The immigration debate is distorted by misconceptions
Manhattan: If your vote in the upcoming election is primarily based on immigration and the economy, you might want to start by walking around your city. Do I then feel threatened with physical violence from people who speak little or no English? I don’t. No one I know has ever been a victim of immigrant crime. Research from the National Institute of Justice shows that immigrants, documented and undocumented, commit fewer crimes as a percentage of the population than U.S. citizens.
When you look around the stores and restaurants, you see immigrants working there and serving the public. They work in jobs that many people, especially men, no longer want to do, such as on farms (pictured). The U.S. Chamber of Commerce says there is currently a shortage of workers and that there are currently 8 million job openings. There is a shortage of nationals in jobs that require more advanced skills, such as nurses and doctors, so many immigrants fill those jobs. These workers contribute to the town’s economy by paying taxes and buying things in stores and supermarkets. These help keep stores open. According to a study by the Congressional Joint Economic Committee, immigrants spend $1.3 trillion annually. Even though some immigrants pay taxes, they are not eligible for Medicare or Social Security. By paying taxes, you can keep everyone’s taxes low.
We should vote based on facts, not fear or misplaced hatred. When we vote based on fear, we only undermine the economic vitality of ourselves and the communities in which we live. We must treat immigrants with respect and welcome them to strengthen this country. ralph palladino
keyword
GREENWOOD LAKE, N.Y.: Once again, New York’s hometown newspaper has lied by omission. Your editorial “Hear the Message of the Statue of Liberty” (October 28) addressed the anti-immigrant stance of the right. In the true tradition of yellow journalism, you omitted the word “illegal.” The Democratic Party has taken a tough stance on (illegal) immigration, but let’s be honest. After four years of doing nothing, they’re just proving they’re posers. Joe Fioramonti
An educated crowd?
Brooklyn: How many buses did Donald Trump have to take his supporters to his Madison Square Garden rally? Charlie Pisano
predictable
Manhattan: Slightly Funny Racist Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe has defended his offensive jokes about Puerto Rico by claiming he loves the country and vacations there (“Your ‘comedy’ is ‘trash'”). ” (October 29). Why didn’t he just say, “Some of my best friends are Puerto Rican”? mark portnoy
obvious gathering
Bronx: Trump rally at MSG was absolutely deplorable. Even more insulting than the unscrupulous comedian’s racist comments was the fact that the audience did not boo him. Those in attendance, whether stunned or not, were willing to accept the insults rather than respond with negative reactions or strikes. So why did Donald Trump and J.D. Vance appear hours after the insult and verbally apologize to the audience? This is because he failed to show the audience that he was worthy of an apology. The campaign’s apology on behalf of its sponsors was hollow and disingenuous. And now, days later, President Trump has not apologized because, in his own words, he feels he doesn’t deserve an apology to a despised ethnic group. I really hope Tuesday’s MSG event is his Achilles heel. pamela butler
Damnation
Carolina, Rhode Island: Your headline is an outrageous lie. There were 20,000 people inside MSG and many more who couldn’t get inside because the outside was filled with Americans of all races and backgrounds. There was no hint or tone of racist remarks at the rally. I also came from New England to be there. You and your kind are traitors to America and the American people. You are traitors to God Himself. You don’t report the news, the facts, the truth. You are propagandists for the illegitimate and evil Obama/Clinton/Biden regime that stole our country. You are doing the bidding of a bureaucracy that is holding America hostage. This is why I no longer watch cable TV, read newspapers, go to the movies, or support companies that don’t stand for the truth. MAGA or Marx, God or the Devil? We are ankle deep in the apocalypse of Jesus Christ. kevin mcdonough
haven’t read it
Woodcliff Lake, NJ: I have been a Daily News reader for over 40 years, but after Monday I will no longer subscribe. I haven’t even opened the paper I bought. All I have to do is look at the headline for the “Racist Rally” article on the front page. Your newspaper is such a rag, so divisive and critical, as if you were the moral compass of New York. We don’t even have proofreaders who can spell it correctly. Everything about your newspaper (especially the articles) has gone to the dogs and here we are again, a longtime customer who has decided to say goodbye. By the way, you and your entire staff are racist. Kathy Renken
black history
Jacksonville, Florida: In 1939, thousands of Nazi supporters stormed Madison Square Garden in New York City. On Sunday, thousands gathered again at MSG to listen to a lineup of Nazi-style speakers, from clown Tucker Carlson to so-called comedians who called Puerto Rico a “floating pile of trash.” If thousands of Americans haven’t woken up yet, they will never wake up to find out who this straw-haired, orange-face-painted former presidential idiot is! Carl J.C. Hafner
I’m sitting a lot
HAMPTON BAYS, Louisiana: President Trump asked me on Sunday if my life is better now than it was four years ago. Yes, that’s right. Now you can buy toilet paper. gene kelly
known quantity
Highbridge, NJ: I was told I needed brain surgery. The options for surgery are Dr. A, who has 4 years of successful experience, or Dr. B, who has no experience in surgery, but he is a good talker. It’s an easy decision if you’re not taking stupid drugs. I mean, Doctor A, it’s because your life depends on it. Why would the presidential choice be any different? Mr. Trump is already doing his job very effectively, but Kamala Harris says nothing about her past or potential leadership abilities. America’s future depends on the choices of voters. Is World War III more likely just because you hate Trump and voted for Harris? I choose peace and prosperity instead, that’s what Trump’s record shows. Deeds, not words. Dennis Ferrer
influence
Manhattan: Elon Musk is spending millions of dollars to tip off the election to Donald Trump. Bad Bunny won’t spend anything and will probably tip Harris off on the election. Three cheers to Bad Bunny. This is just democracy in action. leonard smoke
Please push through
Manhattan: Kudos to the Daily News for highlighting a “new era of climate change” (“The Tempest and the Aftermath” editorial, October 28). We weren’t prepared for Hurricane Sandy 12 years ago, and with Greenland and Antarctica melting, we’re hardly prepared for what’s to come. The editorial board bravely touched on the thorny issue of bureaucratic and other delays that impede climate change mitigation projects. Limited funds serve as a convenient cause or excuse for such blocks. And our governor prevents $2 billion in fossil fuel profits from funding climate change mitigation each year by not signing the Climate Superfund Act. Governor Hochul, please heed Sandy’s warning and our basic needs today. Sign the Climate Superfund Act. Thomas A. Caffrey
Putting the rider first
Oceanside, Lili: Regarding “Hochul must protect transportation before it’s too late” (op-ed, Oct. 28): My objection is the opposite. Submit the MTA’s books to an independent audit to wash away all wasted money. Protecting and respecting passenger numbers is the next priority. Address fare evasion and recover millions of dollars in uncollected funds. The safety of subway and bus users is second most important, and lastly, the cleanliness of mass transit for passengers using these transit systems. The governor must first protect residents and ridership, and then protect the MTA’s interests. Tony Giametta
