N.Y.’s footballers, tarnishing a great heritage

In Nissequogue, Long Island, the New York Giants and Jets are once again in the throes of a dismal football season. With a combined record of 4-15, both teams have been eliminated from playoff contention well before Veterans Day, marking a new low for the franchises. This situation has become so dire that U.S. Senator Dave McCormick has taken to using New York’s faltering football teams as a humorous incentive to lure people to Pennsylvania, highlighting the success of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Last year, the Giants attempted to address their much-criticized lack of toughness by drafting Cam Skattebo, a player known for his grit. Unfortunately, Skattebo’s season was derailed by a severe ankle injury, and the team subsequently parted ways with head coach Brian Daboll. With yet another losing season at hand, both New York teams face the challenge of drawing fans to games that have little meaning in the harsh late fall and winter months. For the Giants, one potential solution could be to honor former Super Bowl hero Ottis Anderson, a move that might reignite his stalled Hall of Fame candidacy and draw fans longing for a glimpse of the team’s past glory.

Ottis Anderson epitomized the “smashmouth” football style that defined Bill Parcells’ era, earning him the MVP title in Super Bowl XXV. That game was a true battle, where every yard counted. A dedicated Ottis Anderson Day at MetLife Stadium might just be the silver lining fans need to relive the glory days.

A real writer

Meanwhile, in Manhattan, the heartfelt tributes to the late hockey columnist Larry Brooks by Pat Leonard and Mike Lupica have sparked nostalgia among readers. Longtime Daily News subscriber Bob Glasscock recalls how he used to peruse the New York Post at work just to read Brooks’ insightful columns on the NHL. Though the Daily News once boasted its own talented hockey writers, today the coverage has dwindled to dry Associated Press recaps. Glasscock hopes for a revival of engaging local NHL journalism, perhaps as a tribute to Brooks’ legacy.

Industrial main course

As Thanksgiving approaches, concerns are rising over a new bird flu outbreak that has decimated 1.2 million turkeys since September. This recurring issue raises questions about the practices of factory farming, where cramped conditions allow viruses to spread easily. Activists like Nico Young suggest that a shift towards plant-based food systems could offer a safer and more ethical alternative, breaking the cycle of predictable outbreaks and mass slaughters.

Arming who?

In Effort, Pennsylvania, there’s shock over the U.S. decision to sell 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia. Kathleen Slattery voices strong opposition, pointing to Saudi Arabia’s past links to Al Qaeda and the 9/11 attacks. For many, this decision is difficult to comprehend, given the historical context and ongoing concerns about national security.

Party over

Brooklyn: I’m a born-and-raised NYC resident. I’m a Gen X Afro-American female Democrat. However, I’m sad to see that this mayoral election has ruined the Democratic Party. We complain about MAGA and the extremism of the Republican Party, yet we are no better when we’re supporting a democratic socialist. Shameful Bernie Sanders and AOC both have money. While I’ve gained respect for Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, I was disappointed with his decision to endorse Zohran Mamdani. Gov. Hochul is going to lose her reelection bid to the Republican challenger. Democrats in NYC will be powerless with a socialist who is inexperienced leading the most powerful city in the world to increased crime, filth (more rats) and lack of housing. Free stuff doesn’t lead to improved quality of life. I’m leaving the Democratic Party. Shameful and disgusting if you can’t see the hypocrisy in Mamdani taking from the poor to support his lavish lifestyle. Crystal Dougherty

Imprudent opulence

Staten Island: Re “We must make Penn Station great again” (op-ed, Oct. 28): How many billions does Nicolaus Mills want to waste on an elaborate rebuild? Passengers don’t need vaulted ceilings and Doric columns, nor do they need to be told they’re “important people and not just customers.” He whines that a simple refurb would make it a “subway station for train riders.” That’s exactly what it is! There are countless better uses for scarce transit funds. Most of my home borough, particularly the lower-income areas, has zero rail access. We rely on snail-paced buses for some of the longest commutes in the U.S. Tolls, fares and taxes continue to rise. Congestion pricing and scant street parking make a day in Manhattan an investment. Access-A-Ride is underfunded and lousy. There aren’t enough accessible stations. But sure, let’s tear down Madison Square Garden so commuters can “enter the city like a god.” John Colella

Superfluous rail

Elmhurst: As a resident, I must take exception to the notion of the Interborough Express proposal for a host of reasons. Two are primary. To begin with, the line is redundant. There isn’t enough employment in Brooklyn to justify sending people from Queens to fill the demand. The reverse is also true. There’s no economic return for NYC in general and Queens in particular. The proposal will cost $5.5 billion and won’t be supported by ridership. The bed is already dug and the track is laid. The Coney Island rail yard is loaded with trains not in use, and the only real expense might be to gauge the track and to clear the area of debris. Moreover, the governor claims she won’t raise taxes, and President Trump promises that he won’t cooperate with the communist new mayor. So, where is the money coming from? James League

Unexpected sympathy

Ozone Park: I now support Marjorie Taylor Greene, a position I never could have considered even two weeks ago. This country is on the brink of collapse when a representative has to get private protection because she vehemently disagrees on certain issues with the man she once adamantly supported. Ray Hackinson

Futile persecution

Bronx: New York City has a history of racism. It doesn’t surprise me that Black people are being fired at an accelerated rate for no reason other than the color of their skin. When Hitler came to power, Jews were fired from jobs simply for being Jewish. When Trump came to power, Blacks started being fired to appease his agenda. In both cases, employment opportunities became slim and none. Trump the Chump expected Black people to demonstrate so he could treat them as his idol Bull Connor did, but his targeted minority cities are not acting like he expected or hoped for. He underestimates the intelligence of Black people. His generalizations and stereotyping has not come to fruition. No good will come to those who hate and practice racism, bigotry and a lack of compassion and fairness. They will all rot in hell on judgment day. Alfred Williams

No pity

West Hempstead, L.I.: Re “Winter rains adding misery in Gaza Strip” (Nov. 16): Short and to the point — they started a war and are reaping what they sowed. They are all complicit. It wasn’t just Hamas that pillaged. Ask hostages, they’ll tell you there are no innocents in Gaza. Try writing about citizens in Israel regarding building what the terrorists burned with family members inside. Tired of the pity crap. You start the war? Too bad. Samuel J. Mark

Traitors to the tribe

Kew Gardens Hills: My mother, may she rest in peace, taught me that the most dangerous antisemite is a Jewish antisemite. People like Brad Lander (“What kind of Jewish community do we want to be?” op-ed, Nov. 16) and Bernie Sanders prove her right. Barry Koppel