Women As Property Controlled By The State

7.1.22

To the editor:

I am incredulous that Erika Bachioch suggests that the pro-life movement must convince pro-choicers that unborn children are 'not expendable property' (7.1.22, What Makes a Fetus a Person ). She equates the 'my body, my choice' argument with a 'my body as property right.' I disagree. It is an assertion of agency and free will, the antithesis of property. it is an acknowledgement of our history of enslaving black women, owning them as property, and forcibly impregnating them. It is an antidote to the the patriarchal and racist remnants of our history.

This is Donald Trump's legacy - he used the religious right to get into office and they used him to get what they wanted. It will take a lifetime to undo the damage he has wrought. Women's bodies are being controlled by the state. And those women who can least manage an unwanted pregnancy will be the most affected.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg

On Conservative Rationalization

6.12.22

Ross Douthat argues that an 'everybody's implicated sensibility' makes unlikely that the House January 6 Committee will succeed in convincing the public of Donald Trump's unique danger to our democracy (6.12.22, He's not going away). He speaks of the inadequate coverage of the arrest of a man who intended to kill Justice Kavanaugh before changing his mind and turning himself in to authorities.

I am uncertain what adequate coverage would look like in Ross Douthat's eyes. Perhaps it might include his incorporating into his piece how 'liberals' in California have put Democrats on notice that gun violence needs to be addressed. Perhaps it might include a rebuke of Fox News for abdicating its responsibility to its viewers to show the hearings to a skeptical public.

More than anything, it might mean criticizing the very attitude - 'everybody's implicated' - he seems to adopt in his piece by acknowledging that accepting a complex reality does not justify eradicating difference. Valuing the truth is a non-partisan value. Lying in an effort to steal an election is wrong.

Respectfully submitted

Larry S Sandberg

The Supreme Court's Indifference To The Gun Epidemic

6.23.22

To the editor:

The conservative justices on the Supreme Court choose to be willfully blind in ruling in favor of a more expansive interpretation of the Second Amendment (6.23.22 Supreme Court strikes down New York law limiting guns in public.). We have more guns than people in this country. There is an undeniable epidemic of gun violence with innocent lives lost to homicide and suicide every day. Do the justices consider how this ruling will impact this epidemic? Do they care? Does the right to bear arms in public trump the right to life?

Respectfully submitted

Larry S Sandberg

The Problem of 'Everybody's Implicated'...

6.12.22

Ross Douthat argues that an 'everybody's implicated sensibility' makes unlikely that the House January 6 Committee will succeed in convincing the public of Donald Trump's unique danger to our democracy (6.12.22, He's not going away). He speaks of the inadequate coverage of the arrest of a man who intended to kill Justice Kavanaugh before changing his mind and turning himself in to authorities.

I am uncertain what adequate coverage would look like in Ross Douthat's eyes. Perhaps it might include his incorporating into his piece how 'liberals' in California have put Democrats on notice that gun violence needs to be addressed. Perhaps it might include a rebuke of Fox News for abdicating its responsibility to its viewers to show the hearings to a skeptical public.

More than anything, it might mean criticizing the very attitude - 'everybody's implicated' - he seems to adopt in his piece by acknowledging that accepting a complex reality does not justify eradicating difference. Valuing the truth is a non-partisan value. Lying in an effort to steal an election is wrong.

Respectfully submitted

Larry S Sandberg

Groundhog Day ...

5.24.22

To the editor:

Another massacre in another elementary school ... after another massacre in another supermarket ... after another shooting in another place of worship. We are living in a war zone of our own making. We are literally killing ourselves. We have come together as a country to help Ukraine in their fight with Russia. How many more innocent lives must be lost? How many more families have to be devastated by traumatic loss before the alleged grown ups in the room - our elected politicians - unite to take concrete steps to prevent the next tragic shooting?

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg

Fighting Despair To Battle Gun Violence In Our Country

5.28.22

To the editor:

Michelle Goldberg expresses an understandable but dangerous sentiment in response to the recurrent nightmare of gun violence in our country: hopelessness, helplessness and despair (5.28.22, America May Be Broken Beyond Repair). But if we allow ourselves to be governed by these feelings we will be living out a self-fulfilling prophesy.

Gun violence is an American problem that cuts across political party affiliation. The majority of Americans - almost 90% - support legislative efforts to reduce the carnage. The majority of American households - 58% - do not own guns. Self-serving politicians like Ted Cruz manipulate and deceive their constituents for personal gain.

