Calling all kittens: Get fixed fast
Brunswick, Me.: If you like cats, you’ll really like this letter. If you don’t like cats, you’ll also like this letter. We can come together on this!
If you don’t like cats, this proposal means far fewer cats doing the things that annoy you. If you do like cats, it means those born will be more likely to find good homes. Here it is:
If enough people get their cats “fixed” before five months of age, there could be about two million fewer cats born in the U.S. each year. This will doubtless delight those who don’t like them, but will also delight those who do like them. Until now, there has been much confusion about when to spay/neuter cats, and most people seemed to think that six months or later is the right age — but by six months, cats can and very often do have a litter. Those kittens can have their own litters five months later. No wonder the shelters were full! No wonder there were so many unwanted cats roaming!
This past year, the most prestigious national veterinary organizations agreed that for medical and behavioral reasons, and because of the overpopulation of cats, the best age to fix them is five months, right after their kitten shots.
February is now officially Feline Fix by Five month, and whether you like cats or hate them, you can ensure there will be fewer by spreading this message: Fix felines by five months. Esther Mechler
The violence still with us
Manhattan: It is a tragedy, yet not a surprise, that the first homicide of 2018 is tied to domestic violence (“Man found hung — wife dead in stab,” Jan 2). As the city boasts the lowest number of murders since the 1950s and a drop in major felonies, occurrences of domestic violence have not subsided. On the contrary, intimate partner homicide in New York City accounts for a growing share of murders. As women are empowered to speak out against their abusers through national movements and high-profile role models, we can expect to see another uptick in reported cases. As we celebrate the seemingly safer state of our city, we must also take a hard look at the significant challenges that remain in protecting victims of domestic violence. Fortunately, the mayor has doubled down on ending domestic violence through new legislation and commitments. We must join together and build upon the city's efforts. it is the role of every organization, family, friend and neighbor to take action for domestic violence awareness and prevention. Together, we can better define, understand and provide resources so that all victims recognize the signs of domestic abuse and feel empowered to escape. Nathaniel M. Fields, Urban Resource Institute and Center Against Domestic Violence
Our Flint
Manhattan: Lying Mayor de Blasio and thoroughly unqualified Chairwoman Shola Olatoye have turned the New York City Housing Authority into another Flint, Mich. Children living in NYCHA housing are suffering levels of lead contamination that will cripple them for life. Would the mayor have considered these same conditions acceptable for his own children? Olatoye has done nothing but wreak havoc during her tenure and should be immediately replaced by an independent commission established to oversee and manage NYCHA. The need could not be more urgent to begin the process of creating a safe and healthy environment for these beleaguered New Yorkers. Sheila Evans
Too hot to handle
Jamaica: I pass the Baisley Park Houses every day, and every day windows on the bottom four to five floors are open, even in subzero weather. That’s how old the heating systems are in these buildings, and not just the Baisley Park Houses. In order to get heat to the top floors, the bottom floors bake. It’s obscene. Maybe the city should look into solar-powered hot-air heating, putting panels on each building, allowing better control and more economical heat. This is just ridiculous. Yvonne Williams
Come home, Bill
Brooklyn: How can any New Yorker applaud Mayor de Blasio for climate courage when NYCHA tenants had to endure plunging temperatures with no heat? Can they sue Bill de Blasio and the city? De Blasio and Controller Scott Stringer can’t take subways to help the environment and to save taxpayers’ money because they need to be driven around for their egos, and now Bill wants to fly around like Al Gore. Mayor, stop the phone-in public relations and start feeling the people of New York City. Suzannah Troy
Back to Barack
North Arlington, N.J.: The News has printed a ton of letters on the 2% Social Security increase, or lack of one, but not one letter addressed the fact that during Obama’s eight years as President, for three years there was no increase at all. Also, the raise in Medicare insurance payments that almost everyone complained about for 2018 was determined during the Obama presidency. Armand Rose
The personal is political
Brooklyn: Re “Missouri governor admits affair, accused of blackmailing woman with photo” (Jan. 11) and his lawyer’s statement that “This personal matter has been addressed by the governor and Mrs. Greitens privately years ago when it happened”: It is not a “personal matter” when the sleazebag governor runs on “family values.” What family — the Manson Family? Jay Hirsch
A voice for the vote
Flushing: I am disabled and will be unable to attend the rally to #LETNYVote and be heard when Gov. Cuomo decides the 2018-19 state budget. However, I wish someone could express my opinion, as expressed here: “Equality is guaranteed under our Constitution. Unfortunately, when it comes to rules and legislation regarding the voting process in New York, many are outdated, restricting the equality of each important individual. One person, one vote should determine the nomination of candidates, as well as electing the winner based on the majority of all votes cast. I therefore call upon our governor to listen to his constituents to reform New York’s outdated and unfair voting process by including early voting funding and legislation in the 2018-19 state budget. Time for fair and equal representation in New York State’s voting process.” Josephine Tsatsakos
Wall to ruin
Katonah, N.Y.: When will Congress stop kowtowing to President Trump’s whims? America can’t afford $18 billion for his wall after paying for his massive and unfair tax cuts. I forget. How many times was it that this guy filed for bankruptcy? Four or five? Mark my words, he’s going to ruin this country. Gregg Cunningham
Losing candidate
Oakland Gardens: I suppose that the Daily News is now going to back another loser with Oprah Winfrey. Dennis Gavarian
Ad out
Garwood, N.J.: I want to thank the Voicer who wrote about the disgusting surgically exposed knee in the paper every day. You did it! Sorry I don’t remember your name, but I felt the same as you. It was an assault on the eyes. I read the Daily News page to page. After your letter, they stitched up the meaty bloody knee. You did it! Who says Voicers’ complaints don’t matter. Thank you. Joan Tully
Ad in
Bronx: Why would a newspaper like the Daily News, which has featured so many articles condemning the sexual abuse and harassment of women, run a full-page advertisement for a pill that triggers “all-day arousal in men”? Aren’t some of them aroused too much? Paulette Sorg
Have faith, Gary
Paramus, N.J.: My heart broke when I read the sad letter from Voicer Gary Schwartz. He feels there is no God, no life after death, and he sounded as if he was in despair. Gary, I have been where you are. First, I left the religion I was born into. I studied the Bible. I went through a period of despair just like you where I believed just like you. I decided to search for answers. I didn’t expect much, maybe something small to grasp onto. I was shocked to find out there is more than enough hard evidence to make belief in God extremely reasonable. It is overwhelming, to be honest. I suggest you take the same journey. I recommend three books to start, all by Lee Stobel: “The Case for Christ,” “The Case for Faith” and “The Case for a Creator.” There are countless others. The Daily News has my permission to put you in touch with me. Call or email me. There is incredible reason to hope. Let’s talk. Don’t despair. Johnny Farina
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