March to Moscow

Russia President Vladimir Putin hypocritically criticized Ukraine when the latter’s forces dared to strike back against Russia (“Zel’s gaining ground,” Aug. 15).

According to his own words, Putin is astonished and angry, as though Ukraine really has no right to self-defense. It reveals a great yet misplaced sense of entitlement on Putin’s part. He is indeed the epitome of the classic high-school bully whose concept of his fair share was always three-quarters of the pie.

Putin has even absurdly justified Russia’s atrocious invasion of Ukraine as a necessity of “de-Nazifying” the latter nation’s democratically elected government. I say, first “de-Nazify” Russia’s Kremlin and presidency, as they are in bed with far-right European political parties like the German AfD.

Frank Sterle Jr. , White Rock, Canada

Millions in the hole

Every New York public school teacher should thank The Post for publishing this revealing article about the negligence of the New York State Teachers’ Retirement System (“Costly pension lesson,” Aug. 13).

The idea of investing retirement funds in a highly speculative stock like CrowdStrike should alarm many retired teachers currently receiving their hard-earned pensions.

The Post reports that the NYSTRS invested in this IT stock just before a global network meltdown triggered by its software caused the company’s shares to plummet.

As a highly rated fiduciary, the NYTRS is supposed to safeguard the long-term investments of teachers’ pensions. Although the nearly $30 million loss is small compared to the multibillion-dollar retirement fund, it raises concerns for current and future pension recipients.

Gerard Rosenthal, Manhattan

Crime fever

In an urban park used by millions of people each year, there were a grand total of 70 reported crimes so far in 2024 compared to just 47 reported crimes for the 2023 corresponding period (“Lawn & disorder,” Aug. 11).

The numbers in absolute terms are trivial and are a fraction of the number of crimes in the park in any year Ed Koch or Rudy Giuliani were mayor.

The large percentage increase in crime in 2024 is the inevitable result of using the low base number in 2023 as a point of comparison. This is yet another example of the Post’s dishonest “the sky is falling” reporting on crime in NYC, which remains one the safest large city in the United States.

Dennis Middlebrooks, Brooklyn

Long time coming

Columbia University head Minouche Shafik’s resignation didn’t come soon enough (“Out at Columbia,” Aug. 15).

She showed poor leadership and her inaction led to the desecration of university property. Her preoccupation with protecting the rights of the protesters, rather than the university community as a whole, created a volatile environment. She left an indelible stain on the university’s reputation. It will take some time for the community to heal and recover as a result of her controversial tenure.

Ronald G. Frank, West Orange, NJ

Whack-a-cop

I feel for the cop punched in the mouth by a parolee in The Bronx (“Long heal for slugged Finest,” Aug. 11).

Police get no respect these days as the job has become increasingly difficult. It’s up to Gov. Hochul to change the criminal laws for repeat offenders.

Matt Engel, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

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