Dems’ ‘big tent’ and more: Letters to the Editor — July 5, 2026

Dems’ ‘big tent’

It’s interesting to listen to the hypocrites in the Democratic Party welcoming the likes of Graham Platner in Maine and the communist agitators in New York City as they achieve power (“A hateful horde has run amok,” David Harsanyi, July 2).

Phonies like Sen. Cory Booker smile so weasel-like as they praise their party’s “big tent.” Question: If figures like Hitler, Stalin, and Mao were resurrected and sought to join-up, would that tent be big enough?

Myron Hecker

Pearl River

Stop bragging, Don

I do not want President Trump to keep bragging about how luxurious his gifted plane from Qatar is (“New Air Force One 1st flight,” July 1).

I want him to have the same stuff everybody else who works in government has. Most Americans are struggling to make ends meet. They don’t care if he flies in luxury.

Mindy Rader

New City

Lay off the goss

Allie Yang contends that “gossiping may give you an evolutionary advantage” when it comes to relationships, letting off steam or getting ahead, according to groundbreaking research (“Survival of the cattiest,” July 2)?

I agree that sometimes gossip brings people closer together. However, it becomes harmful when the gossip is believed to be true and viciously spread, which is so often the case, thanks to social media and common sense being a thing of the past. This article is just another way of normalizing and pushing acceptance of bad behavior.

Michelle Tranchina

Brooklyn, Conn.

Sneaky Mamdani

Mayor Mamdani is showing his socialist chops and City Council Speaker Julie Menin was made to look like the fool she is (“Hizz late $neak attack on NYPD,” July 2).

After he previously promised to hire an additional 580 police officers, he got her to agree to a ridiculous $125.8 billion budget.

Now will people realize just what is happening to our once-vibrant city? Every elected official that has an NYPD security detail should be stripped of it. They should decline the security so that those officers can patrol our streets to keep citizens safe.

Kim F. Cody

Whitestone

We need balance

The Supreme Court’s ruling allowing President Trump to fire federal officials allows him to sink or swim on his mandate with no excuses (“Ruling is a rebalancing act for US,” Jonathan Turley, June 30).

You want elected leaders to be able to select their teams. They need the unfettered right to hire and fire people who will deliver on stated policies. Otherwise, how can you truly hold them accountable?

I understand there must be independent agencies in government, but that’s why checks and balances are in place to hold officials accountable if they overstep authority.

Larry Sylvester

Ontario, Canada

Empire State stunt

First and foremost, where was security when these two lovebirds ascended to the very peak of the Empire State Building (“He’s ‘Ring’ Kong,” July 2)?

These kissing daredevils could have had other ideas other than a marriage proposal; fortunately they meant no harm. It reminds me Philippe Petit’s tightrope walk between the Twin Towers in 1974. For that he received a lifetime pass to the observation deck. I wonder what reward, if any, will go to these two.

Ron Zajicek

Cortlandt

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.