Who’s the Real Patriot, Tammy Duckworth or Tucker Carlson?

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/10/opinion/letters/tammy-duckworth-tucker-carlson.html

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To the Editor:

Re “America’s Imposter Patriots,” by Tammy Duckworth (Op-Ed, July 10):

Senator Duckworth, the Illinois Democrat and Iraq war veteran, exemplifies what a true leader possesses: the ability to state an opinion with grace and poise yet “packing a powerful punch” when necessary. She defends the Fox News host Tucker Carlson’s and President Trump’s right to criticize her while illustrating what they both lack: true patriotism.

Linda K. HavronBayport, N.Y.

To the Editor:

Re “I No Longer Believe in a Jewish State” (Op-Ed, July 9):

With all his soothing words about equality and blissful coexistence, Peter Beinart is calling for the elimination of the Jewish state itself. His contortions to argue that Zionism does not require an independent Jewish state are transparently false and a tactic to rationalize the dismantling of a sovereign Israel.

The fact that his notion of Palestinians and Israelis living in peace in one state is belied by the history of the Middle East is almost beside the point. Where else on earth would the idea of an independent sovereign state disappearing from the map be acceptable except in the case of Israel?

Alone among states in the United Nations, Israel’s existence is put in question without consequences, sometimes in blatant and obviously hostile ways, such as by Iran, Hezbollah and Hamas, sometimes by those like Mr. Beinart who argue in softer terms, framing their position in terms of human rights.

There’s not much difference in the end. Both violate every norm regarding sovereignty of a nation. In the final analysis, such calls are themselves anti-Semitic, or at the very least, as in the case of Mr. Beinart, play into the hands of the anti-Semites.

It is time to focus on getting the parties back to negotiations. Israel needs to make clear it is open to a two-state solution that would bring security, justice and dignity to Israelis and Palestinians. And the Palestinians must move from their longstanding rejectionism that has hurt them so badly and has brought us to this day.

Ken JacobsonNew YorkThe writer is deputy national director of the Anti-Defamation League.

To the Editor:

Re “Does N.Y.P.D. Get Too Much? Perhaps It’s Asked to Do Too Much” (front page, June 29):

Defunding the police is nothing more than political three-card monte, moving money from one side of the budget to another, a game in which no one wins and contributes nothing to change the behavior of the police or the tactics they use. It is a misplaced rallying call and draws attention away from honest debate about measures that could result in needed changes to modern-day policing.

The highest numbers of negative encounters the police have with the general public are related to the police’s issuing of tickets. How many lives have been lost that began with the issuing of a ticket? And yet local governments tacitly demand it of their police departments, as they financially benefit from strict enforcement of minor infractions.

Defund politicians. Prohibit the practice of local governments counting on revenue from police tickets as a part of their yearly budget.

Robert KellyNew YorkThe writer is a former police commissioner in Mount Vernon, N.Y., and a former chief investigator for the Westchester District Attorney’s Office.

To the Editor:

“In 70 Deaths in Police Custody, the Same Three Gasped Words” (front page June 30) is a call to action that documents a national shame as shocking as genital mutilation or bride-burning.

One basic principle of humanity, and especially of law enforcement, should be that when someone says “I can’t breathe” in response to something you’re doing, believe it!

Max J. SkidmoreOverland Park, Kan.