Readers sound off on the Trump administration, Dianne Feinstein and The Doobie Brothers

Claims of Trump’s successes don’t match reality

Slidell, La.: Let’s revisit Voicer Fred Schoeneborn’s recent letter with some facts and recent history instead of right-wing propaganda. Donald Trump inherited a good economy in 2017 that had been growing for more than seven years under the Obama administration. The economy under Trump cratered, mostly a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, but with an assist from Trump and his nonstop lies about the impact of the virus.

Gas prices declined under Trump as a result of the collapse of the economy due to COVID. Trump had nothing to do with lowering them. The current spike in gas prices can be attributed to Trump’s pals in Saudi Arabia (Mohammed bin Salman) and Russia (Vladimir Putin). They have cut back production by a million barrels a day in their effort to help reinstall their good friend back into the White House through higher gas prices and the related impact on inflation. President Biden has not initiated any policy to impact the price of gas.

Perhaps those 13 service members lost during Biden’s initiative to end the war in Afghanistan would have been prevented had Trump not orchestrated the release of 5,000 Taliban terrorists right before he left office. Schoeneborn also failed to mention the 63 service members lost during Trump’s administration.

The Biden administration inherited the border crisis from Trump. I am sure our Republican-led House will promote legislation to resolve the border crisis before the 2024 elections, as border legislation is in the purview of Congress, not the president. Facts and history matter, and maybe the adults in Congress will be able to resolve all critical issues impacting our economy and border security, but I’m not holding my breath. Gerard Kay

Earlier origins

Bergenfield, N.J.: Voicer Josh Greenberger blames Biden for the current inflationary cycle. If only a complex subject could be so simple. The short story on today’s inflation is the result of the actions of the last three former Federal Reserve chairs pumping free money into the economy, the $7 trillion dollars that Trump added to the debt and add COVID to the mix. Then Trump’s tariffs provided the trigger. Then the tariff-free products were exhausted from the supply chain, many products went up 50-70% overnight. It will take years to control, if ever, and the pain will be felt by the little people, as usual. Al Schwarzler

Fitting framing

Brooklyn: To Voicer Pauline Graham Binder: Thanks for a good laugh with the great title “Donald Duck and the Seven Schmucks.” I could not have said it better myself. Hilarious! June Lowe

Capitol offense

Bronx: Donald Trump really needs to start shutting his big mouth. I, like many, am sick of hearing him and about him. He does not know what he is talking about. He is an outright spoiled brat, couldn’t make it in military school and not only would he not release his taxes, he won’t even release his school records. That alone says how dumb he is. The idiot wants to execute everyone who isn’t absolutely loyal to him. Are the members of the Republican Party so far up his rear end because they fear for their lives? People are loyal to their country and loved ones, not to a person whose loyalty is only to himself. Donald J. Trump is the only one guilty of treason! Tell him to get against the wall. Anna Maria McCorry

Escalating rhetoric

Howard Beach: MAGA cult members and MAGA-tized politicians have gone from “lock her up!” to “hang Mike Pence!” to “execute Mark Milley!” How long before these deluded minds decide that killing is permitted? Vote out the lawless before murder becomes the norm! Ernest Kienzle

Tribute to a trailblazer

Manhattan: Dianne Feinstein became the first female mayor of San Francisco in 1978, served in the Senate for three decades and was an advocate for justice and gun control, and a trailblazer and mentor: We say goodbye to Dianne Feinstein / a champion of democracy / a role model as a public servant / an adversary of injustice and autocracy / A strong supporter of women’s rights / devoted to our country / she fought for freedom and equality / and left a shining legacy / She tried to work across the aisle / to make America stronger / Even in her failing health / She felt it was her duty to stay longer / We honor all your many years / working to do what is right / Thank you for your dedication / You always fought the good fight. Phoebe Celentano

Man of mystery

Manhattan: Re “Pols to Adams: Stop being so secretive about Rikers” (Sept. 28): May I add that Mayor Adams’ secrecy about where he lives, who supports his expensive lifestyle, the qualifications of many of his highly-paid appointees and more are as unsettling as his position on Rikers Island. Frankie Turchiano

Reading between the lines

Manhattan: To Voicer Mariann Tepedino: Another welcome letter from you! For clarification, do my cats and I assume that by “rats,” you were referring to the morons who govern us, and by “rain,” you meant the hourly deluge of drivel they unleash? Ameen Keshavjee

Untapped workforce

Brooklyn: A very wet messenger came through in the very worst weather delivering medicine to me that was not an emergency. He was soaked and declined coffee or shelter. I could not help thinking about all the able-bodied migrants who recently arrived in NYC, are willing to work and are being made to wait for work permits while the city, state and federal governments quibble about who is going to pay for their essential services and where they will stay. Give the migrants who are willing to work their permits and let them work and live without further delay. Steven Rosenzweig

Between seasons

Brooklyn: If you live in an old NYC apartment building, good luck. This season is the absolute worst time to have no control over the overall temperature in your home. It’s too cold to turn the air conditioner on, it’s too rainy to open the windows and according to the superintendents, it’s too hot outside to turn on the heat. What do we do? Daniella Agayeva

Earlier iteration

Bronx: Chris Jones’ enthusiastic review of the new “Purlie Victorious” revival omits the 1970 musical that introduced Cleavon Little and Melba Moore. That musical was also joyous and politically potent, and deserves mention in the context of the revival of the play. The music of the 1970s “Purlie” was joyous and powerful and got the message across. Marc Sawyer

Wise one

Hallandale Beach, Fla.: I am very saddened by the news of the passing of Michael Gambon, who masterfully played Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter films and taught us so much through this iconic character. Rest in peace, Professor Dumbledore. Paul Bacon

Undersold

Wilton, Conn.: I read Voicer Richard Warren’s letter. I had heard about Jann Wenner being kicked out of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s board directors, well-deserved after all his comments about why he didn’t include certain people for his book “The Masters.” But for Warren to call The Doobie Brothers a “mediocre inductee” is an outrage. Their hits are all classics and they were one of the first bands to have an integrated membership. So I say thee nay to him classifying this great band that way! Think of the song “What a FOOL believes” when he writes another lame letter! Nelson Jimenez

Inviting controversy

Arlington, N.J.: Thursday morning, while listening to the “All news, all the time” radio station, I choked on my morning coffee when I heard the news reporter say he thought it was a good idea for the New York Jets to hire Colin Kaepernick as a backup quarterback. If that were to happen, it would only take one game before Al Sharpton and the rest of the race-haters were screaming that the only reason Kaepernick was not playing is because he is Black. If the Jets were to sign Kaepernick, it would be akin to letting a rabid fox into the henhouse. Armand Rose