Israel’s fight is not defense, but Arab erasure
Lackawaxen, Pa.: In his paean to the Zionist state, Voicer Toby F. Block argues for its preservation as protection against “the Islamists’ plan to replace Western civilization with a worldwide caliphate based on Sharia law.” Of course, Israel and the Islamic regimes of immediate concern to its survival are western Asian, not Western states, as normally defined.
And Israel, since its declaration of statehood without assent from the majority population, has promised a constitution — never fulfilled — but has operated on the Torah-as-constitution.
As two college classmates from the early 1960s, both Israeli, confided: “Thanks for the Arabs or there would be civil war in the country over the function of the state.” Problematic as well is the Voicer’s reference to that area of the Levant as “the Jews’ ancient homeland,” as if the other tribes were of lesser entitlement. Modern hypotheses suggest there are no humans indigenous to the region; while there is evidence of human activity prior to the Canaanites (from whom Jews and Palestinians likely emerged), their identity probably never will be known.
Jews had virtually disappeared from the area by the end of the 17th century, so, in terms of recent longevity, the land is rightfully Arab. And, as admitted by Israel’s first prime minister: “We have taken their country.”
The present Zionist leadership has decided to resolve that injustice by eliminating the victims, a common ploy. John A. MacKinnon
Not all Jews
Bronx: In response to Voicer Nick Smith’s diatribe about the “evil” Zionists, he mentioned that the Palestinians have been plundered and raped for more than 100 years. Since Israel has not been in existence for 100 years, you need to explain what happened when Israel was not a state. Please don’t tell me that before Israel was a state, the Jewish people who immigrated and settled there were responsible for the rape and plunder. That statement was beyond antisemitic. Not all Jewish people are Zionists. And I agree, atrocities have occurred, but they are not one-sided — as an example, Oct. 7. Martin Sandok
Fight properly
Flushing: IDF, don’t (2,000-lbs) bomb schools and hospitals. If you know that Hamas are there, go in like a real army and eliminate them. Wes Warchol
American interests?
San Mateo, Calif.: Panama, Haiti and Israel — what might be the connection? We as a nation spirited away the elected president of Haiti some years back under the second Bush administration because we thought he might be a threat to the way we wanted things done in Haiti. In Panama, the strongman president who was once “our guy” went on to become an irritant to our way of thinking and was “arrested” on drug charges after being bombarded with loud rock music 24/7 at his monastery hideaway. Now we have a prime minister of Israel doing his best to push the United States into fighting a war with Iran and Lebanon for him, which we don’t want to do. Any thoughts, anyone? Mike Caggiano
Never happened
Mamaroneck, N.Y.: It seems that most Democrats are getting a big kick out of the JD Vance couch story, while understanding that it’s all hogwash invented by someone who even provides a false reference to Vance’s book. What I find most interesting is that this couch story that everyone knows is 100% fabricated is just as true as Donald Trump’s claims about the 2020 election! Paul Matthews
Perilous position
Orangetown, N.Y.: Heads-up to JD Vance: Watch your back! Remember how Trump threw Mike Pence under the bus for not doing his bidding. So, be a good puppet and obey his orders. Al Hagan
Elder care
Long Branch, N.J.: Given the recent fall/stumble by President Biden, I suggest that he start using a cane and/or a walker. He can not hop around like former President Barack Obama. Someone should be walking in front of and behind him at all times. Jill needs to be close to him, holding his hand. Those responsible for his wellbeing out in public have failed. Can’t wait to hear the nasty, rude remarks from the orange one. Lenzy Kelley
Running on Dunkin’
Manhattan: Is there anything more American than the people of the United States loving their Dunkin’ Donuts products? And yet, Donald Trump has ordered a boycott of this beloved company in retribution of their not backing him for president in the next election. This is only one of the many companies, people, organizations, etc. that will suffer at the hands of Trump if he is re-elected, as his motivation to punish those disloyal to him is legendary, and foolishly, he pronounces his intentions time and time again. As a loyal Dunkin’ aficionado, I urge like-minded folks to make a purchase at Dunkin’ soon and often to combat any fallout from this hateful candidate. Jack Weiss
Progress is good
Orange, Conn.: With the presidential and vice presidential contenders determined, voters will have the opportunity to compare sensibilities, attitude, personalities and intelligence. The Republicans continue to label their opponents with child-like, hateful, negative comments, as they have no desire nor intelligence in addressing serious, relevant issues. One such critique has been to call their opponents “progressives,” as if that word is an obscenity. However, if one looks up the definition, it will tell of “progress, advancement, moving forward, development and onward movement.” On the other hand, the opposite of progressive is “regressive,” defined as “falling backward, returning to a less developed state, less advanced, and returning to a worse way of behavior.” Clearly, with such expressions of vindictiveness and animosity, the party of Lincoln wishes to move our nation backwards to the Dark Ages of humanity. Your ignorance will lead you to defeat. Fred Portoff
Moral compass
Hoboken, N.J.: Voicer Scott Thompson argues that all of media, from news to social to talk shows, prop up the Dems and bury the orange blob. I don’t know if that’s true. I sure know that Fox News isn’t included in that, but if it is true, maybe there is a reason. Maybe all of these outlets are sane and logical and would do everything they can to not hand the keys back to someone who only wants to conquer, divide and rule, and destroy our democracy. Joe Ewansky
Self-reinforcing
Manhattan: Great to see that there is always one who hides their racist and sexist views — along with a limited, pre-K vocabulary — by hatefully stating that Kamala Harris looks like the Scarecrow from “The Wizard of Oz” with no brains. Voicer Rich Buttermark made a childish statement, but more than likely, you’re built like clown 45 — fake hair, slovenly, overweight and a liar who regurgitates feelings over facts. Rich, you’re part of the masses who’ve drank the red Kool-Aid, who don’t read or look up facts and get 20 seconds of pseudo-news soundbites from “Fixed News,” the make-me-feel-good-about-my-insecurities station. Cognitive dissonance (look it up) is a hell of a drug. Edward Scott
Pushy player
Staten Island: I just finished watching the American women’s basketball win over Australia in the Olympics. With all the accolades bestowed upon her, Brittney Griner is a chump of a player. Time after time, she would intentionally and viciously elbow or shoulder an opposing player, to which the referees would turn a blind eye. But let’s not forget that this is the same gal who got caught stupidly bringing medical marijuana into Russia. No brains. Just brawn. Dennis Pascale
Recognize talent
Sea Isle City, N.J.: After watching the Giants beat the Lions on Thursday night, and seeing Tommy Cutlets finish the game for them because of the Drew Lock injury, it should be that he is the #2 quarterback. If I remember correctly, Cutlets played in six games last year after our #1 and # 2 quarterbacks got hurt and was 3-3. I feel that this kid deserves a shot being the backup QB. The Giants brass need to wake up and let this hometown kid lead us to victory if Danny Dimes goes down again. I have been a Giants fan for 70 years. Don’t screw this up like you did with Saquon Barkley! Jim Fusco