This shutdown fight is actually life or death

Manhattan finds itself at the center of a heated struggle as Democrats work tirelessly to protect essential health care services from what they perceive as the Republican Party’s aggressive budget cuts. The budget proposal from President Trump’s administration marks a historical reduction in Medicaid funding, with significant cuts also impacting Medicare. Additionally, by allowing Affordable Care Act tax credits to expire, the proposal threatens to drive premium costs up by 75%, leaving many Americans without coverage.

The repercussions of these cuts extend far beyond the uninsured. Every American, regardless of their current insurance status, stands to feel the effects. Hospitals, even those in major urban areas, rely heavily on Medicaid reimbursements. Without these funds, institutions face the grim prospect of downsizing both staff and services, impacting care quality and accessibility for all.

Medicaid supports some of the nation’s most vulnerable populations—children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those living paycheck to paycheck. Critics argue that the current administration’s focus on tax benefits for the wealthiest Americans comes at the expense of these groups. As someone nearing the age to depend on Medicare, I find myself deeply troubled by the potential for such sweeping reductions, all seemingly designed to enrich the already affluent.

Previously, Democrats, including New York Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, failed to hold their ground against unfavorable budget proposals. However, Schumer is now taking a firm stand, pushing back against Republican reluctance to negotiate. While a government shutdown would have dire consequences, the loss of crucial health care services would be an even more profound blow. Gabrielle Shatan

Dirtier dealing

Smithtown, L.I.: A recent letter to Voice of the People by Ralph A. Manente struck a chord, resonating with many as it addressed political dynamics and legal proceedings. Criticizing Letitia James, the letter argues that her actions were misleading and self-serving, particularly concerning allegations against the Trump Organization. It suggests that asset valuations were a matter for the banks to assess, not James, and contends that Alvin Bragg’s convictions involved technicalities rather than substantial legal breaches. Andrew Ross

Plenty of precedents

Staten Island: While Ralph A. Manente’s insights on Trump are valuable, his characterization of the 2024 election as an “unprecedented landslide” misses the mark. Historical election data reveals at least five instances where results were more decisively one-sided. The numbers associated with Trump do not compare to those achieved by past presidents such as Franklin Roosevelt, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and Lyndon Johnson. Anthony Biancoviso

Degraded discipline

Bronx: Now is the time for a well-armed militia. Americans are being killed and brutalized. Or is that just for red states? Stop the madness now. It’s gone on too long, these goons running around freely, and it’s getting worse. Those high-ranking officers (“Trump, Hegseth rally generals with demands to end ‘woke’ military,” Oct. 1) have no shame to go back to their commands and face their troops. Death before dishonor. They were totally disrespected. They should be able to get out now and live comfortably — the hell with their retirement. They all should have gotten up and left those two fools. To think that they can send thousands of young men to their deaths. I am a disabled Vietnam vet who was a grunt with the 1st Cavalry, 1968-69. Julio E. Rivera

Start with you

Garwood, N.J.: I do not live in a city or dangerous community, so I may not be qualified to give an educated opinion on gun control or the presence of the National Guard. Controlling gun violence through legislation is feasible, but are we convinced that it’s doing enough to prevent violent acts? People will be divided on whether the National Guard is an effective measure to make our cities safer. Perhaps this could be another way to curb violence. Opinion polls are not reliable, but knowing how residents of cities feel (where the Guard is patrolling) may be a more accurate way of determining if this is an effective way to improve neighborhood safety. Above all, having a personal relationship with the Lord in many cases will help us to achieve this love, respect and a greater understanding of our fellow human beings. Anthony Speranza

Reclaim the name

Bayside: It’s time for someone to introduce a new line of caps to take on the MAGA brand, and that brand should be MAAA, or Make America America Again. Now that more people are finally realizing what the evil, self-serving Trump and his incompetent, sycophant lackeys are about, it will lead to MAAA restoring America to the way it was before the outlaw Trump, along with his gutless accomplices, almost took it to ruin. Howie Horn

A bleak peace

Woods Cross, Utah: Looking beyond the current joyful hostage exchange, there is mounting evidence that Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump plan to exile most or all Palestinians out of Gaza soon enough. The killing of innocent women and children, perhaps half of the 68,000 known dead in Gaza, is one indication. There is also the deliberate and well-documented starvation campaign aimed at making mealtime in Gaza intolerable for families. The destruction of most hospitals is well-known. Also, PBS has reported that virtually all of Gaza’s 660,000 children do not have access to in-person schooling. Now comes news reported by Al Jazeera that Netanyahu’s Israel Defense Forces have destroyed 92% of residential buildings in Gaza. Added to that is the destruction of 88% of all commercial facilities in Gaza. Some 62% of Gaza residents have lost legal documentation of property ownership. So, do they really own anything anymore? Kimball Shinkoskey

Deeper disparity

Brooklyn: To Voicer Chana Schwartz: Forty-eight Israelis for 1,950 Palestinians. You ask what’s wrong with this equation? You didn’t ask that question when the headcount was 68,172 Palestinian men, women and children and 1,983 Israelis. Just saying. Jim Carney

Vax vulnerability

Brooklyn: I’m writing about the head doctor and RFK Jr. not wanting any vaccines for young children, not even for polio, smallpox, measles, etc. Some European countries won’t let you in if you’re not vaccinated. People forget the Black Death bubonic plague that ran through Europe in the 12th century, which killed almost half the population. What is our wonderful, stupid president going to wait for when a new Black Death comes and kills off half of Americans? Don’t wait until it’s too late. Fire RFK Jr. and ask for the vaccines back. David Glassner

Unsafe sidewalks

Brooklyn: I don’t like to be a single-issue voter, but as an 81-year-old who believes that walking is the most healthy and restorative activity one can do, I have been thoroughly dismayed by the lawlessness that has been overlooked by our politicians and therefore by the police. I am referring to the rampant proliferation of bikes, e-bikes and electric scooters that have made life risky for pedestrians. Although there is no shortage of bike lanes, there are still those who ride on our sidewalks and have no consideration for pedestrians. I don’t know what candidate Zohran Mamdani’s stance on that issue may be, but I’d like to know before I cast my vote. Ed Temple

Is it legit?

Rochdale Village: The Central Park Conservancy president and CEO’s op-ed (“Wollman Rink isn’t made for profiteers,” Oct. 14) was very interesting. Has Mayor Adams’ plan to put it up for bid passed the smell test? After all, he doesn’t — all his mobbed-up friends get high-up appointments. Just wondering! Saul Rothenberg

Big decision

Carle Place, L.I.: As things stand, the Jets will have the first pick in next year’s NFL draft. Maybe they’ll choose the next Peyton Manning, or more likely, the next Ryan Leaf. Rudy Rosenberg

Better back then

Brooklyn: I’m 99-years-old and have been reading The News since it was 2 cents and came out the evening before, sometimes as a pink 2-cent issue. It knocked the Daily Mirror out of business, but The New York Times keeps rolling on. I love the comics sections immensely, especially “Dick Tracy,” “Little Orphan Annie,” “Harold Teen,” “Smilin’ Jack,” “Winnie Winkle” and “Gasoline Alley.” Please advise Jim Scancarelli that “Gasoline Alley” has run out of gas. Bring back “Winnie Winkle” and “Smilin’ Jack” and you will sell more newspapers. It’s time to keep Uncle Walt buried and quiet! Bill Glassman