Opinions

Letters to the Editor October 23

The fight against racial injustice, Cuomo and de Blasio feud

October 23, 2020

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Dear Editor,

The United States was founded on principles of equality and democracy, although only for few at the top. And what is it now? Essentially the same thing.

This country has flourished over time with powerful institutions and values. However, these foundations can only survive when fully embraced by leaders. It’s because of a lack of leadership and increasing political polarization that the U.S. has failed to support 20 percent of its population: Black Americans.

The constitution highlights freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. By actively portraying racial-injustice protesters as violent radicals and anarchists, President Trump is denouncing these values. He is exploiting America’s wounds as divisive ammunition for political maintenance.

In contrast to the president’s false prejudices, the American people are generally peaceful protesters. However the president’s words have left a lasting impact, as support for Black Lives Matter has decreased from 38 percent in June to 29 percent now (Pew Research Center). To uphold and improve upon the values of the constitution, Americans must continue the fight against racial injustice and dismantle systems of oppression, even when leaders as influential as the president may stand in their way.

– Gabby Mollin (in response to the October 20 article: “AP finds most arrested in protests aren’t leftist radicals.”)

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Dear Editor,

The latest ongoing feud between Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio on how to deal with COVID-19 reminds me of “Stuck In The Middle With You” by the band Stealers Wheel. The words “Clowns to the left of me, jokers to the right, here I am stuck in the middle with you” from the song perfectly sums up the chaos and gridlock in the Big Apple. Mayor Bill de Blasio’s restrictions by zip code or Governor Andrew Cuomo’s by color coding are reminiscent of the 1980 comedy movie “Airplane” starting Leslie Neilsen. Cuomo and de Blasio argue just like the two dueling airport public announcers Betty and Vernon. They argued over whether the white zone was for loading and unloading of passengers only and there’s no stopping in the red zone (except for transit buses).

Cuomo and de Blasio might both benefit by participating in mediation counseling to deal with their respective anger management and inability to get along. In the meantime, 8 million Big Apple residents continue to suffer.

– Larry Penner (transportation advocate, historian, and writer)

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