Should Convicted Felons Vote in Prison?
Dear Editor:
Queens State Assembly member David Weprin and Chairman of the State Assembly Corrections Committee was a guest speaker at the Lifers and Long-Termers Parole Summit held at the Otisville Correctional Facility on Friday, September 27th. This follows his previous attendance at the Lifers and Long Termers banquet held for prisoners in the Fishkill Correctional Facility on August 16th. Earlier this year he introduced legislation in the State Assembly to permit some prison inmates who committed murder or rape to be eligible for parole once they reach age 55 and have served at least 15 years of their sentence. The same legislation was introduced by Manhattan State Senator Brad Hoylman in the State Senate.
This legislation would permit the state prison parole board to assess a convicted felon’s potential risk to society as part of its decision on the possible early release of the inmate. Both Weprin and Hoylman reference as justification that allowing these criminals to be eligible for parole could save New York State a billion dollars or more over time.
Never shy around a microphone or photo opportunity, Weprin never promoted this legislation at one of his standard Sunday press conferences. You never read about it in one of his periodic newsletters mailed to constituents at taxpayers expense. The same will be true about his participation in the Lifers and Long Term prisoners banquet held in the Fishkills Correctional Facility.
These ultra liberal “politically correct” banquets and legislation compliments a similar push to allow convicted felons the right to vote while serving time in prison. Some want paroled felons the right to serve on jury duty. What’s next, reparations in the form of taxpayers rebates to reimburse ex-felons for lost income due to time served in prison? Weprin seems to be more concerned about braking bread with those who have committed various crimes than victims of murder, arson, rape, muggings, robberies, auto and identity theft or home break-ins.
I have no problems with educational or vocational training for prisoners so they can find employment versus going back to a life of crime upon release after serving their time. He has become politically not Kosher for Jewish and non Jewish voters looking for someone to represent our interests in safe streets, schools and neighborhoods. Remember this when he runs for reelection to the State Assembly in 2020 General Election and NYC Comptroller in the 2021 Democratic Party primary. He does not deserve your vote or financial campaign contribution. There are better candidates to represent your interests.
Sincerely,
Larry Penner
Synagogue Security Initiative Launched
Dear Editor:
As everyone knows, violent antisemitic hate crimes have been skyrocketing across the United States. We’ve had two synagogue shootings this year, and as we approach the High Holidays, when synagogues are traditionally packed with more congregants, it’s all the more important to ensure that members are security-aware. No congregation should wait for tragedy to strike to take their own security seriously.
Therefore, Americans Against Antisemitism has partnered with two security training organizations, SecurityIntel and Sons of Liberty, to offer totally FREE training to synagogues which includes security awareness, facility walk-through assessments that expose weaknesses and blindspots, active-shooter scenario response, and tactical/safety training.
“In times like these, with violent antisemitism on the rise, we can’t rely on others to secure our places of worship, so it’s imperative that we sure up our defenses,” said Americans Against Antisemitism founder and president, Dov Hikind.
Several synagogues have already signed-up ahead of the holidays as there’s no time to lose. If your synagogue would like to schedule a free training, contact [email protected] to set it up today.
Sincerely
Americans Against Antisemitism
Are Israelis “Racists’?
Dear Editor:
The Washington Post recently called Israelis “racists” because they are skeptical about electing more Arabs to their government. Instead of writing a balanced and fair synopsis of the background factors which contribute to their hesitation, you use this to unfairly smear Israelis again. Your newspaper’s clear emerging pattern of always blaming Israel while rarely, if ever, placing any responsibility or blame on Arabs, violates your own code of professional ethics.
Carolyn Glick exposes the true reasons for skepticism, ‘A note on Tuesday’s
elections’, “This week the Washington Post slandered Netanyahu — and Israeli society. The editorial board falsely claimed that the public’s aversion to including the Arab parties in a government is a product of racism. This is a lie. Israelis don’t want to share power with the Arab parties because there is not one Arab party that accepts Israel’s right to exist. There were Arab politicians elected yesterday that have written odes to terrorist murderers on their Facebook pages. Arab lawmakers were elected that have met with terror kingpins. Arab lawmakers routinely support the Palestinian war against Israel and express support for Hamas.
It is not racist for Israelis not to want Hamas supporters and champions of terrorist murderers in the Israeli government or receiving security briefings from the military and intelligence services. It is rational.”
Media bias always against Israel has become the new default norm. History teaches us- When they come for the Jews…you are next.
Sincerely
Ginette Weiner,
Scottsdale, AZ
Bernie Sanders’ Ties with Linda Sarsour
Dear Editor:
The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) called on Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders to sever his ties with Linda Sarsour, who was recently named a surrogate for his campaign.
Sarsour is a co-founder of the Women’s March, which was heavily criticized for fostering anti-Semitism and refusing to condemn Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has a history of making anti-Semitic comments. She is also an unabashed supporter of the anti-Semitic BDS movement and has a troubling track record of making derogatory comments about Jews.
“The National Council of Young Israel calls on Senator Bernie Sanders to immediately end his campaign’s relationship with Linda Sarsour in light of her controversial history of anti-Semitic comments, anti-Semitic associations and anti-Semitic support,” said NCYI President Farley Weiss. “There is no room in any political campaign for anti-Semites to have a role, regardless of whether they are there in an official or unofficial capacity.”
“Bringing Linda Sarsour, who has demonstrated open animosity toward the State of Israel, on board a presidential campaign is a tremendous cause for alarm,” added Weiss. “Her anti-Semitic statements, her eagerness to vilify Israel, her blatant disregard for the Palestinian Authority’s ongoing glorification of terrorism, and her proud support for the BDS movement, which Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated is unquestionably anti-Semitic, are beyond the pale. Individuals who exhibit hate and promote anti-Semitism should have no involvement whatsoever in a political campaign for the presidency of the United States. It is our hope that Senator Sanders will do the right thing and immediately distance himself from Linda Sarsour and her hate-mongering ways.”
Sincerely
Nat’l Council of Young Israel
