Stop shoplifting
The amount of shoplifting that is happening in America is utterly disgraceful (“Crooks made to reflect,” Oct. 10).
It is not a harmless crime that can go unpunished. Retail stores are locking up their merchandise so they can be protected from theft. Stores are being closed, which really hurts the economy as well as depriving consumers of needed goods — and it adds to inflation.
Strict punishment must be one of several measures to deal with the shoplifting epidemic. There also must be more judges, courtrooms and other court personnel.
Cases take too long to be resolve and innocent people stay in jail, which is the main reason why bail reform is necessary.
There must also be vigorous monitoring of the individuals or merchants who buy the shoplifters’ goods.
Alan Podhaizer, Brooklyn
Judge’s disgrace
I could not agree more with Naomi Schaefer Riley’s description of Judge Erik Pitchal (“Condemned to Death,” PostOpinion, Oct. 7).
Who oversees our Family Court judges? I am so tired of reading about children suffering violence, abuse and death at the hands of those who are supposed to protect them.
Those who are in charge of these situations must be held to account for their actions or lack thereof. How nice it is to say that we want to preserve the family. Who doesn’t want that?
But if you are in charge, you must address the reality of the situation you are dealing with and make your determination from what you see, hear and have in front of you.
There are plenty of smart, well-educated people who can’t face reality or have no common sense. Unfortunately, Judge Pitchal seems to be one of them. I don’t know if this is because of his privileged background or because of who he is.
That is not important. What is important: He is responsible for children’s lives. He is accountable and should be removed.
Carolyn Brady, Spring Lake, NJ
Protect the park
It is obvious that the event that ruined Central Park’s prized Great Lawn should have been canceled (“Good ‘Citizens’ Don’t Trash Parks,” Nicole Gelinas, PostOpinion, Oct. 5).
However, Central Park does not have any authority to approve or cancel large-scale events. These responsibilities lie with the Mayor’s Office and the Parks Department.
Greater consideration needs to be paid to the welfare of our green spaces and a lot less to moneyed corporations that really have no long-term interest in our park beyond what it can provide for them.
Now we are faced with an extensive re-sodding, during which time New Yorkers are deprived of using the space.
I hope the Mayor’s Office and the Parks Department have learned a painful lesson. Next time, send Global Citizen and its ilk to Yankee Stadium or some other suitable venue.
Lillian Marsano, Manhattan
No street for Sully
I was disturbed reading that some Manhattan Community Board vetoed the naming of part of West 50th Street after a true American hero, Capt. Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger (“Sorry, Sully, no street of dreams,” Oct. 6).
We all remember that day, and the joy and gratitude that was universally felt in New York City and around this country.
He and his co-pilot, with military precision and incredible skill, made a life-and-death decision to land in the Hudson, saving over 100 souls.
Thank you, Capt. Sullenberger. You have the undying thanks and gratitude of all New Yorkers.
Lee Fleischman, Stamford, Conn.
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