Gun violence is the leading cause of death in young people in this country. Activism, whatever form that may take for each us, is the only path forward. If we give in to despair, we will have lost the battle to protect our children.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg

Mental Illness and Gun Violence

5.28.22

To the editor:

Thank you, Bret Stephens (5.28.22 America Is Under The Gun), for expressing disgust at Republicans who blame mental illness rather than the proliferation of guns for our country's shameful distinction of arming its citizens who commit acts of violence. This self-serving stance among power hungry politicians reflects an abdication of responsibility twice over.

First, and most obviously, it blocks common sense legislative efforts to make our country safer under the perverse rationale that assault weapons are needed for self-defense. Second, and more perniciously, it pro-gun rhetoric perpetuates a form of toxic masculinity that makes more likely that those young men who are deeply disturbed will act out violently. There is insufficient attention, in my opinion, to the gender bias that defines gun violence and how our 'sick' gun culture sickens the minds of vulnerable young men.

Respectfully

Larry S. Sandberg

Transphobia in Texas

5.13.22

To the editor:

Whatever uncertainty exists within the medical community with regard to the treatment of transgender youth, it is reprehensible that Governor Abbott of Texas has chosen to weaponize this complex issue for political gain (5.13.22, Top Texas Court Allows Abuse Inquiries of Transgender Youth). It is worth considering what kind of person conjures the notion of 'abuse' in relation to loving parents trying to help their child receive medically accepted treatment. Governor Abbott displays his own willful ignorance, utter lack of empathy, and abuse of power to advance his own career ambitions. We can only hope that the public will not reward him for trying to turn this issue into a political winner.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg

Sexism on Display Talking About Vice President Harris

12.16.21

Sir:

I am always open to Brett Stephens ’s ideas even from a quite differing political sensibility, and especially enjoy his dialogues with Gail Collins as they respectively disagree but aim to find common ground on many vital issues we confront. But his remark that Vice President Harris “seems lighter than air” seem below a level of journalism and frankly sexist if not racist. We know well that the standards for women in our culture and scrutiny of their behavior if in politics are far higher a bar . There are numerous examples of males who misfire in major ways and are forgiven including our ex president who has dramaticially endangered our democracy and displays behaviors even a lay person could associate with mental illness, but he remains popular . We know that many of the actions of our VP are not covered by the media , but her headphones were. Does Mr Stephens truly believe that Mike Pence, and Dick Cheney have gravitas? I hope Gail Collins can address his rudeness with him. At a time when the assault on women’s right to reproductive health care is rampant, we hope journalists will share their viewpoints in more respectful ways.

Sue Matorin

Ginni Thomas and Justice Thomas being 'equally yoked.'

3.25.22

To the editor:

Let me get this straight: Ginni Thomas texts Mark Meadows 'I can't see Americans swallowing the obvious fraud' after Donald Trump lost to Joe Biden (Wife of justice urged overturn, 3.25.22). Clarence Thomas, her spouse and Supreme Court justice, has spoken of his wife's activism glowingly adding 'we are equally yoked, and we love being with each other because we love the same things.'

Does Justice Thomas believe the presidential election was stolen? Does he believe fraud was committed to get Biden into the White House? Does he believe the election results should have been overturned? More to the point: does he believe it is ethical for the wife of a Supreme Court justice to use her influence and power to contact members of the White House staff in an effort to overturn election results?

If, in fact, Clarence Thomas is 'equally yoked' with respect to these matters, our country has a major problem on its hands. If he doesn't, he has a major marital problem on his hands.

Respectfully

Larry S. Sandberg

Is The Free World Doing All It Can In Ukraine?

3.20.22

To the editor:

I find little comfort in Maureen Dowd's opinion that 'No matter what happens in Ukraine, Putin will be a loser with no moral stature and Zelensky will have towering moral stature.' (3.20.22, Putin chokes on a 'midge' named Zelensky). While I agree with Dowd's sentiment, when she says 'no matter what happens...,' it gives me pause. War crimes are being committed. Millions of people are being displaced. Thousands of innocent lives lost. Cities reduced to rubble. We are witnessing incalculable loss perpetrated by a 'loser.'

