Too many restaurants

While all of the reasons for restaurant closings such as high cost of supplies, low wages and crime in the city are certainly valid, the one overlooked reason is there are too many eateries. The corner bar never used to serve food. Now nearly every tavern has a themed cuisine. Not so long ago people went out to eat for more or less special occasions, not every other day. Supermarkets are full of ready-to-eat, toss-in-the-microwave food. When we moved to Canton a little over 30 years ago, O’Donnell Square had 3 bars. Now there are nearly a dozen in less than 2 blocks. A few blocks more in any direction and you’ll find dozens more bar/restaurants. We just can’t support them all. Sadly, I will not be surprised if more close their doors.

— Karen Williams, Baltimore

May there be peace with the new presidential administration

As the new Trump administration begins its term, the eyes of the nation and the world are watching, hopeful for leadership that embraces unity and foresight. In this pivotal moment, we urge the administration to prioritize efforts that foster peace — not just within our borders, but globally.

There is an ancient Greek proverb that says, “A society grows great when old men plant trees in whose shade they know they shall never sit.” This wisdom resonates deeply across cultures and religions, including the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of building a just and peaceful society for the benefit of all.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “The best of people are those who bring the most benefit to others.” Islam teaches us to prioritize the welfare of others, to seek peace, and to act with compassion and justice. The Quran repeatedly calls for the establishment of peace, urging believers to respond to hostility with wisdom and reconciliation.

In a world fraught with division and conflict, these principles serve as a timeless reminder of the need for cooperation and understanding. The challenges we face today — rising tensions, inequities, and uncertainty — cannot be resolved through force or self-interest alone. They require a commitment to shared humanity, moral courage, and a long-term vision.

The administration has a unique opportunity to exemplify these values, planting the seeds of peace and progress that will bear fruit for generations to come. History will judge not by what is achieved in the moment but by the enduring legacy left behind.

As stewards of this nation, let us hope this new administration embraces this responsibility and chooses to leave a legacy of peace, unity, and compassion. It is by following these timeless teachings — whether from Islam, other faith traditions, or universal values—that we can ensure a better future for all.

— Idrees Munir, Middle River

Holocaust survivor remembers Nazi Germany

I am a Holocaust survivor who escaped Europe in 1939. I recall clearly that before the Nazis began oppressing Jews they dehumanized them. Jews were called criminals, child molesters, predators, embezzlers, etc. It is a common practice to dehumanize your victim before you oppress them and that is precisely what President Donald Trump and the Republican Party are doing to immigrants. Clearly there are some criminals among undocumented immigrants as there are among native citizens, but the fact is that the crime rate among immigrants is lower than that of Americans. When I see the tactics being used by President Trump with regard to immigrants, I fear for the future of America.

— Jack Kinstlinger, Towson

Trump holds quite a stockpile of hubris

So President Donald Trump has now pronounced that he knows more about interest rates than the Federal Reserve and its chairman (“Trump says he’ll demand lower rates immediately, claims he knows rates better than Fed,” Jan. 24). This is just one more example of the hubris and impaired mentality of this president. At what point will the Republican Party become exhausted with his nonsense? We can only pray that the ability to see the problem they have inflicted on our nation has not been completely lost.

— William Opfer, Bel Air

Due to an error in pressroom where The Sun is printed, the commentary page did not appear in the Sunday Sun. To read commentaries from Armstrong Williams, Jonathan Schochor, Joshua F. Kahn, Andrew S. Janet and John A. Ragosta, go to the Sunday Sun’s enewspaper or go to baltimoresun.com/opinion.