‘Poster Law’

“Asked when the Sanitation Department would begin to slap fines on Poster Law violators this year, [Sanitation spokesman Keith] Mellis said, ‘I can’t give you a date'” [“Campaign Ad Law May Be In Effect, But Is it Effective?” Daniel Hemel, New York, August 11, 2005].

I’ll give the city a date on when it can enforce its laws. Now! And yesterday, too.

My name is Barry Popik, and I’m the “little-known” (your words) Republican candidate for Manhattan borough president. I do not put up illegal posters, but my opponents do. Why must I suffer for obeying the law? Why must my opponents be allowed to benefit?

Has anyone who has visited Washington Heights and Inwood not seen the illegal Adriano Espaillat posters for Manhattan borough president littering every pole? I met Scott Stringer on a corner at West 23rd Street; his illegal poster was right behind him.

I received a letter from Sanitation not to put up posters, as did every other candidate. And frankly, we all knew or should have known about the law even without this letter.

I have called 311 to report illegal postering. My call was directed to Sanitation. Sanitation is not enforcing its own laws? No penalties for anybody? Why did I even bother to follow our laws? Why should anyone? Is 311 a joke, too?

Sanitation must enforce its laws immediately, or its commissioner must be replaced.

BARRY POPIK
Manhattan

‘Securing Estrangement’

Re: “Securing Estrangement,” Colbert I. King, Opinion, August 1, 2005. I am baffled by Colbert King’s argument that attempts, however ineffective, to protect New York City inhabitants from terror attacks by “profiling” is labeled as “racist.” Nor am I convinced that Mr. King’s recitation of criminal acts by “white males” and IRA bombers supports his thesis that “terrorists” come in all shades; or that the terrorists in Russia or female suicide bombers “can’t get anymore Caucasian than that.”

First, it is debatable whether each and every case cited by Mr. King is considered a “terrorist” act.

Second, each of the cases cited by Mr. King was limited to a specific country and/or a specific target.

Third, in none of the cases cited by Mr. King have the perpetrators enunciated a goal of taking over the world or recruiting candidates on a worldwide basis to spread terror and havoc.

Fourth, in none of the cases cited by Mr. King has there been an infiltration by “cells,” or schools in host countries with the express purpose of undermining the values, culture, and religion of the host countries.

Fifth, in none of the cases cited by Mr. King have the perpetrators launched a global war.

We are in a time of war. Whether or not Mr. King agrees with America’s foreign policy, the fact remains that we are at war. And in a time of war, we are expected to make some sacrifices – not only the military overseas, but also civilians at home.

Mr. King also is concerned that profiling may result in “a push-back unlike any seen in this country in many years.” But if such a “push-back” occurs, it will only be because those who would be pushing back do not see themselves as contributing, in however small a measure, to the war effort. Because they have been inconvenienced, Mr. King appears to feel quite comfortable in magnifying that inconvenience into a “race” war, rather than recognizing that this inconvenience is a small price to pay, compared to what our military is asked to pay and to the price the victims of terrorism have already paid.

NORMAN MEDNICK
White Plains, N.Y.

‘The Law Is the Law’

Re: “The Law Is the Law,” Paul Greenberg, Opinion, August 10, 2005. To be sure, the potential deportation of these illegal immigrants and the attendant separation of parents from their children are tragic, but don’t blame the law. These illegal immigrants were aware of the consequences of their actions should they be discovered, and they chose to assume the risk.

Incarcerating a drug dealer is tragic for his children. The execution of a murderer is tragic for his parents. Nevertheless, they are held responsible for their actions. Do not fault the law that people who flout it must pay the price of their choices.

JACK ABRAMOWITZ
Manhattan

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