Readers sound off on interest rates, fall activities and Stacy Keach

Trump needs a refresher in Economics 101

San Francisco: On Sept. 4, President Trump issued a directive to the Federal Reserve and Chair Kevin Warsh that interest rates had better be lowered or he’ll stop trading with countries the U.S. has a trading deficit with.

When a country cuts interest rates while facing growing national debt and increasing inflation, it’s almost invariably the case that inflation continues to rise and the national currency weakens. The capital required to fund a massive and growing debt burden then demands higher longer-term interest rates to offset the declining value of dollar-denominated assets. Cutting interest rates during an inflationary and increasingly debt-burdened economy risks undermining housing, consumer and corporate spending. It’s also important to recognize that the Federal Reserve’s independence, which the president’s language clearly aims to undermine, is essential for the ability of the U.S. to maintain the value of its currency and fund its deficit. Countries that believe Federal Reserve policy can be dictated by the president will become distrustful of investing their capital in the U.S. — further undermining the currency, causing economic instability and higher long-term interest rates.

If the U.S. stops trading with nations it has trade imbalances with, supply chain shortages would soar, causing products to surge in price or even be unavailable. It would be wise for the president to be mindful of his language, and perhaps take a refresher course in Economics 101.

Bruce Farrell Rosen

Diminish is served

Kearny, N.J.: Trump recently said that the war with Iran is just “small potatoes.” What an “au gratin” thing to say.

Kevin Dale

It is what it is

Brooklyn: If it sounds like a duck and walks like a duck, Donald, it’s a war.

Robert Braunstein

Cozy with commies

Delray Beach, Fla.: Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Witkoff told Putin that “he’ll look back fondly on the incredible stories and incredible memories that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine gave him.” So now Trump and his cronies Witkoff and Kushner are praising Putin and other communists for their actions. So much for Trump and the Republicans’ anti-communist stance. They’re all pathetic hypocrites and losers.

Barry Rudd

Look clearly

South Windsor, Conn.: While Voicer Robert Brennan lauds the efforts of Trump in providing for the underclass in this country, my guess is that Voicer Heyward Johnson, who sees our country’s heritage through the lens of racial inequality, might have a differing opinion. Brennan should provide a laundry list of all Trump’s benefits — more than any president in history! Except, maybe, for Abraham Lincoln, who freed the slaves, or FDR, who started many social benefit programs. Johnson should realize that we’re not perfect and that slavery did exist, but also that Lincoln indeed freed the slaves and our country provides the framework by which inequalities and discrepancies can be rectified. Take off the rose-colored glasses when describing Trump and look through a broader lens when interpreting our heritage.

John Gallup

Sense of belonging

Ozone Park: Trump should be committed to a place he can’t rename: Devil’s Island. If there is a place more fitting for him, I’d like to know.

Ray Hackinson

Protect peaceful boycott

Grafton, Wis.: The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act. The bill would make colleges and universities ineligible to participate in federal student aid programs if they participate in certain commercial boycotts of Israel. It now moves to the Senate. This legislation is significant in light of recent escalations by militant West Bank settlers conducting a campaign of killing, arson and intimidation against Palestinians to expel them from their land. Notably, in 2021, two former Israeli ambassadors to South Africa, Ilan Baruch and Alon Liel, co-authored an op-ed concluding that Israel has become an apartheid state: “Just as the world joined the struggle against apartheid in South Africa, it is time for the world to take decisive diplomatic action in our case as well and work towards building a future of equality, dignity, and security for Palestinians and Israelis alike.”

Terry Hansen

Rare sighting

Brooklyn: Labor Day weekend was a glorious weekend! My wife and I walked through Central Park, arriving at the Sheep Meadow only to witness a beautiful white unicorn. We walked further up the road and came upon a cute, small Easter Bunny. Later on, we walked to Wollman Rink and much to our surprise, Santa Claus! We were just about to leave the park at Central Park South when I was amazed to see a moderate Democrat. The last one might have been a dream I had. Really, who believes in a moderate Democrat?

David DiBello

Get out there

Warwick, R.I.: One simple way to enjoy fall’s various offerings is to visit natural colorful sites and purchase some of the product offerings available. Throughout our country, we have apple picking, corn mazes, cider products and the colors of fields, streams and mountains with all their majestic autumn colors. Visiting farms with various livestock is enjoyable for children and adults. There are also regional fairs and marketplaces displaying local products. Apple pies, cider doughnuts, cider drinks and other specialties are only a few of the means to savor all of fall’s enjoyments. Fall offers the return of football season, high school, college and professional. When traveling, try dining in remote diners serving fresh local recipes. If convenient, get the family together and travel up to the mountains for a panoramic view of what nature offers every autumn. Visit and enjoy fall’s offerings as often as possible.

Bob Sweeney

Unenviable position

Brooklyn: To Voicer Stephen Talenti: You hit the nail on the head about Fox News dumping Maria Bartiromo over her 2020 election denial obsession and handing Trump internal Fox communications. Let’s take it a step further: How about walking in the shoes of the victims of Trump’s baseless 2020 claims and their families?

Josie Oliveri

Insignificant fact

Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y.: I used to relish the Sunday Daily News sports section. What you published on Sunday is a pale comparison. But you hit a new low when you devoted column space to the induction of Mrs. Met into the Mascot Hall of Fame. Seriously?! That’s not sports, nor is it news. Simply pathetic. Cover the Rangers instead.

Glenn Simpson

Classic talent

Manhattan: Thank you to Turner Classic Movies for showing the 1969 film “Fat City” on Sunday! This poignant and beautifully acted boxing film starring the great but underrated actor Stacy Keach is among the true classics of the 20th century. As many Voicers know, the 85-year-old Keach is currently the narrator of the TV series “American Greed”! The poignant “Fat City” was directed by the legendary John Huston and showcases Keach’s amazing acting talent. Why Keach has not appeared in Hollywood movies over the last few decades is a mystery to me and many older filmgoers. In my view, he’s as good an actor as Marlon Brando.

Gerard Rosenthal

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