Faulty reasoning signals

• Negativity Bias - 33.7%
• Hasty Generalization - 22.9%
• Availability Heuristic - 16.4%

Article text

(Henry Guttmann Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

By Voice of the People | voicers@nydailynews.com | New York Daily News

PUBLISHED: July 8, 2026 at 3:00 AM EDT

Our country’s not perfect, but it’s ours

Fresh Meadows: Voicer Joseph N. Manago’s depiction of the U.S.A. as led by a criminal government and his refusal to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary raises the question of why he’s residing in Briarwood. Unlike his ancestors who crossed an ocean to find a life unavailable in their native land (photo), Manago can return from whence they came. It seems hypocritical to stay and benefit from a place that has, according to him, offered only racism, bigotry and genocide.

As a Catholic who doesn’t agree with President Trump’s remarks about the pope, I refuse to let Trump live inside my head and make my life miserable. Rather, I’ll be proud of my country even with its imperfections, which we should always strive to improve, but not with hatred and disdain. Catholics have been and are a fundamental part of the American government, including two Catholic presidents. If one person’s opinion or comment upsets your apple cart, then you’re giving them too much weight and living in a fantasy world.

I remember stories of my grandparents and granduncles and aunts terrified of the Black and Tans during the 1920s and how horribly the British treated Irish Catholics, but that didn’t stop them from living their lives, nor did they spew hatred. Even after Ireland gained independence, they voluntarily came here. If the U.S. was so horrendous, as Manago asserts, this wouldn’t have been possible.

Whitestone: A photo of a Black woman surrounded by members of the white supremacist group Patriot Front on a Washington, D.C. subway train has gone viral, with several people on the internet suggesting that it’s the defining picture of America today. It’s not. It’s the defining picture of Trump’s racist America. Those white supremacists are not simply citizens exercising free speech. One can only hope that their racist energy drinks contain an ingredient that will render them infertile.

Unacceptable intelligence

Long Branch, N.J.: In light of the recent Boston Celtics trade of Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia, chatter emerging from Boston is saying that for some within the Celtics chain of command, it was felt that Brown was too smart. What does that mean? Well, as this country celebrates its 250th birthday, we should all remember that not long ago, if a Black man or women could read or write, that was considered a death sentence. So after 250 years, it doesn’t appear that we’ve changed much.

Myrtle Beach, S.C.: I voted for Trump. I stand by my vote and I respect all citizens’ right to vote and who they vote for. But if the Democrats want a change, you’re telling me that all you have is Kamala Harris? That’s your solution? Instead of bashing the president, tell me what your solution is.

Manhattan: I didn’t think Folarin Balogun’s hit deserved a red card, but what does it say about FIFA to change the call based on a phone call from the White House ? FIFA, which has been accused of being corrupt, certainly looks even more corrupt now. If our corrupt president can call FIFA and get them to change the call, should another country’s president have the same ability? Would America mind if another country’s leader (maybe even a team America will need to play) called FIFA to change a call?

Bronx: To Voicer Lisa Allen: There are too many decent, honest people, rich or dirt poor, who are affected by criminals who choose to rape, murder, steal from and harm them. Unfortunately, the hundreds of programs at their disposal don’t help. For someone who chooses a criminal life, whether they belong in a mental institution or prison, if convicted habitually, they should be incarcerated indefinitely. I’m sure the aforementioned law-abiding public would not shed a tear.

Paramus, N.J.: This is Machiavelli’s “The Prince” all over again. Instead of bogus street-sweeping machines in Paris, we have the exact same thing today, right here in New York City. Besides, alternate-side of the street cleaning is just another parking-ticket money grab! Those Sanitation Department street sweeper machines are bogus. They leave the flotsam and jetsam behind and just blow the other garbage around. It all ends up clogging those tiny storm sewer openings. It costs little to pontificate about climate change. Cleaning sewers and streets — that costs money. Mayor Mamdani collects taxes from property owners, and that money is frittered away on his zany ideas, not used for storm sewer cleaning. Years ago, when storm sewers had large, full-curb-face openings, they were somewhat self-cleaning, yet cities frequently dredged these systems. Today, streets and sewers need even more frequent cleanings, and it’s just not happening.

Bellerose: There are those who say there’s no global warming. Well, I disagree. Last week in many areas, it was hot, hot, hot. I’m a senior, and my wife Eva is on an oxygen machine. Our major problem is losing power, and we hoped this wouldn’t happen in the heat wave. Many people were not so lucky. My prayers go out to all who lost power. Prayers also go out to all of our senior citizens, especially those with health issues. This summer, please check in on your neighbors who may be hurting.

Frederick Robert Bedell Jr.

Brooklyn: To Voicer Michael Udolf: I’m glad we agree that Bibi Netanyahu and his ilk are monstrous, and yes, there are Israelis who believe that what Israel is doing in Gaza is terrible. However, they’re a minority, so they really don’t count. It’s the right-wingers who call the tune, and they’ve always prevailed since 1948. In fact, a recent Haaretz poll found that 82% of Jewish Israelis support expelling Palestinians and 56% back the expulsion of Arab citizens in Israel. Given those whopping numbers and Israel’s predilection for assassinations and outright lies, it’s hard to see how that fascist policy will stand the test of time. So, Michael, are you mad at me for possibly predicting the future? Accuracy in doing so shouldn’t make someone a monster. The true monsters are the people who’ve been in power for so long. The onus is on them and their supporters.

Effort, Pa.: All this debate about whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza is irrelevant. Whatever you call it, it’s wrong. Totally — legally, morally — wrong.

North Bellmore, L.I.: This is the fifth week that the Crossword II solution, this time to the Saturday puzzle, is from an unknown Crossword II in the Monday puzzle.