Stephen Yang
Vanishing history
It should come as no surprise that the current generation of American students don’t know our nation’s history (“U. don’t know jack,” July 17).
This trend has been underway for years, with colleges and public schools dismissing history studies as irrelevant. Equally disturbing, the seminal conflict of World War II that gave rise to today’s troubled geopolitical borders is often given little more than one class period in an entire school year. Previous surveys revealed that many students couldn’t even identify who the Allied leaders were. It is dangerous for a nation to forget its heritage.
Lawrence Kadish, Old Bethpage
Squad, no longer
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has lost endorsement of the Democratic Socialists of America for sponsoring a forum on antisemitism (“Socialist diss for standing by Jews,” July 12).
To explain her split with hard-line socialists, look no further than the Squad’s travails. Rep. Jamaal Bowman lost his primary race, and Rep. Cori Bush is trailing behind her challenger.
What is going on here is that Ocasio-Cortez is gradually distancing herself from the rest of the radical Squad. Siding with pariahs is not a good look for a climber with political ambitions like AOC.
Richard J. Carhidi, Manhattan
Out of tune
I have one note on Ingrid Andress’ inebriated rendition at the Home Run Derby (“Star-Mangle Banner alibi K,” July 17).
When Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” in 1814, he issued a challenge to every American singer, and many yet unborn: Our National Anthem is profoundly difficult to sing, thanks to the extreme high notes.
Why the outcry over Andress? How many others have bombed trying to perform the song, even without a liberal sampling from the hotel minibar?
Oliver Mosier, Brooklyn
Florida investment
The Post raised concerns about investing in Miami Beach due to rising sea levels and hurricane frequency (“Real estate guru cautions against these Florida cities,” July 11).
While these challenges are real, Miami Beach is actively addressing them through cutting-edge infrastructure improvements, comprehensive stormwater management, flood mitigation and strong financial management.
Miami Beach’s strategic approach has earned high investment-grade ratings from Standard & Poor’s (AA+) and Moody’s, reflecting confidence in our financial health and resilience strategies. Moody’s highlighted our efforts in raising sidewalks, streets and stormwater systems, demonstrating our commitment to proactive climate change mitigation.
Overall property values in Miami Beach have risen for the third consecutive year, demonstrating market confidence. We are a thriving community, committed to resilience and sustainability. Our strategic investments to protect residents’ homes and investments will ensure a vibrant and livable city for generations to come.
Alex Fernandez, Commissioner, Miami Beach, Fla.
Let’s ban AR-15s
I don’t think most Republicans know that the AR-15-style assault rifle used in the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump is the same category of rifle that President Biden has been trying to ban for over a year (“ ‘By luck or by God . . . I’m still here,’ ” July 17).
I’m praying that Republican lawmakers will now start strengthening gun-safety laws, instead of weakening them.
Sharon Austry, Fort Worth, Texas
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