House passes bill banning TikTok, Letters

The Issue: The House has passed a bill that could potentially result in the ban of TikTok if the China-based owner does not sell its stake.

The House of Representatives has initiated steps towards potentially banning TikTok or putting pressure on ByteDance to divest its stake (“House socks TikTok,” March 14).

This bipartisan legislation was spearheaded by Rep. Mike Gallagher, a Republican from Wisconsin. The outcome remains to be seen, but there are lingering questions at this stage.

One of the questions is, who were the 65 representatives who voted against the bill? National security should be of utmost importance.

The uncertainty of Senator Chuck Schumer about bringing the bill to a vote is puzzling, but there may be political factors at play. President Biden has indicated he would sign the bill if it passes through the Senate. It is crucial to enact this bill into law to limit China’s influence.

Bob Robustelli

Stamford, Conn.

This scenario perfectly embodies the saying “Closing the barn door after the horses have bolted.”
TikTok is already deeply embedded in American youth culture.

It also serves as a distraction, focusing attention on this potential ban while neglecting more pressing issues.

Kathryn Ruskin

Boynton Beach, Fla.

China aims to expand its global influence, and the Chinese Communist Party recognizes that the addictive TikTok platform can assist in achieving this goal. Beijing is aware that American youth are susceptible to misinformation.

Disallow the Chinese-controlled version of TikTok and allow an American patriot to acquire the company.

JR Cummings

Manhattan

I believe TikTok should not be owned by a Chinese company. It may be more acceptable if owned by a company from a non-hostile country. The Chinese have easy access to our data, although they may have alternative means to obtain it regardless.

The issue of social media platforms tracking our information across various platforms also needs to be addressed. That is the real concern here.

I have reservations about section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which indemnifies internet platforms from liability for user content. Social media should be held to the same standards as cable news or newspapers.

Mindy Rader

New City

The Issue: The state Assembly is moving to repeal an outdated law that prohibits sex outside of marriage.

Kudos to Assemblyman Charles Lavine for his efforts in repealing the adultery law (“State of affairs: lawfully bedded,” March 14).

While some may argue that issues like crime, illegal immigration, inflation, and failing education demand lawmakers’ attention, evidently this is not the case. Our legislators have their priorities. This unenforceable law will now be consigned to the realm of outdated concepts like shoplifting and stop-and-frisk.

Robert Mangi

Westbury

What we are witnessing here is lawmakers engaging in what is known as “bikeshedding” (or “Parkinson’s law of triviality”): dedicating significant time to trivial matters while overlooking more critical concerns.

Presently, left-wing members of the state Assembly are focusing on insignificant matters instead of addressing issues like sanctuary-city policies and the failures of bail reforms. This system led to the release of a migrant in New York who later allegedly murdered a nursing student, Laken Riley, in Georgia.

Martin Garfinkle

Staten Island

The Democrats are eroding family structures, morality, values, and religion. The repeal of this law is the final blow.

Anton Loew

Manhattan

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