Bruce Westerman

Why so committed to destroying our world?

Forked River, N.J.: Every day, we’re bombarded with high prices, wars and a useless U.S. Congress. I almost wish they’d stay on their vacations to prevent them from doing more damage. Now we have Republican Rep. Bruce Westerman of Arkansas (photo) pushing a bill to end the Endangered Species Act of 1973.

In that year, the sheer level of pollution in our air and water was beyond belief while we watched different species of wildlife heading toward extinction. Factories were allowed to dump so much toxic waste that the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland would regularly catch fire. President Richard Nixon created the Environmental Protection Agency and signed the ESA into law. That was a huge move in the right direction that saved millions of people and different species. The symbol of America, the bald eagle, would’ve gone extinct if it weren’t for the ESA.

Republicans in Congress have become spineless sycophants to a president who only sees the beauty of this country in dollar signs. Those Republicans and those who still support them need to have a long look in the mirror. You are the ones leaving behind a depleted and scorched land for future generations. You’ve spent their futures on wars and corporate greed instead of being stewards of this land. When those children grow up and find themselves living in the world you left them, you will be remembered with shame.

Jim Hughes

False growth

Lackawaxen, Pa.: While I agree with Voicer David DiBello that the Democrats should not compete with the Republicans in gerrymandering, I question part of his rationale: that Dems should be concerned about losing House seats due to population increases in Texas and Florida. In recent years, Florida has experienced a death rate higher than its birth rate as flaccidity sets in; its population increase is due to U.S. internal migration. Unlike the early years of the century, the current migrants are more likely to be GOP voters. So Republican gains in Florida will be offset by losses wherever these transplants came from. Besides, three-fourths of south Florida is only a few feet above sea level. Miami, for example, may be 60% underwater by 2060. The newcomers should consider arriving by ark!

John A. MacKinnon

Imbecilic

Meriden, Conn.: Dear IQ 45-47, I barely graduated from high school, but the stupidity you’ve shown has taken the cake. You stated that one of the three living presidents confided in you that they wished they’d started the war in Iran, but you don’t want to tell us which one because you don’t want to get them in trouble. Are you kidding me? You live to get anyone in trouble if they’re against you or talk about you, you vengeful idiot! Because Barack Obama made fun of you at a White House Correspondents’ Dinner, you wanted to undo everything he did. I can’t stand you, and I’m a firm believer in karma. Something will happen to you, and I won’t have to lift a finger. I can’t wait ’til you’re gone. I never liked you, you narcissistic ass. You’re an embarrassment to our great country.

Sue Arsenault

Vile vandal

Jacksonville, Fla.: Israel, like any other country, has a right to defend itself. What it doesn’t have the right to do is desecrate a sacred religious symbol, such as that statue of Jesus Christ that an IDF soldier whacked with a sledgehammer in Lebanon last weekend! And I don’t expect the indicted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu (accused by the International Criminal Court) to punish this sick IDF fighter in any way. If it were up to me, I’d hoist this soldier up on a cross for just five minutes and shove vinegar in his mouth, as was done to Christ! Even that punishment would be too lenient.

Carl J.C. Hafner

Strategic blockade

Grafton, Wis.: Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, a member of Trump’s Board of Peace, recently wrote: “You cannot complain about the restrictions on goods and material going in and out of Gaza unless you also reference the reasons for the restrictions: the fear in Israel that such materials will be used for the purpose of building a terrorist infrastructure.” However, Israel’s restrictions actually date back to 1991, well before Hamas came into power in 2006. Between 2007 and 2010, Israel deliberately reduced food imports into Gaza to what officials described as “minimal subsistence” levels. Dov Weisglass, a senior advisor to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said the policy was “to put the Palestinians on a diet, but not to make them die of hunger.” Gaza’s suffering can’t be explained solely by fear of terrorism. Acknowledging this reality is the first step toward any credible discussion of security, responsibility and peace.

Terry Hansen

Neglected remembrance

Manhattan: What a disgrace! Why didn’t the Daily News acknowledge the Feb. 26 anniversary of the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center?

Marsha Diamond

Suspicious suggestion

Bronx: Warren Buffett, who can’t be called a socialist, has suggested that millionaires and billionaires be subject to a modest wealth tax. This two-houses tax scheme doesn’t pass the smell test.

Virgilio Carballo

Just real estate

Bronx: We can not think of the Moon as romantic anymore. “Blue Moon,” “By the Light of the Silvery Moon,” etc. Now we will have people living on the Moon. Just saying.

Mary Caggiano

Withholding payment

Brooklyn: As a Knicks follower since roughly 1961 (also a Giants follower), I agree with much of Norman Siegel’s argument (“Sports belongs to the people,” op-ed, April 24). My solution to this problem is a simple one. Since it’s clear that owners seek to monetize every aspect of their business, I consider myself a customer, not a fan. After all, it’s obvious that teams and the league think of me as a customer. As such, I make decisions largely based on finances, exactly as team owners do.

Herman Kolender

Checkered record

Rochelle Park, N.J.: Really, world? Do you expect Robert Kraft (see his 2019 massage parlor arrest for solicitation of prostitution) to fire New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel over cheating? This is the same team that cheated and got caught how many times, going back to Bill Belichick and golden boy Tom Brady (Deflategate)? NFL, finally show some class and make the Patriots pay a substantial penalty for skating around NFL rules and laws, period! By the way, I’m a N.Y. Giants fan. Hey Patriots, remember your 18-1 season!

B. Boyle

Piece by piece

Brooklyn: For those of you who believe that crime is down in NYC, visit Bay Ridge! Cars are being stripped of parts on a daily basis! Poor, hard-working people are coming out each morning to their cars stripped of catalytic converters or tires. The police have their hands tied thanks to Mayor Mandummy! Keep up the good work, New Yorkers who vote Democrat!

Maria Ciarametaro