Fallen officers, North Korea, images of 2014

Equal mourning

Re “Thousands in New York attend slain officers’ funeral” (Page A6, Dec. 28): The sheer arrogance of the New York Police Department demonstrates to the world the NYPD needs a reality check. They are public servants of the people of New York, and sent to protect and serve those people. They are not paid to be judges and executioners.

I am saddened that all through the platitudes about the fallen officers, all I could hear were the last words spoken by Eric Garner: “I can’t breathe.”

We all have shady uncles and nephews who seem to always be trying to make financial ends meet by doing semi-legal activities, but do they deserve to be held down by two police officers while a third officer chokes them to death? Neither did the two officers just sitting in their car deserve to be murdered, but in my opinion there were three murders, and they all deserved to be respectfully mourned and adjudicated.

The bigger picture than ‘The Interview’

Re “‘The Interview’ really does subvert North Korea’s regime” (Viewpoints, Dec. 27): Hats off to Hollywood in exercising First Amendment rights. Let’s not forget, however, that underneath the smartly scripted, ad nauseam comedy lies the worst type of man’s inhumanity to man.

President Barack Obama urges Americans to go to the movies. I urge Americans to read “Nothing To Envy” and see the bigger picture of abominations happening in North Korea today.

In this remarkable, candid page-turner, laughter levels fade to tears so mightily even the soul goes unscathed.

Union on side of politics, not patients

Re “Nurses on the side of patients, not profits” (Another View, Dec. 26): National Nurses United claim to be on the side of patients, not profits, but ignore two things:

1. Many of the hospitals and insurance companies that pay for their services are nonprofits.

2. Their patients should not serve the political agenda of their nurses.

Patients are forgotten in the laundry list of rants crusading against Wall Street, the Koch brothers, the Keystone Pipeline and support for whatever the United Nations decrees about climate change. Their job is to be on the side of their patients, not the union party line.

The best image of all

Re “A Christmas wish: To be an important part of my grandchild’s life” (Op Images, Dec. 25): Thank you for the beautiful ultrasound picture of Ginger Rutland’s unborn grandchild on Christmas day. Would that every baby be welcomed into our world by a loving mother and father, a devoted single parent, an adoptive couple longing for a child, or by, in Ginger’s words, “a confused old lady with aching knees but open arms and boundless love!”

Salute to Jan Scully

Re “Jan Scully transformed Sacramento DA’s office during 20-year tenure” (Our Region, Marcos Breton, Dec. 28): Congratulations to columnist Marcos Breton for the salute to retiring District Attorney Jan Scully. For many years, it was my privilege to join with Scully in Sacramento’s criminal justice system. She has served our community with the greatest of distinction and integrity.

Surprise gift from Boychuk

Re “Whiskey over ice – and make it a double” (Viewpoints, Dec. 27): A bit late for my stocking, but what a delightful surprise. I actually find myself in complete agreement with Ben Boychuk.

Surely this oddity of nature calls for a end-of-year toast. So, while looking ahead to the New Year, I’ll lift my glass, saying “To Ben, and to his redemption!”

Yes, “Redemption” is an excellent choice for the whiskey. Your mix proportions are fine, and the bitters and cherry definite musts.

I can’t believe it. Our favorite Manhattan cocktail recipes match to a T. Now, if only …

This story was originally published December 29, 2014 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Fallen officers, North Korea, images of 2014."