Readers sound off on supporting reparations, Cuomo's leadership and the Gaza blockade
Manhattan: Re 'Tulsa's first-ever Black mayor proposes $100M trust to 'repair' impact of 1921 Race Massacre' (June 2): As the movement for reparations continues to rise nationally, it is heartening to see cities like Tulsa, Okla. and Mayor Monroe Nichols turn promises into policy.
Gov. Hochul allocated resources for a statewide reparations study, while four NYC mayoral candidates publicly supported reparations at a forum organized last month by our coalition of more than 100 grassroots organizations and activists. Our recent survey done in collaboration with Liberation Ventures shows that 48% of New Yorkers support reparations, and 70% would be open to or supportive of a pro-reparations candidate. This political momentum reflects the reality that reparations are more popular than what many opponents would have you think.
The median total wealth of white New Yorkers is $320,000, compared to $2,800 for Black New Yorkers. This is the result of generations of economic theft. With 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of Seneca Village — once home to the largest community of Black property owners in New York that was destroyed to build Central Park — the connection between historical harm and present inequity is undeniable.
While the Trump administration whitewashes our history and tries to take away our civil rights, New York lawmakers must follow Tulsa's example and take concrete action by establishing reparations and funding what our communities need to heal and thrive. The time for repair is now. Trevor Smith
Bronx: For Voicer June Lowe: Maybe I can help you straighten things out, however, facts are often lost on those in the throes of full-blown Trump Derangement Syndrome. President Trump (TACO man, as you call him) did authorize the deployment of the National Guard leading up to Jan. 6. He did not sit on his hands. Presently in L.A., he also authorized the deployment — not 'unleashed' (your words) — of the National Guard to ensure the safety of ICE agents as they lawfully perform their duty, and to protect the LAPD as they are not allowed to defend themselves. The 'madness' has been caused by 'a constitutional crisis' that America suffered for the last four years under Joe Biden, or whoever was playing president. Joe Schulok
Hicksville, L.I.: Create unrest in the streets and then send in the military to quell the so-called insurrection. This rule of thumb is on page one of the dictator's playbook. And to prove the point, ask yourself why the National Guard and the Marines weren't sent to South Central L.A. That's where most of the MS-13 criminals are. The answer is because Trump doesn't give a damn about illegals in America. He's just creating the narrative he wants. Also, with Marines in Los Angeles, what is it that we are now not paying attention to? Answer: his extremely destructive 'Big Beautiful Bill.' Steven Malinofsky
North Branford, Conn.: This Saturday, June 14, is known as Flag Day. My suggestions for the day are to boycott the parade and hang your flags upside down. We must stop that madman's rampant romp over our Constitution. Stephen Syrotiak
Forest Hills: With Trump's continued march into authoritarianism, we need a mayor who will be able to stand up to him. He is threatening our universities and our minority communities, and before long, he will have the National Guard patrolling our streets. Zohran Mamdani is too inexperienced to deal with Trump. We need Andrew Cuomo as mayor. He has proven that he knows how to deal with that tyrant. Libby Gurgis
Brooklyn: I was puzzled by Voicer Bob Cavaliere's letter, so I went back in the chain of exchanges to figure it out. First, MAGA or not, dismissing Mamdani as 'low-intelligence' is the sort of insult I'd expect to hear from Trump. Mamdani must be pretty smart to close the gap from message candidate to practically touching Cuomo's numbers. As far as taxpayers being on the hook for the 'free stuff' most of us need badly, it's the very wealthy who barely contribute their fair share who need to make up the slack. As far as energy prices, it's Trump who's crushing us with his stand against cheap, clean energy. Con Ed should be ashamed to propose such a painful rate hike. The Public Service Commission must reject it. But as for gas bills, the NY HEAT Act would stop gas companies from their out-of-control pipeline building that does cost taxpayers money. Ella Ryan
Mineola, L.I.: At the Italian consulate in 2011, I asked Mario Cuomo if Andrew was contemplating a run for the Rose Garden in 2016. 'We'll have to see what Hillary does,' he responded. The rest is history. Today, the end of Mayor Adams' shambolic reign is nigh. Cuomo is well-positioned to become New York City's 111th mayor. Governing Gotham isn't a stroll in Central Park, however, and Sheriff Andy may not be everybody's cup of cappuccino. Still, this hard-charging politico wielded power effectively, if pugnaciously, as governor. Though he lacked his father's Ciceronian oratory, Andrew presided over the state with a sinewy sense of purpose. He employed a vigorous New York brand of realpolitik in Albany. Ultimately, he should heed Marcus Aurelius: 'Never let the future disturb you. You will meet it, if you have to, with the same weapons of reason which today arm you against the present.' Rosario A. Iaconis
Manhattan: Has anyone else noticed how much faster their commute is since using OMNY? Yeah, neither did I. Thomas Bower
Brooklyn: About 10 years ago, our block had hardened daylighting enforced. We lost more parking spots, but if it was for safety, I was all about it. There were signs posted, unknown to people who don't live here, so they had a ticket blitz. If I had a chance, I would tell people there's a new sign. That's how I roll. Now Citi Bike wants to install bikes in that spot. The corner proposed is not near any other means of transportation. We are a random block with no traffic lights, so it's even hard at times to pull out of our driveways. That corner is hard to navigate by sight. We also have a bus going down the block, which is the last stop. Why would a last bus stop need Citi Bikes? Mariann Tepedino
Flushing: Re 'Gaza a no-go for Greta' (June 10): Israel intercepted a Gaza-bound ship carrying a symbolic amount of humanitarian aid. The dozen passengers included the Swedish activist Greta Thunberg. The ship operated under the auspices of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, an international campaign that opposes Israel's blockade of Gaza that Israel says is necessary to prevent weapons smuggling. The group said the activists had been 'kidnapped' by the Israeli military. The activists should be advised that before they will be allowed to distribute aid to Gaza, they must first convince Hamas to release the real kidnap victims — namely, the Israeli hostages hidden by Hamas from the outside world for more than 600 days. Theodore Sheskin
Brooklyn: To Voicer Tal Barzilai: I would consider making amends to the Abenaki people whose land my ancestor lived on nearly 300 years ago, but I do not own land, nor are there Abenaki left in southern Maine to give it to. All I can do is speak out about colonialism in the present, of which Israel is a prime example. My ancestor was a flawed man, but unlike Zionists, he knew enough to behave himself on land that did not belong to him. His neighbors did not, and they wound up dead. Zionists, take note: Behave yourselves when you are a guest. You must play by their rules. No exceptions. Given the latest news about depraved Zionists murdering hungry Gazans, I believe that Israelis do not deserve to live there. So, I beg you not to go back to Israel, but I know you will insist, so I pray for your safety. Nick Smith
Bronx: To Voicer Marc H. Lavietes: I would just like to say that the 'digital noise' and 'silly games' at Citi Field are there for the enjoyment of kids and adults alike. As for putting a competitive team on the field, I think the Mets have already done that, and quite well, actually! LGM! Mary Ann Guarneri
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