A politicized nativity scene and more: Letters to the Editor Dec. 14, 2025

The Christmas crèche symbolizes the birth of Jesus, Catholicism and Christianity itself (“Do away with this manger,” Dec.8).Father Stephen Josoma chose to use his church’s nativity scene to make a highly-charged and divisive political statement about immigration.

That reflects poorly on his fitness as pastor and spiritual leader.The Archdiocese was correct in demanding removal of the sign.Vincent RuggieroScottsdale, Ariz.Fourteen-year-old Danika Troy was savagely murdered by two teen boys, Kimahri Blevins and Gabriel Williams (“Love lure of slain teen,” Dec.

9).This monstrous crime occurred in Florida, which has capital punishment.These minors are despicable excuses for human beings and will never be rehabilitated.Gary AcerraStaten IslandAs someone who has experienced anorexia nervosa firsthand and with an older sister who died from it, I understand Rikki Schlott’s concerns about the negative effects of unhealthy body standards set by Hollywood and influencers (“Save our girls from endless thinsanity,” Dec.

11).But Schlott is ignoring the problem caused by the new weight-loss drugs.Girls with this eating disorder are always unfailingly bright, and it’s easy for them to easy for them to circumvent the medical system and obtain these drugs.The combination of weight-loss drugs and self-starvation is a death sentence.

The mechanisms for obtaining these drugs must be policed more carefully.Elaine JancourtzPlainsboro, NJA student at New York University said “a large community is gone,” referring to a community of drug addicts, dealers and criminals in Washington Square Park (“Wash.Park’s too ‘Square’ now,” Dec.

7).I have never heard of anything so ridiculous.If you feel so badly, take them to your dorm.

I’m sure your parents would love that.Maria MusolinoStaten IslandNew York enacted the Scaffold Law 140 years ago to prevent construction project managers from shifting liability to workers for the manager’s own negligence in accid...