Unequal penalties degrade the game’s integrity
Merrick, L.I.: When it comes to enforcing the rules in Major League Baseball, it appears that consistency is sorely lacking. This disparity was glaringly evident in two recent incidents: the suspension of Edwin Díaz for 10 games and the lenient treatment of Justin Steele, who was merely told to “go wash your hands.” These two cases highlight a troubling double standard within the league, raising serious questions about the fairness of MLB’s rule enforcement.
Díaz, the Mets closer, was suspended for 10 games under MLB’s sticky-substance policy. The league was swift and severe in its punishment, making it clear that violations of this rule would not be tolerated. On the other hand, Steele, a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, was caught with a suspiciously sticky hand during the game on Aug. 27. Rather than facing any meaningful consequence, Steele was advised to wash his hands and was allowed to continue pitching — no suspension, no fine, just a quick cleanup and back to business.
How is it that two players can commit similar offenses and receive vastly different punishments? Where is the consistency? Rules are meant to be clear and equally applied, regardless of the player’s status, team, situation or owner. The Díaz and Steele cases expose a troubling lack of uniformity in MLB’s disciplinary actions. If the league is serious about maintaining integrity, it can’t afford to pick and choose when to enforce its rules. This disparity also sends a damaging message to fans, players and the broader public: Some players will be held to a different standard than others. This undermines the credibility of the league and fuels distrust among those who expect fair play across the board. Curtis Izen
Not a fan?
Lyndhurst, N.J.: To Voicer Sarah Alboher: I guess the Beach Boys’ “All Summer Long” or Frank Sinatra’s “Summer Wind” are not on your playlist! Mark DeFrino
In-house hire
Brooklyn: I have mixed feelings about Andrew Cuomo as governor. I am forever grateful for his management of the COVID emergency and his bridge and infrastructure capabilities; both in cost and expediency. Cuomo gets things done. However, I felt that his personal behavior disqualified him for governor and potentially mayor. He is a bulldog, a quality that can be used for the greater good. I suggest that Andrew be hired by the MTA to stop the dysfunction once and for all. Stop bringing in out-of-state or -country professionals at huge salaries to fix the system, only to have them move on to other communities once they have the MTA on their resumés. Anne Slamka
Aloof airlines
Woodside: On Aug. 6, I took my annual trip to my native Scotland with my son to attend a family wedding. After our flight was canceled due to bad weather, we were placed on a line overnight for 8½ hours to be told that there were no flights for two days; we would have to go via Toronto and our bags would safely accompany us on the replacement flight. That did not happen, and we spent a week trying to find them. We lost most of our vacation time waiting for the delivery of the luggage. We were left with three days before our return flight. I have had no luck recouping some of the expenses I incurred. The airlines are ignoring my requests for reimbursement. Poor customer service and lack of accountability are reflective of the entire industry’s diminishing care for customers who pay increasingly higher prices. Inez McMahon
Sins of the border
New Rochelle, N.Y.: I love America, but when are we going to get it through our thick heads that President Biden and Kamala Harris let 10-12 million people come to our country? Didn’t enough men and women die to conserve our freedom? Too many have been raped, robbed or killed at the hands of a few pieces of turd! Wake up! Dom Mastropolo
Proof required
Manhattan: I’m exhausted by the same old lies the MAGA adherents spew, like the letter from Voicer Robert Kralick. No, Bob, voter proof is indeed necessary in New York. I’ve been voting in Manhattan since I moved here in 1981 at the age of 25. I’m required to give my name and address, then sign the voter registration rolls, replicating my signature exactly as it was recorded decades prior. There has not and has never been any massive voter fraud in the United States, in any state, at any time in our nation’s history. The only fraud now is the fake electors the GOP has been trying to install. And there are those like Kralick who buy into the lies repeatedly told by a sociopathic, infantile, malignant narcissist named Donald Trump. He lost in 2020, and he will lose again in 2024. The majority of Americans are sick of him and his bull. Sam Katz
Study wall
Sebastian, Fla.: Here’s a suggestion for Diaper Don: If you want to build a great wall, you should examine walls that have proven themselves over time. I suggest you do a thorough, long-term examination of the walls of Sing Sing Correctional Facility, from the inside, of course. Kevin Keppenheimer
Don’t blame Dems
Manhattan: How delusional Trump supporters are, as evidenced by Voicer Nick Di Pasquale. If people can’t afford to go on vacation, why are our airports filled with a record number of travelers? We do not have a “poor economy,” it is booming, the best in the world, and unemployment is very low. Yes, inflation has been a problem, but not nearly as bad as most other countries coming off an economy-crashing worldwide pandemic. Besides, I understand that the president has little impact on inflation. Those simple-minded, angry puppets think every ill in the world is the fault of Democrats while they love a deeply immoral convicted sex offender and very poor loser who lies literally every time he opens his mouth. You tell me who’s crazy! Are we Democrats perfect? Of course not. We are just everyday working-class people from all ethnicities who believe in fairness, compassion, facts and science. Jeff H. Woods
Quit deflecting
Lakewood, N.J.: To Voicer Fred Schoeneborn: Thanks for your typical Republican response to my letter about the orange chicken. As an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War, with two deferments and who still managed to enlist, yes, I’m not happy about Chump buying his way out of serving our country, or anyone else, for that matter. However, I have not seen a single defense of the draft-dodger without his Kool-Aid followers saying, “What about (insert any Democrat)?” in their response. Why can’t you and your ilk simply address the issue without deflecting it to a Democrat? What are you afraid of? Also, in case you haven’t heard, Kamala Harris is running for president, not Joe Biden. Frank Mongiello
Be respectful
Hamden, Conn.: The disrespect of any Voice of the People contributor calling out individuals they disagree with says more about them than the people they mention. State your message, leave out attacks. Chris Lyons
Sound stance
Oakland Gardens: You have to give Voicer Stella Grillo credit — she’s consistent in voicing her opposition to your editorials supporting a yes vote in the City Council for the City of Yes. On June 10 and July 19, she presented solid arguments to defeat the current call to rezone our communities to increase housing availability. She’s right-on when she claims that this is a direct attack on one- and two-family homes with no regard for infrastructure, crowded schools, parking facilities and green spaces. Any public official who votes for this doesn’t represent the best interests of their constituents. Like Stella, we’ll be calling our Council member to vote “no,” and you should, too! Thomas and Constance Dowd
Right on rats
Chappaqua, N.Y.: If the mayor had hired the man who injected carbon monoxide into rats’ nests instead of a rat czar (with new garbage cans), he would not have received another summons for rats on his property. Renee Pollard