Vlad is the villain
President Trump’s call for Ukraine to replace its president, Volodymyr Zelensky, is a blunder of huge proportions (“Zel: Don on ‘wrong side’ in Vlad deal,” Oct. 15).
Ukraine has been conducting a valiant, underdog effort in its war against Russia and has had America’s support for over four years. Now, because US diesel prices are sky-high, Trump wants Zelensky out. It’s unbelievable that Trump is worried about fuel prices while Russia continues its bombing of women and children.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has noticed Trump’s betrayal of Ukraine and now will never negotiate peace, believing that time is on his side. Shame on Trump.
Frank Olivieri
North Fort Myers, Fla.
Venezuela’s ruin
I read Germania Rodriguez Poleo’s account of why Venezuela descended into socialist chaos with respect — but this is not an apples-to-apples comparison with America (“New Caracas,” PostOpinion, Oct. 11).
America’s crisis isn’t socialism creeping in. It’s capitalism being stripped for parts — not by socialists, but by conservatives for the last 50 years. In 1980, 38% of private-sector workers had a pension; today it’s 9%. The federal minimum wage has sat at $7.25 since 2009 and buys less than it did in 1956. The top tax rate fell from 70% to 37%. Health costs get pushed onto workers year after year.
And here’s what the piece gets backward: Venezuela didn’t turn socialist because people read Marx. It turned because disparity grew so obscene that the old order lost all legitimacy. Desperate people don’t elect a Hugo Chávez because they love authoritarianism.
So who’s at fault — struggling workers, or those who use capitalism to take and take?
Juan Carlos De La Espriella
Marine City, Mich.
A true ‘NYer’ test
As a born and raised New Yorker, I’m disgusted that some artist thinks he can decide who’s a real New Yorker via an arbitrary code of conduct (“Are you real or fugazi?,” Oct. 12).
President Trump is the quintessential New Yorker — contrary to what this code says.
Those of us who are true New Yorkers know what he did for the city back in the day. Yes, the city has always been a melting pots, but President Trump’s objections have a lot to do with the city’s sanctuary status.
A true New Yorker isn’t going to submit an application to some organization seeking to review their status. Natives are smarter and better than that.
Johnny Chambers
Sarasota, Fla.
Israel: best US ally
Miranda Devine correctly wrote on the debate between Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers that most Americans would have no issue recognizing Iran as a greater threat than Israel (unlike El-Sayed) (“How can ‘sick’ Dems be in lead?” Oct. 12).
But Mike Rogers’ correct answer should have been that Israel isn’t a threat at all. At this time, Israel is our best ally.
Scott Sinrich
Worcester, Mass.
See ya, Kim!
I’m glad that Kimberly Guilfoyle lost her ambassadorship after asking Trump donors to pay her credit card bill (“Bye bye, Greeced palms,” Oct. 14).
When the president himself routinely uses his position to enrich himself and his allies it is no wonder that cases like this exist.
This is only a small step toward addressing the Trump administration’s corruption.
Paul Bacon
Hallandale Beach, Fla.
Want to weigh in on today’s stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to [email protected]. Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
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