Hochul Dismisses Correctional Officers: Letters to the Editor

Deserted watchtower

Was it wise to eliminate over 2,000 prison guards without any plan for replacement (“NY’s Prison Crisis Isn’t Over,” Editorial, March 12)?

It’s not exactly an appealing job, and their concerns regarding working conditions were valid. Instead of addressing their issues and retaining them, what’s next? Deploy the National Guard?

Haven’t they already been stationed on the subways? It appears Gov. Hochul has a singular solution for every issue: costly overtime and the National Guard.

Carol Meltzer, Manhattan

Menendez turmoil

I was relieved to learn that Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman will oppose the reconsideration of the Menendez brothers’ sentences (“Bro way, guys,” March 11).

Given his strong reputation as a capable former assistant U.S. attorney, I had confidence he would see through the façade created by the brothers and their misguided advocates.

However, I’m disappointed that Hochman has left the possibility for reconsideration open if the brothers decide to “come clean” after decades of deceit. They committed a heinous crime and must be held accountable. The Menendez brothers should serve their complete sentences — for life.

Mitchell Schwefel, Barnegat, NJ

Tesla backlash

Tesla vehicles were once all the rage in liberal havens such as San Francisco and New York City (“Teslas on fire in Seattle,” March 12).

These cars presented no gas issues (or guilt), and charging them was lauded as an eco-friendly alternative. Everyone wanted a Tesla, and Elon Musk was celebrated as a hero.

Now, after Musk’s political shifts, people are setting charging stations ablaze, vandalizing Tesla outlets, and damaging vehicles. Musk has evolved into a deeply divisive figure and is widely disliked.

In my view, the Democrats are a party characterized by hatred and hypocrisy. They were the ones who bought the cars, remember?

Lorraine Fittipaldi, Apollo Beach, Fla.

Climate concerns

I was unsettled by the recent article where Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed climate preparedness as “climate change crap” (“No climate ‘crap’: Heg,” March 10).

He appears unaware of the significant financial burden that extreme weather events driven by climate are imposing on his department’s budget.

The Pentagon has already allocated over $11 billion to repair bases that hurricanes and typhoons have damaged. These expenses directly impact the Department of Defense’s budget. Furthermore, rising sea levels add additional risks.

The National Defense Strategy clearly identifies climate change as a security threat. Military planners aren’t politicians; they respond to tangible data to safeguard the nation.

When the defense secretary disregards climate preparedness as “crap,” he’s not only dismissing scientific facts — he’s neglecting strategic realities and endangering our military, bases, and national security.

Frederick Hewett, Cambridge, Mass.

Soft on crime

I wholeheartedly agree with your editorial regarding Bronx DA Darcel Clark’s stance on criminal justice (“Darcel Clark’s Dim Denial,” March 13).

Any liberal district attorney could easily be substituted for Clark, including Alvin Bragg. Their philosophy leads to only more crime in the communities they are tasked with protecting.

Mike Klarman, Branford, Conn.

Would you like to share your thoughts on today’s topics? Send your responses (including your full name and city of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters may be edited for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.