MAILBOX

Free to Ride
I’m writing in regards to Ted Kheel and his proposal for a free mass transit system in New York City (“Teddy’s Last Jam,” Feb. 20-26). When city services such as the Fire Department, the Police Department and Sanitation are “free,” paid for through taxes, what has taken so long for our subways and buses to also become “free?”
Could it be that the wealthy don’t have to use mass transit, although many reap its benefits by getting their employees to work each day? I’m sure that the vast majority of working people would support such a proposal, even if it meant high congestion pricing for cars and trucks entering Manhattan.

Perhaps free transportation could be also paid for by charging citizens every time they need a police officer or if the fire department has to help put out a fire in a home or each time sanitation picks up garbage or every time someone enters Central Park. Ridiculous? Just as ridiculous as it is to pay every time one has to use mass transit.
—Lew Friedman, Brooklyn

Picking on Armond
Please accept my apologies for this opinion, it is no way meant to be disrespectful, but Armond White’s movie reviews are, in general, ridiculous. I find it astonishing that he writes for your publication. Contempt for great cinema, adoration for mind numbing nonsense. The reviews are also predictable; unlike the films he picks apart.
—Neil O’Hanlon, Spanish Harlem

Poker face
I’ve been playing poker on the sly for years now and have enjoyed the camaraderie that is found amongst a bunch of guys who get together for a game of cards. After reading Peter Alson’s story, “The Worst Bad Luck of All” (Feb. 20-26), I was reminded once again that I should be on better guard. I read about the other problems people are having in the city, but I almost forgot that I really am taking my life in my own hands everytime I play.
—S. Guzman, Manhattan