Readers sound off on gun culture, a puppy killer and soot pollution

Brick, N.J.: In the minds of millions, the Republican Party’s professed opposition to legal abortion makes the party morally great. Virtually all Roman Catholic bishops vote Republican and command their subjects to do the same by forbidding the faithful to vote for any candidate that voices a pro-choice stance. The Republican Party enjoys the support of a huge majority of evangelicals. So it must be God’s party, right? Not necessarily!

If the party were to manifest a pro-life commitment beyond pregnancy, its sincerity would gain credence. However, its mission statement — if it has one — might be summarized as “fewer taxes for the wealthiest and everyone else is on their own.” It holds so tightly to a bizarre interpretation of the Second Amendment while watching mass gun massacres on a routine basis that calling itself pro-life has become a peculiar, ridiculous claim. It seems the party has perched itself on a weak branch. “Pro-life” should reflect a consistent attitude, a non-conflicted mindset that values human life after birth, not only before. Yet, the Republican Party so loves guns — or the bounty that flows from gun manufacturers and organizations — that it vehemently opposes any and all legislative efforts to control the proliferation of all types of killing devices. Many of these devices, already proliferated and continuing to proliferate among our population, were designed and intended for one purpose only: to kill human beings.

If the Republican Party truly wants to earn “pro-life” credentials, it must do the right thing and support efforts to save the many thousands of American lives lost or shattered every year by guns. Nicholas Molinari

Midland Park, N.J.: Kudos to Voicer Michael J. Vassallo: Thank you for the stroll down comics memory lane. I, too, am happy that “Gasoline Alley” is still here. But in his wonderful, long list of comics, how could he forget one of my favorites, the little war orphan, “Dondi?” Mary Jo McDonough

Hallandale Beach, Fla.: Re “Murdaugh killed family” (March 3): I am not gloating, because it is extremely sad for Maggie and Paul, but there were way too many national pundits who did not live this case, knew Alex Murdaugh did not have boots on the ground and understood South Carolina citizens’ injuries for the last 30 years. Justice was done. Paul Bacon

Tuckahoe, N.Y.: Re “Man beat 10-week-old puppy to death, say prosecutors” (March 1): Where was the veterinarian during this brute’s vicious rampage towards a helpless being? My God, don’t veterinarians have a duty to report suspected abuse? Or do they just take the money and shut up? This little pup probably wagged his tail hoping for kindness and affection every time his abuser approached. This out-of-control man got a desk appearance ticket and was allowed to leave. If he goes to court, he will be sentenced to maybe one year — or nothing/probation if he’s a first offender. Let’s work together to create laws that protect us all, even the littlest of us. Kiley Blackman

Floral Park: Please make sure to do a follow-up story on Paul Verite and his court appearance in April for the unspeakably cruel act of beating the Boston terrier puppy to death. I hope Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz will see to it he is punished to the fullest extent. It’s not likely he will get jail as punishment, but sentence him to a one-year term as an animal shelter maintenance helper so he can see firsthand how the animals survive daily in the shelters. And please have him supervised while working at the shelter. Mr. Verite, you are one very sick individual. To DA Katz: The public will be watching your office as to how you handle this case. Edward Rankin

Glen Head, L.I.: I’ve been taking the LIRR for more than 20 years. Since the new Grand Central connection opened, LIRR has a new rule systemwide: No waiting for connecting trains! Even the employees cannot believe the new rules are being implemented by management people who never worked on a train. John DiMarco

Manhattan: Everyone knows that the great economic engine that is NYC rests squarely on one of the world’s great transit systems. Yet, political and business leaders seem unaware of that critical connection. Fare hikes? Service cuts? While the MTA and Central Business District are still reeling from COVID-related declines, and while the newest challenge — a four-day workweek — is upon us, the MTA and its NYC and Albany supporters must not abandon their essential responsibility. Those who benefit from the MTA, especially businesses in the city’s core who have access to what is probably the most diverse labor force anywhere, must show their gratitude by becoming more of a solution to the MTA’s fiscal problems. The solutions proposed by the MTA would just hasten the return to poorer service. Robert E. Paaswell, former CEO, Chicago Transit Authority

Manhattan: I can’t believe I am the only person who notices an ad on the subway for the Rockettes Xmas show in March. I firmly believe that Radio City Music Hall did not pay for their ad to run three months after the show closed. Instead of raising our fares, maybe people who are paid to get ads for the subway should do their job. Raise the fee for advertising in the subway and hire one or two people to change ads in the trains and buses in a timely manner, like when the trains/buses are allegedly cleaned daily. It’s a captive audience. Business 101 — duh. There is an obvious revenue stream here and it is not the riders. Brenda Quinn

Melbourne, Australia: The apparent fascination with influencers, celebrities and the striving of some to move from D-grade status to C-grade and maybe B, but probably never A, has always amused and puzzled me. The latest events include Prince Harry charging $50 to hear him speak when many are tired of hearing from him, and the “South Park” episode about a fictional Prince of Canada who is very publicly demanding privacy. He bears a strong resemblance to someone I have seen in the papers, on TV and just about everywhere else. I am only interested in what my friends and family think about what I have to say and do, not in the views — often vicious — of 50 million people that I have never met. My friends are people that I can shake hands with. It’s time to get real and rely only on our real friends’ opinions. Dennis Fitzgerald

Staten Island: Memo to defeated Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot: It’s not racial bias that foiled your reelection bid. It’s your incompetence, sky-high crime rate and failure to support your police officers. Stop playing the race card! Thomas Fraumeni Jr.

Bronx: Voicer Bob Pascarella seems to enjoy deriding President Biden’s age. Perhaps he should concern himself with the much younger liars and demagogues on Fox News who may pose a greater risk to this country than the mature gentleman in the White House. Mary Ann Guarneri

Brooklyn: In the Bronx, 20% of children suffer from asthma, which makes them more vulnerable to unhealthy air pollution. One of the worst and most common forms of air pollution is soot, or fine particulates. These emissions are linked to breathing problems, heart disease and cancer. Soot pollution can trigger asthma attacks, worsen existing symptoms and increase the risk of developing asthma. After more than a decade, the EPA is finally updating its regulations for soot pollution. As the Environmental Defense Fund recommended, lowering the limit of micrograms per cubic meter from 12 to eight could save four times as many lives. This limit has been shown to effectively protect human health and the environment. With the deadline for comments and signatures approaching, we have an opportunity to demand bold action from the EPA. Submitting a comment in support of stronger clean air protections can help make our local communities safer and healthier. Eric Soto