Readers sound off on stubborn electeds, the G7 and security clearances

Stamford, Conn.: California U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s refusal to step down is emblematic of the broken Washington political culture — nothing is more important than retaining power.

Feinstein had a distinguished career. Whether you agree or disagree with her politics, as the oldest sitting senator at 89, she served the people of California with honesty and integrity for more than 30 years. But at this point, she is serving no one but herself and her stubborn ego. It is clear from news reports that she can no longer serve. Her health has disintegrated physically and mentally and it is impossible for her to fulfill the grueling schedule and demands that are expected of all senators.

This refusal to step down is not unique to Feinstein. George Santos is a dead man walking. Neither can he possibly serve his constituents in any meaningful way and is simply refusing to resign because he is too selfish and pig-headed to do the right thing.

The intoxicating effects of power in Washington are apparently so overwhelming that our elected officials in Congress will hold onto their seats at all costs, regardless of their inability to effectively govern. Indictments and infirmity are no longer disqualifying.

The people deserve better. The mechanism of expulsion exists for a reason. Sure, there are close cases, but Feinstein and Santos aren’t among them. It’s time for the political bodies to utilize the tools that are available. Feinstein and Santos should be politely notified that if they don’t do the right thing, their colleagues will. Peter Janoff

Brooklyn: Well said, Voicer Oren Spiegler: Sen. Feinstein, it’s time to say goodbye. The Democratic Party appreciates all you have done over the years, but you can not continue giving your all. Please take one for the party. Bow out gracefully. Do you want to be remembered as we saw you in that wheelchair? I don’t think so. June Lowe

San Mateo, Calif.: So, the global north huddled in Hiroshima, agreeing nuclear war is an unmitigated evil and should not ever be advanced. Bravo, but mass death of innocents never needed nuclear bombs. All the while, the G-7 wishes to continue the bloodshed in Ukraine to some acceptable end as well as saddle up for confrontation with China. I must be missing something here. Negotiation and diplomacy are needed in both if not all cases of nations in conflict. Ukraine is not 1939 Europe and the rise of China as well as the other “BRICS” nations should not be cause for ignoring the main conflict facing us all, the climate crisis, as well as all unsustainable practices by humanity. These folks need to wake up and smell the coffee burning. They’d be better served by remaining at the shrine of remembrance than at their all-too-small group huddle. Mike Caggiano

Staten Island: What’s with the new crossword puzzle on the last page of Saturday papers? The boxes are too small and the puzzle used to be easier. Maria Saporito

Londonderry, N.H.: The Massachusetts Air National Guardsman who posted highly classified documents on social media should not have received a top secret security clearance based on his terrible background. He discussed violence, murder and the use of an assassination van on social media. He looked up mass shootings and standoffs on his government computer. He was suspended from high school for discussing use of Molotov cocktails and other weapons and for making racial threats. Why didn’t a required FBI background check expose his past and disqualify him? My wife and I held top secret security clearances back in the 1960s, and our background was thoroughly checked by the FBI. Neighbors, classmates in school, teachers and employers were interviewed. We have to tighten up the system for obtaining security clearances and disseminate classified information on a need-to-know basis. We need a federal office responsible for the oversight of the dissemination of national security documents. Donald Moskowitz

Newton, N.J.: To Voicer George Lohman: Indeed, you have the right to decide what is appropriate for your children. However, you do not have the right to make that choice for others. Banning books is the first sign of communism, comrade, and morals are a personal choice. Mind your own business — you’re not the arbiter of society’s choices. Michael Schnackenberg

Hartsdale, N.Y.: Re “Skyscrapers may be pushing city down” (May 20): The Empire State Building was built on bedrock, and the small creek that ran through John Thompson’s farm, the original user of the area, still runs beneath the building. It is not sinking or pushing the surrounding city area down. I believe the Chrysler Building was also built on bedrock. The researchers should do a bit more research. Everything below Wall St. is landfill. Now those buildings in lower Manhattan could push that area down if the researchers are to be believed. Lydia Ruth-Gaines

Utica, N.Y.: Daniel Penny is absolutely no Kyle Rittenhouse, nor is he recently convicted Texas murderer Sgt. Daniel Perry. Those two killers went looking for trouble and didn’t stop until they found it. Then they took cover behind “stand your ground,” making them instant heroes to the fanatical, unquestioning, gun-loving far right. On the other hand, from what we read (of course, we weren’t there) Penny believed that Jordan Neely’s behavior was a threat, so he took action. More than once, he reportedly yelled for someone to call 911. It’s an awful tragedy that Neely died, as he was seemingly acting out of mental illness. But Penny is not guilty of murder, in our opinion, nor is he a hero or a vigilante. He acted in the moment with good intentions. A jury will decide his fate. In the meantime, he should neither be lauded nor demonized. Jeff Ganeles

Brooklyn: Al Sharpton is certainly trying to stir up trouble by saying it is “us versus them,” which may divide the city even more (“Rev. Al lauds victim,” May 20). Meanwhile, the ex-Marine Daniel Penny released a statement saying he is not a vigilante, just a normal guy. He also said it had nothing to do with race. Should it be the other way around, with him or someone else in the subway car assaulted and killed, then they would be mourned probably without much outrage either. This is a huge problem, with Jordan Neely’s family saying Penny should be jailed as a murderer, yet they failed to care for him properly. They must take great responsibility and accountability as well. Normal people shouldn’t have to be in fear every time they step out of the door nor should they not be able to defend themselves against criminals without fear of prosecution. Joseph Comperchio

Montebello, N.Y.: Regarding “Little hope that Fox after Carlson will change” (column, April 27): I didn’t know that Carlson also supported the butcher Bashar al-Assad of Syria, who is an ally of Tehran. As for Fox changing, they still employ Sean Hannity and Mark Levin, who continue to defend the Iran-Contra treason and parade the architect of that treason, Oliver North, around as an American hero. Wallington Simpson

Garwood, N.J.: To Voicer Vanamali Thotapalli: I am looking forward to heaven to be reunited with family, friends and long-time acquaintances. In addition, there will be no more tears, mourning, crying or pain (Revelations 21:4). I’m grateful that God’s grace changed my life and brought me guidance and direction. I hope that your life is filled with joy, peace and happiness. Anthony Speranza

Whiting, N.J.: To Voicer Daniela Delmas: I know many non-religious and anti-religious people who treat others as they wish to be treated. They are more charitable than many of the so-called Christians I know. Doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily indicate religiosity. Judy Bevan