Gov. Cuomo’s gun ‘emergency’ nothing but political cover for his many mistakes

I find it almost inconceivable that anyone with even a modicum of knowledge would opine that New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, with his gun emergency announcement, has put the issue of gun violence and out-of-control-crime on his back.

On the contrary, this action by Cuomo intentionally ignores the primary reasons for a surge in violence and lawlessness — bail reform legislation initiatives and anti-policing policies and rhetoric by him and New York’s legislative bodies.

Cuomo may have succeeded in placating the progressives in New York, and this blatantly transparent political act may have fooled the Chicago Sun-Times editorial board. But it was not necessary and does nothing to address the root causes of what’s going on in New York State and New York City.

James F. Rittinger, Briarcliff Manor, New York

Retirees on Social Security fall behind

As a result in part of federal stimulus efforts during the pandemic, as well as a hike in the minimum wage, prices have gone sky-high. They have risen beyond the ability of seniors on Social Security to meet their essential needs. There’s talk now of an increase in Social Security benefits, but it had better be huge.

I find it ironic that millions of Americans are on unemployment when in fact they can work. Older retired Americans worked all their adult years, earned their retirement and paid all those years into Social Security. I have a federal pension, having worked for the Post Office, that needs to be hiked, too. I get very little in the way of Social Security, but I’m speaking up here for other seniors.

Carl F. Rollberg, Calumet Park

Federal crackdown on expressway crimes

As I see it, it is imperative to attack criminality and attempted murder by the use of guns with every forceful measure available, bringing the ultimate penalties and federal charges upon offenders.

If I’m not mistaken, the federal highway systems (our expressways) were created in the 1950s. They are interconnected to create the labyrinth of expressways and freeways we all have become accustomed to, as drivers and passengers, over the decades. These roadways, through various funds, receive federal support for upkeep and upgrades.

Why, then, would criminal offenses committed on our expressways not be subjected to federal penalties, including incarceration? Expressways might otherwise become the wary and fearful passageways of the Wild West stagecoach era.

Such measures deserve support from governmental officials at all levels, including U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin and U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush. It’ time to fight fire with bigger and more effective fire. Let’s stop the mayhem.

Warner L. Baxter, Lakeview