In the name of Dr. King
To The Editor:
On the holiday remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, as I read about all the marches, prayer breakfasts and dinners, awards ceremonies and other events, this headline jumped out to me: “Richest 62 people have more money than poorest half of the planet.”
Today our world is torn apart by war, terrorism, racism and all kinds of violence, and it is hard to read about it every day — especially about the war and economic refugees, as well as the homeless here in America. In all the quotes honoring and remembering Dr. King, I saw very few talking about the headline I shared above.
If Dr. King were still alive today, I have no doubt he would be putting worldwide economic inequality at the top of his list for protest and change. Many of the other terrible events and violence today can be directly linked to poverty and greed. I hope we will really honor his memory by fighting to address income inequality.
John Penley
Improve, expand Medicare
To The Editor:
Re “We need universal healthcare in New York State” (talking point, by Kim Behrens RN, Jan. 21):
Healthcare when we are healthy and working and no healthcare when we are sick and can’t work is not healthcare security. We need healthcare when we need it. Take healthcare off the table in our workplace and provide healthcare for everyone when it is needed, not just when we are healthy and working.
America cannot compete effectively in the market paying double-digit cost increases for healthcare. A health tax based on income, in place of a premium paid to insurance providers, gives stability to the insured and the healthcare medical providers.
Don’t wait to open that next insurance premium notice and hope that you can afford to maintain your coverage. Improve and expand Medicare for all. A 50-year success record is proof that it works for the elderly, the sickest and the disabled. Imagine what it could do for us when we are all paying in based on our income for sustainable healthcare and not being afraid of what that next premium bill will cost.
Betty Madden
What about his kids?
To The Editor:
Re “Shame for Purple exposé!” (letter, by Laura Zelasnic, Jan. 14):
Really, Laura Zelasnic? David Lloyd Wilkie got away with the most heinous of crimes. Obviously, you weren’t raped or molested as a child. But really? You should be ashamed of yourself.
Bernadette O’Reilly
Purple haze
To The Editor:
Re “All Purple’s daughters” (news article, Jan. 21):
Was this article really necessary?
Sylvia Rackow
Housing, not tech!
To The Editor:
Wait! I don’t understand. A great piece of city-owned land, and the Economic Development Corporation wants to build a tech start-up?
The city is complaining how it has no land for affordable housing. This property, at 124 E. 14th St., is a prime site. Who are they kidding about tech start-up offices?
It’s your land, New York City. Build 100 percent affordable housing, whatever that really means in terms of availability income-wise. We want real New Yorkers in our community — and the affordability issue is questionable — but just build housing for real people!
On the lower level, build a community center for young kids from the schools and neighborhood to learn how to be part of this so-called tech start-up — don’t put a CVS there.
This is out of control. The city does not need to use its property, once again, to accommodate vague private interests.
Should the head of E.D.C. — who is not an elected official — be telling this community why on precious city-owned land we cannot build affordable housing?
That said, with the exit of PC Richard, where do I buy a stove? A fridge? I bought all my things through them. Is everyone in New York City buying stoves online?
Kriti Siderakis
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