Democrats' messaging, GOP rhetoric, accountability, teen drivers, e-bikes

Dems’ weak words helped GOP win

Rep. Tom Suozzi acknowledges that New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani successfully spoke to voters’ main concern: the cost of living [“Redefine the Democratic Party, return to roots,” Opinion, Nov. 10]. But he rejects a socialist approach in favor of a form of capitalism that “must work for everyone.” Suozzi, along with the party’s leaders, seems to ignore why most Long Island Democrats lost decisively last week.

Only about a third of registered voters here voted. The Republicans got their people to the polls. The Democrats did not inspire enough of their own party, independents, and disillusioned Republicans to do so. As the city’s massive voter turnout demonstrated, Democrats — yes, even democratic socialists — win when the electorate shows up.

Falling for the opposition’s “anti-communist” propaganda, Democrats missed the opportunity to rally middle- and working-class voters around the issues of affordable housing, child care, education, and reforming a tax system favoring the ultrawealthy.

The Democrats failed to distinguish themselves from what the Republicans now represent: a political party whose leader and members value power and money above all else, whose idea of “law enforcement” includes cruelty toward immigrants, and who have conveniently forgotten what happened on Jan. 6.

If the Democrats lose Long Island next November, they have only themselves to blame.

— Elizabeth Donlon, Floral Park

After reading how Tom Suozzi says the Democratic Party is protecting our democracy, I find it strange that their 2024 presidential candidate, former Vice President Kamala Harris, did not win one primary.

In 2020, the Democrats discussed who would run in 2024. Few at that time believed former President Joe Biden would be the candidate. If Biden had been convinced to step down earlier and the party had primaries, a better candidate might have been nominated. This would have given the American people better choices than President Donald Trump and Harris. Many Democrats may have felt that their voices were not heard.

— Phil Tretola, Bethpage

Rhetoric, not results, ruled GOP campaigns

I’m not sure which island Rep. Andrew Garbarino lives on [“LIers stuck with common sense this election,” Opinion, Nov. 10]. He claims that Republican candidates “earned the trust of their communities by focusing on results, not rhetoric.”

Perhaps he instructed his local mail carrier to not deliver the dozens of political flyers like the ones I received here in Nassau County, mostly Republican, which absolutely touted rhetoric. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, claiming that opponent Seth Koslow “favors rape,” is focused on results? District Attorney Anne Donnelly claiming Nicole Aloise “supports criminals” isn’t rhetoric?

Once again, politicians in this county seem to live in a reality far different from mine.

— Tom Sena, Merrick

Gov’t accountability starts at the top

The Nov. 13 editorial [Opinion] is headlined “Americans need a working gov’t.” Who would disagree? That idea, though, later degenerates when addressing President Donald Trump’s thought process: ”Whether his pronouncements are about . . . probing the cost of hamburger meat, sending $2,000 tariff rebate checks or creating 50-year mortgages . . . the thought process seems to be heading in the right direction.” That’s hardly reassuring.

While the editorial blames all branches for just “posturing,” its solution is: The government must work for “struggling Americans.” This editorial postures against what it criticizes.

Trump’s current ratings are at his lowest ever, 33% of all surveyed American adults “Poll: Trump’s approval drops,” Nation, Nov. 13]. A primary motivation that consistently seems to inspire this president is his approval. He tests the winds on social media.

The editorial board should call Trump to account. Blaming all representatives in Washington effectively blames no one. Place responsibility directly where it belongs. It is Trump who will continue to fail us unless he senses we know what he’s about.

— Hank Cierski, Port Jefferson Station

With teens in motion, safety is left behind

New York State eliminated junior licenses over 25 years ago because youthful drivers in our rising population were becoming more and more dangerous. We no longer give privileges for drivers under 17, with some exceptions.

Now, with the popularity of e-bikes, 14-, 15-, and 16-year-old children — with no training, no license, no helmets, etc. — are allowed to ride scooters, e-bikes and other electrically motorized vehicles [“Community rallies around family of boy killed,” News, Nov. 8]. Rules went out the window along with safety and regulations. These children ride on bike paths, sidewalks, and roads with reckless abandon because they apparently have no training or don’t seem to care.

Only multiple tragedies like this one may get parents and lawmakers to realize they can’t leave it in the hands of children. And then act.

— Michael Limmer, Wantagh

The writer taught driver education for 50 years at Oceanside High School.