I understand there is a balancing act between coming to Ukraine's defense and provoking an escalation of violence. Yet millions of Ukrainian lives hang in the balance amidst an unfolding tragedy that lacks moral ambiguity. I cannot help but wonder if the West's caution is excessive caution; if cowering has prevented the West from joining Zelensky and more forcefully displaying its towering moral stature in taking more decisive action.

Respectfully submitted

Larry S Sandberg

Debating Parenting Styles While Ukraine Burns and Childen Die

3.11.22

Sir:

As we helplessly watch the carnage in the Ukraine as parents struggle to spare children from death, escape and comfort them in subway bomb shelters, or trek thousands of miles in the freezing cold with a stuffed animal and one suitcase, I ponder the narcissism we are free to indulge in to debate parenting styles. This is surely a luxury of first world problems, and out of sync not only in the Ukraine nightmare, but even here for our parents mired in poverty .

Sue Matorin
Social Work Faculty
Dept of Psychiatry
Weill Cornell

Zelensky: A comedian turned politician and hero. Trump: A clown.

3.6.22

To the editor:

Amidst the unfolding horror of Russia's invasion of Ukraine is the stark contrast between the heroic, courageous leadership of Volodymyr Zelensky and the vacuous self-centeredness of Donald Trump (Maureen Dowd, 3.6.22, Two performers, one hero). President Zelensky is willing to fight and die for his country; Donald Trump was prepared to destroy ours. Zelensky is working hard to unify his country, and the world, against evil; Trump's mentality was to sow division within our country and among our allies. Zelensky is speaking truth to power; Trump used power to pervert the truth. Zelensky epitomizes altruism and patriotism; Trump envy and greed. Zelensky was a comedian turned politician; Trump a politician who was a clown; i.e., a President who never should have been taken seriously.

Respectfully

Larry S. Sandberg

Activists Need Protection on Social Media Platforms

10.13.21

To the editor:

Farhad Manjoo argues that "we can't begin to solve our real problems if we keep getting wrapped up in exaggerated ones" (The Moral Panic Engulfing Instagram Oct. 13 2021). This is exactly how I feel as a young activist using social media to make change while reading the news about social media's harms

Social media isn’t going anywhere any time soon and the general outrage distracts from the actual harms present on the platform that need immediate and urgent solutions. Online harassment and abuse is a persistent reality for many marginalized young folks online- and the resources to deal with it are sparse. Rape threats, objectification, and solicitations for sex are frequently reported by minors using Instagram. As a gender justice activist, online gender based abuse is ever present for me and other activists within my network. 

On Tiktok, many activists (myself included) report facing censorship when raising awareness about abuses faced by marginalized groups. Conversations about social media’s harms must center those doing change-making work on these platforms and help activists deal with hurdles we face online. This will allow us to continuing making change on and off line.

Respectfully submitted

Sophie M. Sandberg

Founder, Chalk Back

Homelessness: In Plain Sight

2.20.22

To the editor:

Frank Bruni writes movingly about how his sudden loss of vision in one eye altered his perception of and sensitivity to the usually hidden suffering of others ('Losing my eyesight helped me see more clearly, 2.20.22). He speaks of an imaginary 'sandwich board' that would display our personal, private hardships.

I found the metaphor sadly ironic as I reflected upon my morning walk where numerous homeless people were asking for money for food. Nothing hidden except, perhaps, psychiatric illness - an additional adversity. I struggle in these moments to not turn a blind eye from what's right in front of me and to answer for myself, as best I can, what I can do to alleviate this suffering.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg

SOCIAL MEDIA AS A TOOL FOR ACTIVISM

To the Editor:

As an activist with a large Instagram and TikTok following of teenage girls, I believe Ross Douthat’s (Instagram is Adult Entertainment, Sept. 28) claim that social media should be an adult platform disempowers the very population he seeks to protect. Many young people are using it as a tool to make social change.

For me, social media has been critical in building a global youth-led community on six continents to address gender-based street harassment. The movement, Chalk Back, started over five years ago in New York and could not have grown without social media. Social media continues to be essential for expanding educational and solidarity building activities.

There are challenges to using social media to make change. Algorithms highlight mindless content over those addressing important social issues like sexual harassment. Ironically, on TikTok we have been banned for posting stories of harassment (our posts sharing stories of street harassment faced by teenagers are flagged as adult content.) 

