W
ho really benefits from 'saving' the horses?
I've lived with horses my whole life and fed apples to Central Park carriage horses for years. The truth is, they're better cared for than ever before. Powerful real estate companies want to take over the stables near the Javits Center and are using horse accidents or deaths as an excuse to accuse the carriage industry of animal mistreatment. The Central Park Conservancy has been swayed by these interests, claiming overcrowding necessitates removing the horses.
However, I've never been hit or crowded by a carriage horse, but have been crashed into by electric bikes. Drivers are vigilant and take care to drive in their lanes. Before beautiful creatures are removed, let's examine the real reasons behind this decision. These iconic horses represent a romantic time that gives our city class, provide jobs for many people, and need these jobs as a second career after racing. Some may end up in dog food if they don't have these stables.
Please don't let the City Council sound the death knell on these beautiful creatures. Many of the carriage horses are ex-racehorses who rely on these jobs to survive.
Ranked
The 10 largest cities by violent crime rate, according to Wikipedia's 2024 listing, are: San Diego (76), Las Vegas (80), Chicago (109), San Antonio (120), Dallas (132), NYC (134), Los Angeles (145), Phoenix (157), Philadelphia (169), and Houston (185).
Run the numbers
Voicer Glenn Brown gave a skewed view of crime rates. Using 2023 and 2024 data, cities with the worst crime are Memphis, St. Louis, Baltimore, Detroit, Oakland, Little Rock, Cleveland, New Orleans, Birmingham, and Albuquerque. Republican states dominate this list.
Inaccurate anecdotes?
Every day we hear that crime is down in NYC, but every day we read about shootings, stabbings, muggings, robberies, and rapes on the streets and in subways. These activities no longer qualify as crimes or are not included in crime figures.
Imbalance of power
Trump threatened D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, saying she must stop giving false crime figures or bad things will happen. Threats, intimidation, and stealing classified documents – Congress, take action! You're letting this country become a dictatorship.
Halfway there
It's been seven months since Trump took office. According to Project 2025, the administration has completed nearly 50% of its objectives, including those outlined in the Heritage Foundation's blueprint for a fascist takeover.
Dealmaking
Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and world leaders at the White House to broker a peace deal with Russia. This summit happened after Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Hopefully, this war can end soon.
Soft on Russia
Whatever comes of Trump's involvement will benefit Putin. Trump's affection for Putin stands in contrast to his treatment of Zelenskyy at the White House. Putin is a war criminal and mass murderer – an adversary of the United States that used to stand for freedom, democracy, and human rights.
Prostitute prez
We all knew Trump's main squeeze was Putin, who promised him a Moscow Trump Tower. But still waiting at the altar was Trump's first love – Kim Jong Un. Donald, you're just a gigolo!
Humphrey's example
I consider myself a Humphrey Democrat and know that Hubert Humphrey would be outraged by this administration's actions. Blaustein suggests Democrats should take a lesson from Humphrey in accepting defeat graciously. Tell that to the current president.
Quiet from the pulpit
Where are our religious leaders? Not speaking out on crimes against humanity, but locking people up in cages and detention centers. How cruel. We're all children of God – how evil.
RIP
I bear the sad news that frequent Voicer Robert (Bob) Kralick passed away after a short battle with ALS. His incisive comments will be sorely missed.
Digital frontier
As parents, safety is always top of mind. But most parents don't think about the uncertainties our kids face when they go online. The App Store Accountability Act would provide a solution and centralize age verification to prioritize safety, privacy, and positive online experiences.
Boardwalk bikers
On a beautiful Friday after the storm, I saw a sign on the Rockaways boardwalk: "Bicycles must Dismount." Few did, and one cyclist went by so fast he must have thought he was in the Tour de France! Let's face it – most cyclists are a menace on the roads. Obey the rules and maybe the public will learn to accept you.
