Calling the NYPD’s stop-and-frisk program wildly successful in no way justifies tossing out the Fourth Amendment (“Cuffing the Cops, Again,” Editorial, Dec. 26).
If I were a parent, I could only imagine my outrage at my child being stripped of his or her constitutional rights simply because of a cop’s hunch.
What’s next, busting through someone’s front door without a warrant? Where do we draw the line?
Police officers have a tough job in keeping the city safe, but they must do so within the law.
J. Mulvanerton, Old Bridge, NJ
Kerry at the helm
Well, America, you voted for President Obama and now you will have to deal with the consequences (“Time To Kerry On in Place of Hill,” Dec. 22).
Private companies are laying off workers and raising prices to cover the larger overhead brought on by higher taxes and forced insurance for their workers.
Now Obama has nominated Sen. John Kerry as secretary of state — a disgraceful, out-of-touch, anti-military, multimillionaire limousine liberal who preaches to Americans about “shared responsibility” as he docks his yacht out of state to avoid paying taxes.
It is sad that I am alive to bear witness to the steep decline of American exceptionism.
M. Nugent, Staten Island
Tin-ear president
John Crudele wrote about Obama’s returning early from his vacation in Hawaii on Air Force One, at a cost of $1.8 million to the American taxpayers (“The Plane Truth Is Government Waste Is Sky High,” Dec. 27).
At a time when this country is suffering from Superstorm Sandy, high unemployment and increasing numbers on food stamps, our president continues to spend lavishly.
No one would deny the president a vacation, but when government spending continues to be out of control, he should be setting an example by cutting back and sharing some of the pain felt by so many Americans under his leadership.
R. Schmeelk, Palm Beach, Fla.
Good ol’ Vito Claus
Although I don’t know if Assemblyman Vito Lopez threw a “holiday bash” in Brooklyn last week, I do know he is taking an uncalled-for holiday bashing (“Coal in Vito’s Stocking,” Editorial, Dec. 22).
As a social worker with over 30 years experience serving residents of Brooklyn, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact Assemblyman Lopez has had on that borough.
He has helped, and continues to help, the least among us, from youngsters to seniors, with affordable housing, essential health care and nutritious meals.
And that is, I believe, the more compelling story — how hope was restored, communities were improved and lives were saved, thanks to Lopez.
Brian Madden, Forest Hills
Individual needs
I wonder if we should so lightly dismiss treating children “like interchangeable parts in an industrial machine” (“Really Alternative Schools Rising,” Glen Harlan Reynolds, PostOpinion, Dec. 26).
Is there anyone from the teachers who can the defend the proposition that students be treated alike, regardless of their individual characteristics and needs?
Any professors from colleges of education? Any school trustees? Anybody?
Jay Lewis, Bellevue, Wash.