Easing reentry for the sick is decent and smart

Bronx: Regarding “Eric looks to zap apts. for ex-cons” (Sept. 19): As someone who has lived in the Bronx all my life, I’ve been closely monitoring the Just Home project and am deeply troubled by its suspension and the way it’s been portrayed in much of the media coverage.

The article underscores the political factors influencing Mayor Adams’ reversal, carried out by First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro, including the upcoming election and community group pressures. Yet, I believe the human impact of these decisions is equally crucial to consider. The initiative aimed to provide stable, supportive housing for former inmates with serious health conditions, a segment frequently neglected in our city. Without secure, affordable housing, these individuals face daunting barriers to rebuilding their lives, managing their health, and reintegrating into society.

Stable housing can help reduce recidivism, enhance public safety, and offer individuals a real opportunity for a fresh start. By diverting the discussion away from these individuals’ needs and mainly focusing on the politics, we risk losing sight of what truly matters: fostering a more just and compassionate community.

I encourage city leaders, community members, and the media to prioritize solutions that address homelessness and health challenges among vulnerable populations. We should ensure that future coverage includes the voices and experiences of those directly affected and collaborate to find a location for Just Home or similar projects that will assist those most in need. Thank you for highlighting this essential issue and contemplating the broader impact of these policy choices. Cris Mena Perez

Residential hazards

Brooklyn: In Homecrest and Midwood, there’s been a worrying increase in yellow school buses traversing side streets. Not long ago, you reported that a 4-year-old was struck by a yellow bus and is now fighting for their life. Police officers have informed me that it’s illegal for these buses to use side streets; they should be on the avenue, and the children should meet them there, not at their homes. These buses, sometimes private vehicles, transport children to private schools. This situation is not only dangerous but greatly impacts the quality of life on these side streets, especially with children on scooters zooming both ways. Barry Brothers

For political points

Massapequa Park, L.I.: Sen. Chuck Schumer and Rep. Hakeem Jeffries should be voted out. It’s disgraceful how they are holding the country hostage just to gain votes for the Democrats next month. Thomas Facchiano

Servile

Brooklyn: Republican Party leaders like House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel are running a protection racket for Donald Trump. Johnson is refusing to swear in a newly elected Democrat because she will be the deciding vote in releasing the Jeffery Epstein files. This is an example of the “roll over” Republican Party now. President Trump, an authoritarian fascist by nature, has no concept of the U.S. Constitution nor respect for the rule of law. Without these safeguards, we have nothing. These so-called leaders take their orders from him and normalize all his illegalities and depredations while selling our American values down the river. How low can they go? Irwin Cantos

Civil war path

Manhattan: The president wants American cities to be used / As training grounds for our military / The biggest fear our citizens have / Is that their streets may end up a cemetery / Armed soldiers patrolling the sidewalks / Clashes with people using force / The possibility of stray bullets and violence / Our country is on a dangerous course. Phoebe Celentano

The right to fight

Manhattan: I keep hearing linguistic nonsense that political violence is never acceptable. The purpose of rules in an ordered society should be to further justice and human rights. My rights are not negotiable — a lesson lost on ones like Donny and Charlie Kirk. When one uses legislative or other force to stop abortions or euthanasia, due process or women’s rights to equality, you have crossed a line. Taking away foreign aid, Medicare, food stamps and vaccines has real-world consequences. People die. When you seek to foist your Christian nationalism down the throats of others in a pluralistic society, I agree with Niccolo Machiavelli that “if an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.” Daniel Jean Lipsman

Restroom riders

Long Beach, L.I.: Why hasn’t the LIRR been given credit for solving the affordable housing crisis coupled with no-cost transportation? Voicers, you too can qualify for the LIRR’s stowaway package. To qualify, simply flush the neon toilet water 82 times when you hear footsteps. Exit the abode with a crosseyed don’t-mess-with-me scowl. Construction workers are asked to refrain from harassing the tenants by screaming, “What the hell are ya doin in there!?” This innovative programming is funded by the riders who work three jobs at minimum wage. Dana Fuchs

Cool it down

Manhattan: And just like that, it is fall in New York. Not the fall marked in the calendar — it is the soul-enriching New York fall. The overnight rain met its promise to glisten hope, washing away the oppressive heat and humidity of summer. Could the wars and terrorism finally cease? The changing color of the trees could be the barometer of societal changes. Wars have ended in the fall: Nov. 11, 1918, Sept. 2, 1945 and almost Oct. 12, 1972, until the Vietnam peace settlement mired in muck until January 1973. Ukraine, left in limbo in 2025 by a recalcitrant United States, felt its many European allies stepping up their support. How many fronts is Vladimir Putin willing to take on? Conversely, will Trump’s intervention for peace in the Mideast result in Hamas returning the remaining hostages to Israel? It is fall 2025. Let peace reign. Susan A. Stark

Call for condemnation

Manhattan: A new poll just revealed that 61% of American Jews think Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza. Much of the Free World feels the same way. The International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes. With that as a backdrop, Andrew Cuomo challenges Zohran Mamdani to condemn the phrase “Globalize the Intifada.” He also belittles a Palestinian group that has plans to engage in peaceful, nonviolent protest by means of a general strike. He does not offer any criticism of Israel. Cuomo’s failure to condemn Israel’s genocide in Gaza can only be interpreted as pandering to wealthy New York Jewish backers. I call on Cuomo to “directly and unequivocally” (Cuomo’s own words) renounce Israel for its barbarous conduct in Gaza. Go ahead, Andrew, what have you got to lose, a few wealthy backers? Steven Davies

Comings & goings

Bronx: To Voicer Larry Maslak: Regarding your letter about your great-grandparents coming to America, they were “immigrants,” a noun. They “emigrated,” a verb, to this country. No one “immigrates.” This is a common mistake made by even seasoned writers and broadcasters. I trust that the editors and proofreaders at the Daily News take note of this and notify all who write for the paper to use the correct words, as it will give their reporting more credibility. Marion Friedman

A bit dramatic

Brooklyn: Taylor Swift is totally into Travis Kelce and supporting him on the field (“Taylor Swift reveals why she wasn’t interested in Super Bowl halftime show,” Oct. 7). I admire that. What I don’t admire is her saying Travis puts his life on the line to play football. That’s his career choice. FYI, Taylor, the only people who put their lives on the line are our veterans, our police and our firefighters. To say they are underpaid for risking their lives for us is an understatement. Mariann Tepedino

Outdated graphic

Staten Island: For years, the prestigious Daily News has been excellent in providing stats and coverage of the New York Knicks for years, but you still use the old logo. I suggest you use the new one going forward, and I look forward to seeing it whenever you apply it. Thank you for providing us with news for years. When I was a child in the Bronx, I bought the paper for my father and grandma practically every day and it was always number one to me! Frederick Dore