Dems whose time has past can’t meet this moment

Rockaway Park: Senator Chuck Schumer has always been seen as a decent and honorable figure. Yet, those virtues seemed more fitting for politicians in the era before Donald Trump’s presidency. The current Republican Party operates by a different playbook compared to the bipartisan norms of 20 or 30 years ago. The principles of legality and decorum no longer hold sway.

Consider the numerous criminals Trump has pardoned since regaining office. Under Trump’s leadership, compromise seems absent. It’s a “my way or the highway” approach with their grip on Congress and the presidency. Compassion for everyday Americans, especially Democrats, appears lacking.

In light of these changes, politicians like Schumer appear relics of a bygone era. The Democratic Party needs a new breed of leaders—dynamic individuals ready to challenge power, even with limited influence. Figures willing to tackle the country’s current turmoil aggressively, not just defensively.

Amidst widespread discontent in the U.S., one might expect this to be straightforward. When was the last time Democratic leaders held a national press conference to highlight the issues impacting ordinary Americans? The landscape has shifted, and the Democratic Party requires leaders who can rise to the challenges of today. Anthony Johnson

Degraded leadership

Bronx: In our youth, a “leader” was someone who confronted challenges and, with their team, found solutions. As we matured, leadership meant navigating difficulties and emerging better than before. Currently, our leadership is marred by self-interest and a lack of empathy. It’s time to scrutinize the caliber of individuals in these roles. We deserve superior leadership. Mark Benveniste

At the scene of the crime

Brooklyn: The narrative pushed by Republicans and right-wing media suggests that Virginia Giuffre’s comment about Trump being a “perfect gentleman” during their time on Jeffrey Epstein’s notorious island clears him of wrongdoing. However, the presence of other underage girls and Trump’s frequent visits as Epstein’s guest raise questions. Spending “hours” with a teenage Giuffre—was it to play chess? How does this sit with Melania? Naturally, Trump’s MAGA supporters are likely to overlook these concerns. Dennis Middlebrooks

Scandal branding

Bronx: It’s time this escalating scandal be called by its proper name: Epsteingate! Carlos B. Martinez

Confiscate & distribute

Briarwood: Trump starved 42 million SNAP-eligible Americans whose benefits were denied, delayed or halved despite contingency funds being available during the shutdown; 34% are children, 33% elderly and 18% disabled. American military spending is $997 billion, but a paltry $8 billion for November SNAP benefits shall be halved and December possibly denied. This is all resultant from Trump’s unfair budget resolution rewarding corporations and oligarchs and punishing Obamacare recipients with loss of tax credits and grossly increasing insurance premiums in this privatized health care system. Now Trump is threatening a federal cutoff in aid to NYC. His excuse is a “communist” Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist. Well, I have a political solution in 2029: a Black female communist as president, Dr. Angela Davis, former Black Panther. Confiscate Trump’s ill-gained wealth and illegal foreign emoluments, then redistribute the monies to the American people — true communism in practice. Joseph N. Manago

Nothing’s free

Manhattan: Mamdani the magician doesn’t understand that New York is affordable for the people who have worked hard in a capitalistic society, who climbed the ladder of success to enjoy all that New York has to offer. Nothing is free in New York. The fools voting for Mamdani will be surprised that nothing will be free because the people who are supposed to pay for it will be gone. If only academia would teach history and parents would do their job and teach morals, ethics and values. If you can’t do that and you can’t afford to have children (taxpayers are tired of paying for your childcare), then don’t have children. Socialism, communism and Marxism are a malignant cancer in a free society. Millions have innocently died with despots who tried it. Too bad every Mamdani voter hasn’t experienced life in Venezuela or Cuba. J.R. Cummings

Don’t deflect

Manhattan: Voicer Libby Gurgis misses my main point. Firstly, I challenged The News to give Mamdani a chance, not Gurgis. Statements by The News carry a bit more weight and influence than hers do. Surprisingly, she admits that Israel committed war crimes. Why no condemnation of them? She takes “criticizing Israel equals antisemitism” to the next illogical conclusion. She clearly believes that a Jew who criticizes Israel is a friend of Hamas who wishes to shake their hand in friendship. My letter didn’t even hint at that. Israel committed war crimes and genocide. Being against Israel’s destruction of Gaza is not a statement against Jews, nor is it an acceptance or forgiveness of Hamas. This N.Y. Jew is insulted that anyone takes his condemnation of Israel as anything more than a condemnation of Israel. Perhaps Gurgis can focus on Israel’s conduct without any whataboutism to deflect the seriousness of its rampage through Gaza. Steven Davies

Warriors at war

Bedford, N.Y.: For the elucidation of Voicer Libby Gurgis, Hamas didn’t randomly execute Palestinians. Hamas investigated the death of Saleh al-Jafarawi, a 27-year-old Palestinian journalist, a day after the ceasefire, and found out that he had been targeted for assassination by the Israeli occupation forces. The thugs who slaughtered the young man were indeed Palestinian, hired and paid by Israel to kill Saleh. Hamas served justice justly. By the way, Saleh is among the almost 300 Palestinian journalists assassinated by Israel in the last two years. In comparison, during the two-plus years of Russian invasion of Ukraine, fewer than 25 journalists were killed, and none were specifically targeted. Céline Secada

Pollyannish version

Newton, N.J.: To Voicer Jeff Converse: You’re completely out of touch with reality and totally ignorant of the facts. If all the J6 protestors did was, as you claim, “show up on that cold January morning,” no one would have ever been prosecuted. But we all know — except, apparently, you, Jeff — that they invaded the Capitol, attacked police, sought to murder Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi, and contributed to the deaths of five Capitol Police officers. And for what? It’s been proven that the 2020 election was not rigged. Jeff, you’re either ignorant of the facts or you were there on Jan. 6. I suspect both. Michael Schnackenberg

Honor the franchise

Manhattan: The Giants owners seem to finally recognize part of their problem. Mike Lupica said it all (“Darnold and Jones were just in the wrong place,” Nov. 16). Danny Jones was let go. He has blossomed with a new coach. One of the best running backs in years was let go. The general manager who made those decisions must go with his coach. The Giants have desperately needed a good offensive line for years. The last two Super Bowl wins were won with a very clutch quarterback, a great offensive line and a great defense. Oh yes, and a very good coach. The Giants have a long and rich history in the NFL. The last 12 years have tarnished that. It’s time for ownership to live up to that great heritage. Aaron Priest

Clear the streets

Brooklyn: I don’t understand why the horse-drawn carriages are allowed on the streets. I thought they were only allowed in Central Park. That’s where they should be. Barbara Giuliano