Letters to the Editor | April 16, 2023

State lawmakers’ push to change the date of the 2024 primary election because it conflicts with Passover is yet one more reason why the General Assembly needs to continue its work to modernize our elections and voting systems.

In-person early voting using voting machines and same-day voter registration must be part of the mix of any meaningful reform package. Roughly two-thirds of all states, red and blue alike, have some form of early voting. Likewise, some two dozen states and Washington, D.C., already permit qualified residents to register and vote on Election Day.

Allowing early in-person voting would relieve congestion at polling locations and give community members with challenging work schedules or family or personal situations the chance to choose the time that works best for them.

Implementing these simple solutions will increase access and allow every eligible voter to cast their ballot safely, securely, and conveniently.

Salewa Ogunmefun, executive director, Pennsylvania Voice, Philadelphia

Congrats on the revival of Big 5 basketball (April 11). Hopefully, it will also revive another of its outstanding claims to fame — unfailing sportsmanship. At the Palestra during foul shots, there was deafening silence and zero hand-waving distractions by attendees. There never was any “talkin’ smack” or any thoughtless stares or hand gestures. It simply was never done. It was universally acknowledged as crude, unseemly, and repulsive. Civility was the norm in the early 1960s and before in the Delaware Valley. Ask anyone who was there.

Raymond Erfle, Chester County

As our leaders continue to lack courage in effectively addressing gun violence in our country, I suggest designating the NRA as a terrorist organization. It is the largest enabler of gun violence in the country. Repeal and rewrite the Second Amendment so that gun buyers must be 21 years of age to possess a weapon. Hold parents legally responsible for gun violence involving their underage children. Appeal to politicians who do not embrace the lapdog policies of our two major political parties to run as independent candidates. (It is estimated that about 45% of registered voters are independent.) Reinforce our beleaguered police departments with the U.S. military, including active duty and reserve components, for the duration of this national emergency. Publicly condemn the rhetoric of special interest groups, both on the extreme left and extreme right, since their views certainly don’t represent most of the population. Aggressively do what’s necessary to rid our country of the estimated 400 million guns now in circulation. Without effective enforcement of gun restrictions, restrictions are merely suggestions.

Bill Smith, West Chester, w2smith@aol.com

I can not describe all the emotions I have been feeling for the past several weeks after the murder of three children and three adults at a Christian school in Nashville, Tenn., with an assault weapon. I am sad. I am angry. I am frustrated. I am embarrassed. But most of all, I am astonished that this keeps happening in our great nation. I cannot understand why lawmakers in Washington, D.C., will not address this problem. I cannot understand why supposedly intelligent people who were put in office to protect and make the lives of Americans better just turn away and deflect when confronted on the issue. One lawmaker said what happened in Uvalde, Texas, was horrible, but we cannot fix it by destroying the Second Amendment. Another lawmaker said we’ve gone as far as we can on gun legislation. Really? Are these two serious? How many more young innocent children will have to be mowed down before people wake up and act? I think most Americans are sick and tired of what is going on with our society today, and they demand action from legislators. There is no reason whatsoever that anyone needs to own an assault weapon, a weapon that is used for battle. We can all protest and write editorials forever. But we know next week or next month there will be another mass shooting, and more innocent lives will be lost — and more families will be torn apart because our lawmakers are useless.

George Hurwitz, Southampton

Is anyone surprised that Donald Trump is attempting to silence Mike Pence by blocking Pence’s testimony regarding Trump’s efforts to overturn the legitimate result of the 2020 presidential election? (“Trump Appeals to Block Pence from Testifying to Grand Jury,” April 11.)

The former president knows that any testimony provided by the ever-loyal Pence could be devastating to him, and land him squarely in even greater legal jeopardy than he currently faces.

Repugnant though his ultraconservative ideology is, Pence has demonstrated himself to be a man who respects the rule of law and the Constitution.

Trump must not be permitted to run out the clock, to again stymie the effort to bring him to justice. I have to believe that the courts will see through his efforts to hold self-interest supreme, and will reject this latest ploy.

Oren Spiegler, Peters Township

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