Farewell to Kevin McCarthy and more: Letters to the Editor — Dec. 10, 2023

Farewell, Kevin

Chasing his dream to become speaker of the House, Kevin McCarthy consistently compromised his principles (“Gettin’ outta House,” Dec. 7).

After originally stating that former President Donald Trump was responsible for the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, he did a 180-degree turn after realizing he needed Trump’s approval.

His trip to mend fences with Trump at Mar-a-Lago was a disgrace, but the bid to reset the relationship worked for a time.

The former president even referred to McCarthy as “my Kevin.”

To win the speakership, McCarthy again had to make a deal with the devil — this time with radical members of his own party in the House.

It makes sense that McCarthy would bow out now, no longer desiring to be a part of a body whose members brought him so low.

The end of McCarthy’s career in public service is tragic, but something for which he is responsible.

Oren Spiegler, Peters Township, Penn.

In King’s words

Rep. Jerry Nadler should chill from criticizing Republicans who are fighting antisemitism. (“Nadler Legitimizes Anti-Zionism,” Fast Takes, Dec. 7).

Instead, he should study the wise and prescient words attributed to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which were spoken shortly before his death: “When people criticize Zionists, they mean Jews; you’re talking antisemitism.”

Richard Sherman, Margate, Fla.

Eternity leave

After reading the article about parents who take “teen-ternity” leave to stay at home with their adolescent children (“Staying home with big kids,” Dec. 7), I thought of Calvin Graham — who was only 12 when he enlisted in the US Navy, becoming the youngest American combat veteran to fight in World War II.

And then Marine Jack Lucas, barely 17 when he was awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism on Iwo Jima. And 15-year-old Dan Bullock, the youngest service member to be killed in action during the war in Vietnam.

And now I’m shaking my head and rolling my eyes.

Jim Maye, Bridgewater, NJ

Turnstile troubles

New, harder-to-jump turnstiles will hopefully address some of the issues (“Jumper stumpers,” Dec. 5).
However, with every change, another problem arises.

How will young children—who are exempt from having to pay for a ticket when riding with an adult—be able to walk under these new gates?

Also, will we now see fare-dodgers crowding up against paying riders to pass through the gates with them?

Michael Lefkowitz, East Meadow

America first

Kudos to Republicans for holding the line on Ukraine aid until our border is brought under control (“Senators give Joe no dough on Ukraine,” Dec. 7).

American interests should come first, then Israel’s and Ukraine’s.

Joe Alloy, Wayne, NJ

Santos sucks

Miranda Devine’s argument that George Santos’ constituents should have decided his fate in Congress is flawed (“GOP suckers about Santos,” Miranda Devine, Dec. 4).

Santos was elected based on lies.

If New York voters had known the real Santos — and the truth behind all his falsehoods — his constituents would have decided he was never suitable to be in Congress in the first place.

He conned all his Queens and Long Island constituents.

Jeff Gold, White Plains

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