Letters to the Editor | April 7, 2024

SEPTA’s recent anti-smoking marketing campaign may garner some chuckles here and there, but its lack of efficacy is no laughing matter. I walk by these posters every day while people are literally lighting up in front of them. Without enforcement, nothing is going to change. I hope the “enhanced signage” expected this spring gives riders a way to take action in the moment, report offenders, and put some much-needed social pressure on those who are degrading the rider experience for all of us.

Keren Sofer, Philadelphia

A letter writer takes issue with a recent editorial featuring commentary from a host of conservative Republicans on their refusal to endorse former President Donald Trump for a second term in office. The letter questions the fairness of the critics’ objections due to their failure to offer proof of “any specific instance where Trump’s judgment led to a negative outcome for Americans.” Notably, some of the Trump critics served in his cabinet — including former Vice President Mike Pence, Attorney General William Barr, and Defense Secretary Mark Esper. And it’s commonly known that all three published memoirs and made other public statements referring to Trump’s baseless stolen election claims (Barr), which Trump continues to assert, as well as his organization and incitement of the pro-Trump mob that attacked the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 (Esper), which endangered all those serving there (Pence). These firsthand accounts by his principal advisers make perfectly clear that Trump has deliberately and repeatedly undermined public confidence in our country’s electoral process, which surely qualifies as a negative outcome for Americans.

Patrick J. Hagan, Ardmore

Alfred Lubrano’s article about Mae Krier, an original “Rosie the Riveter” from Levittown, was charming and informative. I’m delighted that so many years after World War II, she and others like her will be recognized by Congress for their work. Next year will commemorate 80 years since that conflict ended, and telling stories like those of women who served on the home front shouldn’t be forgotten. Last September, I introduced a new historical one-woman play about Rosie the Riveter as the latest character in Heritage Theatre Guild’s “Famous American Women Programs.” The response has been wonderful. However, I haven’t seen any younger people in the audience. This presentation so far has been attended by adults, but my hope is to expand it to schools and other groups of younger people so that stories like Krier’s will keep the heroic actions of strong American women at the forefront.

Pat Jordan, Philadelphia

April is Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to think about our alcohol consumption to ensure we are enjoying alcohol responsibly and in moderation. According to the dietary guidelines for Americans, this means limiting alcohol to two drinks or less a day for men and one drink or less for women. While any alcohol abuse is too much, the good news is that federal data indicate harmful drinking in the U.S. is declining. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health shows binge drinking among adults ages 21 and over decreased 11% from 2018 to 2022, and nine out of 10 (89%) say they drink the same amount or less than they did pre-pandemic. Adults who choose to drink should commit to mindful drinking year-round. There are some people who should not drink alcohol at all, and talking with health-care providers can help determine what is best, based on individual factors and family history.

Amanda Berger, vice president, Science and Health Distilled Spirits Council, Washington, D.C.

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