A mayor should run the city, not be hobnobbing

In response to the editorial titled “Mamdani snubs Archbishop Hicks” (Feb. 9), it’s worth considering whether Mayor Mamdani had valid reasons for not attending the investiture of Ronald Hicks as the new Catholic Archbishop of New York. One possible reason could be the principle of separating church and state. While welcoming new figures to New York City is important, participating in religious ceremonies like genuflecting is typically reserved for believers. Does this mean the mayor must attend the investiture of every religious leader, such as imams or rabbis?

The appointment of a new archbishop, contrary to your claim, is not necessarily a momentous occasion for all New Yorkers or Americans. It does not represent a “major milestone” for everyone, as the editorial suggests. Archbishop Hicks is the leader of the American Catholic Church, not the entire American church. Therefore, the mayor’s absence from the investiture doesn’t warrant any need to “make amends” by attending the first mass. Similarly, the annual prayer breakfast at the New York Public Library could also be skipped without consequence, in my view.

It’s noteworthy that the new archbishop’s focus on immigration aligns with the mayor’s priorities, suggesting that collaborative opportunities will arise in the future. For now, both the archbishop and the mayor can fulfill their respective roles independently. The Editorial Board might consider directing its moral outrage elsewhere. Ellen Freilich

Not his place

From Ridgewood: Mayor Mamdani is under no obligation to participate in religious events. His duty is to serve as mayor, and regardless of past practices, he need not show allegiance to any ideology laden with historical baggage. L. Tuthill

Holier than that

In Manhattan, the editorial criticized Mamdani for not attending Archbishop Hicks’s installation and urged him to go to the annual Al Smith Dinner benefiting the archdiocese. Is it not enough that Mamdani congratulated Hicks and actively collaborates with diverse religious communities across New York City? As a gay man, I find it troubling that so much deference is given to an institution that excludes women from the priesthood and condemns gay love. Hicks supports “Courage,” a Catholic organization that discourages gay individuals from engaging in intimate relationships. This stance is more concerning than the alleged “rudeness” attributed to the mayor. When will your editorial address these issues? Andy Humm

Strange sights

From Massapequa, L.I.: Imagine an alien family reaching Earth after a 4 billion light-year journey, only to witness a Bad Bunny video featuring a frog partying with scantily clad women pole dancing and twerking. They might conclude that Earth lacks intelligent life, lock their spaceship doors, and head back home. While this conclusion may seem unfair—perhaps the aliens are just prejudiced—it humorously illustrates why extraterrestrial beings may not contact us. Perhaps we could assure them that the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show is merely a glitch in Western civilization, but deep down, we know that even we struggle to believe that! Russell R. Esposito

Not enjoyable

Rockaway Point: What is the fuss about Bad Bunny? He was horrible. Entertainment should have been in English. Regina Mangan

Call off the troops

Manhattan: People are saying no to President Trump and a hard no to his violent siege of American cities in the name of immigration enforcement. Senate Democrats and a couple of Republicans voted with Bernie Sanders to claw back DHS’ ridiculous $75 billion and redirect it to restore Medicaid cuts. That’s a minimal demand. Body cameras don’t guarantee DHS will share evidence, nor would unmasking make ICE agents feel constrained. They are motivated bullies recruited with neo-Nazi memes and given grenade launchers. They have no shame and seek to dominate. Replacing Greg Bovino in his SS-reminiscent outfit with Tom Homan in the Twin Cities is meaningless, as is Trump’s promise to reduce the occupying force there by 700 troops. It’s Twin Cities residents who have to stop protesting as a condition for that. The beatings will continue until morale improves. Trish Anderton

Just cause

Bronx: To Voicer Clyde Kerlew: As any fifth-grader knows, rights come with responsibilities. Anyone who legally carries a firearm has a responsibility to carry it safely and to avoid confrontations or volatile situations. That’s why guns are prohibited in sensitive places like schools and courthouses. No one has the right to interfere with law enforcement conducting lawful operations, especially those carrying guns. Rules of engagement are for military conflicts. If you’re asserting that Alex Pretti was a military combatant involved in armed conflict against the U.S. government, you’re providing justification for agents’ use of deadly force against him and for the invocation of the Insurrection Act. If you’re wondering why ICE is in Minnesota, just ask the families of Laken Riley, Rachel Morin, Jocelyn Nungaray, Sarah Root, Meghan Bos and all who have suffered at the hands of criminal illegal aliens. Charles T. Compton

Slipping support

Brooklyn: To Voicer Gene Ammirata: The reason for so many letters bashing Trump is that he is trashing America, and the majority of Americans are sick of it. And many of his followers are no longer defending him because there’s not much good about what he is doing. I guess you’re still drinking the orange Kool-Aid. Greg Ahl

Name-obsessed

Valley Stream, L.I.: So the Don-father was trying to strong-arm Sen. Chuck Schumer into naming New York’s Penn Station and D.C.’s Dulles Airport after Trump in order to release $16 billion in federal funds to continue New York’s Gateway Tunnel project. Trump is a certified egomaniac. He even wants the new Commanders football stadium named after him. As if Trump adding his name to the John F. Kennedy Center wasn’t enough. I have an idea that may satisfy the orange man’s ego. There must be a landfill that needs a name. How does “The Trump Dump” sound? I think it would be apropos. Vince Sgroi

Deranged deference

Scarsdale, N.Y.: I have to agree with Voicer Bill Barrett that most people with Trump Derangement Syndrome are morons. Where we disagree is which side has it. John Kern

Global cooling

Spotswood, N.J.: Our area has seen temperatures 20 to 30 degrees below normal! It is so cold. We are not alone. From Austria to Japan, temperatures are lower than normal. The world is freezing. Why don’t we hear much about it from the media? Tom Scott