Letters to the Editor | March 16, 2023

Last week, the House voted overwhelmingly in favor of a resolution to maintain sanctions on Syria in spite of the devastating earthquake that has killed at least 7,200 people in the country. The resolution calls for the Biden administration to remain committed to “implementing the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2019,” a law that imposed crippling sanctions on Syria that were designed to prevent the country from rebuilding after years of war.

In spite of the Biden administration issuing a 180-day sanctions exemption, our sanctions are still hurting the earthquake relief effort in Syria, as detailed by the head of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent and U.N. experts.

But sanctions, called “unilateral coercive measures” by the United Nations, are illegal. Several resolutions of the U.N. General Assembly are violated by imposing sanctions of this type; for instance, in Resolution 2625 regarding friendly relations between states (Oct. 24, 1970), the signatories agreed “to abstain from any military, political, economic or other coercion directed against political independence or territorial integrity of another state.”

Andrew Mills, Lower Gwynedd

As is true in all countries, there is societal inequity in the United States. Despite the lingering negative effects of historic racism and prejudice, present-day America is still a land of opportunity for those who want to pursue it. The path toward the “good life” is not always easy, but it is not that complicated. The requirements for success for any of us or our children are the same: Get the most education possible. Regardless of education level, be a reliable, responsible person willing to work hard. Do not break the law. Do not produce offspring until you can financially support them. Do not sire or have children unless you are willing to provide a secure family setting for them at least until their adulthood. Be a kind, open-minded person. If the media and our leaders emphasized these positive actions, perhaps more people in our society would find that path toward equity.

Tom Finley, Moorestown

The Inquirer article on Strawberry Mansion High School (March 13) broke my heart. Anyone who has given any thought to the charter school/traditional public school debate must confront the question of the negative consequences charters have on those students, who, for whatever reason, are “left behind” in traditional schools like Strawberry Mansion.

I support charter schools, but it is inevitable that children who end up attending non-charters will be facing the most severe challenges and the greatest needs. In a rational system, those schools and those students would be at the front of the line when it comes to funding and resources. Were I developing a budget for the School District, I would make sure that the schools facing the steepest challenges are prioritized when it comes to funding. There is no excuse for a school like Strawberry Mansion to have staff vacancies. These kids deserve better.

Angelo Sgro, Philadelphia

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