Rather than kicking young people off of these platforms, social media giants need to take seriously their potential power in creating social change. Offering space for consultation between young activists and social media companies would be a powerful first step. 

Respectfully,

Sophie Sandberg 

A FATAL SHOVE ... AND THE MISUSE OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM

February 6, 2022

To the editor:

The tragic death of Ms Ho at the hands of a severely ill untreated mentally ill man once again sheds a spotlight on the misuse of our legal system , the wrong milieu , to intervene for such illness. It was always the plan to replace deinstitutionalization with community based care for such persons. Each fresh tragedy highlights our failure to do so. We have tools — Kendra’s Law, mobile crisis teams, injectables that do not rely on medication access and compliance, and many dedicated interdisciplinary teams of professionals with extraordinary skills to engage such challenging dangerous clients . Two other ingredients are missing : (1) the recognition that some individuals are too ill to ever live outside of a sanctuary asylum type environment. (2) Stigma— for cancer and cardiac disease we apply science and compassion. For the severely mentally ill we rely on an inappropriate legal system and a patchwork of interventions. Then a tragedy, then a review of what we know, and then the lack of will to fix it. Perhaps we can honor the wrenching loss of Ms Go with a new law in her name that demands integrated care.


Sue Matorin MS ACSW

NY NY

John Lewis as Hero and Role Model

To the editor:

Has this country ever been a 'community ... held together by a common story' (10.15.21, David Brooks, What America Means To Me: 2021)? In moving away from his childhood, sanitized view of this country's 'greatness' (a view with which I can identify given my own privileged white blue collar roots), Brooks speaks of the creative responses of 'humiliated people' ... 'flowing through American history.' But this is its own sanitized version and, at best, half the story.

Humiliation is like a cancer that can destroy the soul and weaken rather than empower those groups treated in a degrading way - this is common. What is rare is the capacity, the inner resilience, to not allow oneself to feel degraded. This capacity was epitomized by John Lewis who when beaten by the police insisted on making eye contact with his abuser. He insisted on asserting his humanity and appealing to the humanity of his abuser. Similarly, gay 'pride' as an activist slogan is a powerful antidote to shame and humiliation for these marginalized folks.

There is no feel good narrative about this country and the fortitude of those who do not succumb to humiliation and degradation without confronting head on the cruelty - sometimes intentional and sometimes inadvertent - of the oppressive structures we have put in place harming indigenous people, people of color, women, and the hardworking blue collar workers that keep our country running.

Respectfully,
Larry S. Sandberg

Unity, unity, unity...

11.5.21

To the editor:

David Brooks(11.5.21, Democrats must confront their privilege) argues that a vision of 'unity, unity, unity' is needed rather than 'us/them thinking' for Democrats to succeed. Yet Brooks engages in his own polarized thinking by labeling efforts to deal with structural racism and historic oppression as an expression of an elitist attitude. It seems thoroughly inoffensive to offer as evidence the recent Virginia governor's race where the role of parental involvement in education became weaponized by Republicans. But Brooks conveniently leaves out the context: legislative efforts to ban books like Toni Morrison's Beloved from the curriculum because of the distress it may cause.

Unity ('All men are created equal ...') comes up against the reality of slavery; unity comes up against our mistreatment and killing of indigenous people. Unity comes up against the persistent ways in which inequality persists in our society.

There can be no healing and sustained progress without some form of 'truth and reconciliation' as took place in post-Apartheid South Africa. While progressive Democrats may at times be insensitive and intolerant to the views of others, they have never embraced a 'divide and conquer' mentality as a path to victory. Maybe Republicans should heed Brooks advice and seek a true unification that acknowledges our complicated history.

Respectfully

Larry S Sandberg

Assault On The Truth

1.9.22

To the editor:

Rebecca Solnit (1.9.22, An assault on the truth) is not exaggerating when she describes as delusional those Americans who are convinced the election was stolen and that our democracy, therefore, is under threat. The vast majority of these individuals are not otherwise mentally ill. But a delusion, by definition, is a fixed false belief unchanged by the facts.

Many Republican politicians have blood on their hands for manipulating a (as Solnit points out) gullible part of the population. But it's those Republicans who know better, who are patriotic, but remain silent who ultimately bear responsibility for the threats to our democracy. Those people who have been deceived must see more Republicans in positions of power come forward with the truth. Democrats have no sway with this sector of the population.

Sincerely

Larry S Sandberg