “Bone Spurs” used when he didn’t fulfill his military duty? Al Hagan
Voice of the People
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