Looking back at the election outcome

Dems’ key lesson: Voter wallets matter

The editorial “Trump’s win offers many lessons” Opinion, Nov. 7] mentions the economy as a factor in the election with a mere passing remark when it was the most important lesson to be learned.

Punch someone in the wallet and they cry out the loudest. Throughout history, we have seen money dictate nations’ actions. The Democrats missed the forest for the trees. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke of tax breaks for first-time homebuyers, loans for business start-ups and tax credits for children when most people across the country want help to pay the rent, cover their car insurance and get a price break on their commute. They don’t want to stagger out of the grocery store, not with the weight of their shopping bags but with the heavy weight of the question, “How do I pay my other bills?”

Most voters in this nation, though, have sold truth, honor and justice for the price of eggs.

— Scott Miller, Wading River

What I find most disturbing about the election is the realization of how far America has dramatically lowered the presidential bar. The qualities to be considered for president once included honesty, integrity, diplomacy and superior intellect. Back in the day, many parents sought to nurture those qualities in their children.

Today, parents would likely use several of President-elect Donald Trump’s traits to teach their children how not to navigate their lives. Yes, the presidential bar has been lowered.

— Thomas De Marinis, Smithtown

It was with pleasure that I watched late-night TV show hosts Jimmy Kimmel, Seth Meyers, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon acknowledge defeat after Donald Trump’s triumphant victory over Kamala Harris. After years of relentless Trump bashing and shameless bias, the four of them were finally humbled and had to eat crow.

Poking fun at both candidates would have been acceptable and even refreshing, but that was hardly ever the case. Night after night, the four of them ganged up on Trump with jokes that I considered unfunny, and they shilled for President Joe Biden and Harris. Ditto for “Saturday Night Live.”

Success is the best revenge, and Trump got his by winning both the Electoral College and popular vote.

— Angelo Vetrano, Floral Park

Yes, let students figure out election

It was refreshing to read how educators are handling the results of our recent election [“ ‘Intelligent discussion’: How Island educators are tackling the election,” News, Nov. 10].

I strongly agree with Jennifer Wolfe, a ninth grade teacher at Oceanside High School who is handling it objectively. She lets her students figure out things for themselves based on the facts and doesn’t push her own political views.

On the other hand, I’ve also heard from my grandchildren and others that some teachers are either filling their students’ heads with their own biased perspectives or not letting them discuss the election at all.

If we want our country to be a place where our children and grandchildren can live in peace and harmony, we should all listen to Wolfe and discuss our differences respectfully based on the facts.

We need to stop the “us versus them” mentality, be transparent and find ways to work together. After all, we are supposed to be the United States of America.

— Bob Slingo, East Northport

Just like Cher’s character said in the movie “Moonstruck,” “Snap out of it!” My parents often said that, and it taught us youngsters to not sweat the small stuff.

Parents shouldn’t encourage their kids to “feel sad about the election results — that it’s healthy to be unhappy with Kamala Harris’ loss.” No!

This is addressed to parents who have raised their kids to have their own way. Teach your kids the golden rule: “Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.” We learned that rule each week as kids in Sunday School. What do kids do on Sundays now, anyway?

Strong and patriotic Americans are raised by strong role models who have made mistakes, learned from them, and could stand on their own two feet to dance to any music.

— Carol E. Fiorilli, Stony Brook

I am saddened by the election tactics that have taken over our once trusted system of voting. The amount of disinformation is being spread exponentially from within and outside the United States.

To me, voting has always been a duty and a privilege.

— Harriet R. Feldman, Bellmore

A what-if about the 2020 prez ballots . . .

Here’s a somber thought for Democrats and never-Trumpers: Had Donald Trump won reelection in 2020, he soon would be leaving the White House.

— David DiBello, Bay Ridge