Remember the hero union workers of Ground Zero<\/p>\n
Manhattan: Last Saturday, I marched in the annual NYC Labor Day Parade up Fifth Ave. with union construction workers from every building trade working in New York City. I was proud to march with them for building, rebuilding, renovating, repairing and replacing parts of the city necessary to keep it going.<\/p>\n
I began as their official chaplain in the aftermath of that fateful day on Sept. 11, 2001. They lost 61 union construction workers that day \u2014 60 men and one woman. I would like to remind the public of the tremendous presence of the building trades during the rescue and recovery period at Ground Zero. The union construction workers comprised 80% of the total workforce on that sacred ground.<\/p>\n
They overcame one of the greatest challenges in the contemporary history of New York City. In late September 2001, they were given the demolition and cleanup of Ground Zero, with a certain period of time and with a certain budget to accomplish this mammoth task. Most construction experts considered this impossible. Not only did they complete this mandate under budget and well before the time allotted, but they did this under extremely delicate conditions without a single fatality or serious injury during those nine months.<\/p>\n
I hope and pray that the keepers of the New York City archives include this unique legacy in present and future history books. Do not forget the inspiring contribution of union construction workers at Ground Zero! Father Brian Jordan<\/p>\n
Hamstringing help<\/p>\n
Manhattan: Let us not forget first responders and local residents, as their deaths are almost triple the nearly 3,000 who died that day, with another 50,000 stricken with cancer. With all the talk about RFK Jr.\u2019s testimony before a Senate committee, mainly about HSS policies focusing on staffing and vaccine policy, did anybody notice how he continues to shut down any communication between the WTC Health Program and the 9\/11 community? The program can\u2019t inform the public about updates on new conditions that may now be included as 9\/11-related, nor consider new ones. He has even ignored New York congressional leaders who are trying to get a response from him. Maybe the measure of the man is exemplified by his brazen disregard for those suffering, and an ego that makes all things not begun by or staffed by him somehow part of a corrupt establishment that must be dismantled. John Brindisi <\/p>\n
Selective uproar<\/p>\n
Staten Island: I\u2019m deeply disturbed to hear of the shooting of Charlie Kirk<\/a>. However, I can hardly wait to hear the sanctimonious uproar from the MAGA crowd. It\u2019ll probably sound something like \u201cthe woke leftist commies should all be held responsible for such a heinous act.\u201d I just hope we will be able to actually hear this uproar over the deafening sound of crickets in the wake of the Minnesota political shootings, or the noise of the chickens coming home to roost. Victor R. Stanwick<\/p>\n Suspicious coincidence<\/p>\n West Hempstead, L.I.: I believe they need to take a look at the person who asked Kirk the question about mass shootings. I believe that person may have been acting in concert with the shooter through a cell phone or other device. It\u2019s very coincidental that that exact moment was when he was shot. Frank Feeley<\/p>\n It\u2019s who we\u2019ve become<\/p>\n Dartmouth, Mass.: In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Kirk, for House Speaker Mike Johnson to say \u201cThis is not who we are\u201d has to be one of the most disingenuous or woefully ignorant statements he has made publicly. Unfortunately, this last decade has witnessed many political assassinations or attempted ones. This violence has been precipitated by the divisive and threatening speeches and provocative online accusations. This would have been a perfect opportunity to dampen the political rhetoric and cease the false narrative that stokes the grievances impelling these murderers to commit horrific rampages or assassinations. Lying, mischaracterizing or manipulating this tragedy for political points only intensifies the fury and resentment that undoubtedly contributed to this assassin\u2019s violent action. Betty Ussach<\/p>\n Here we are<\/p>\n Woodstock, N.Y.: This is what you get when you suggest there should be \u201cSecond Amendment solutions\u201d to our problems in this country. Anyone remember who it was that made that suggestion? Suzanne Hayes-Kelly<\/p>\n No prophet<\/p>\n Brooklyn: Kirk was quoted at a President Trump fundraiser in Georgia as saying that Democrats \u201cstand for everything God hates.\u201d He had no right to speak for a God who abhors hate and embodies love. Gary Butler<\/p>\n Misplaced honor<\/p>\n Tarrytown, N.Y.: Watching Captain Bone Spurs use Kirk\u2019s murder as political martyrdom is utterly disgusting. America flying our flags at half-staff for a political pundit is everything that is wrong with our country right now. Will we also do this when Sean Hannity passes? It doesn\u2019t surprise me either to find out that when President Jimmy Carter passed away, Mar-a-Lago didn\u2019t fly the flag at half-staff for 30 days as was done throughout the country. No one should be hurt or killed for their speech or beliefs. Utilizing this honor and distinguished process for someone like Kirk just cheapens the gesture for those who truly deserve the national tribute. Stephen Talenti<\/p>\n Suddenly anti-violence<\/p>\n Scranton, Pa.: When Nancy Pelosi\u2019s husband was nearly killed in their home by a MAGA nut with a hammer, Don Trump Jr. responded in a dementedly joking manner. When Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s house was burned, empathy and sorrow from Trump were nowhere to be found. When Democratic Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were shot dead in their home, the MAGA minions couldn\u2019t care one iota. After they tried to overturn a free and fair election, beating and maiming dozens of cops, their dear leader pardoned them and gushed that in his book, they were tops. Yet, when one of their own was senselessly murdered in full view of their crowd, they accuse the other side of promoting hatred and violence, wearing their hypocrisy as a badge. Vin Morabito<\/p>\n Learn the terms<\/p>\n Kew Gardens: It\u2019s a sad day when the American public doesn\u2019t know the meanings of socialism, communism, Zionism and antisemitism. Try looking these up in a dictionary if you didn\u2019t learn it at school. Leslie Duzant<\/p>\n Self-interested<\/p>\n Staten Island: Thank you, Daily News, for \u201cCash for Andy and a big gig for Eric<\/a>\u201d (Sept. 10). Everything I needed to know was contained in the subhead \u201cBillionaires desperate to stop Mamdani raise dough to boost Cuomo while hoping 7-figure job will get Adams to bow out.\u201d Anyone who thinks billionaires care about you and me and not their bottom line needs their head examined. Ellen Settanni <\/p>\n Misrepresentations<\/p>\n