Letters to the Editor | Aug. 21, 2026

Instead of restricting data centers, I have a simple proposition for developers, state and county officials, state senators and representatives, overwhelmed township officials, and Gov. Josh Shapiro: Data center development and operations should be the epicenter and locus of landscape greening and ecological restoration.

Just as the data center will play a lead role in the AI transformation of our economy, so, too, it will take the lead to restore nature in its location and surroundings. It will cool rather than heat its surroundings. Birds will make more noise than the facility. Community solar as part of the renewable fuel package will be available to home and business owners to lower utility costs. Greening of vast parking areas will cut off urban heat and protect public health. Retained water runoff from rain and snow will irrigate off-site plots to enhance their restoration. A landscape restoration fund derived from a tiny percentage of center income will extend the restoration benefits to the broader community and thus build up resilience to climate change.

As a vehicle for promoting the natural world on their grounds, data centers will be the best of neighbors and just about everyone will want to live near them.

Jon Berger, Philadelphia

Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s response to Bob Harvie’s challenge to four debates exemplifies everything that is wrong with our five-term congressman. While Fitzpatrick plays games demanding Harvie release what his campaign calls “the FBI files,” constituents like me are dealing with rising gas and grocery prices, hikes in our health insurance premiums, and a sluggish job market.

Is Fitzpatrick serious about serving us or even earning our votes? Because if he is, he should stop the games and debate Harvie in front of a live audience.

If Fitzpatrick has ideas, let’s hear them. If he wants to defend his voting record, this is the time. And if Fitzpatrick disputes Harvie’s characterization of his role as a witness before a federal grand jury, he can address that in a face-to-face debate in which his opponent can respond directly.

Refusing to debate while continuing to make accusations is simply political posturing — and insulting to the constituents the congressman is supposed to serve.

Laura Rose, Newtown

We have seen the heart-wrenching headlines and images again and again, as Russia has continued its barbaric and entirely unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. We have, as a result, perhaps for the first time, learned that Ukraine, the largest country wholly in Europe, is blessed not only with the richest soil for agriculture but also with an industrious, innovative, and peace-loving people. Against all odds, Ukraine has been defending itself admirably in this David vs. Goliath contest — even redesigning modern-day military weapons and tactics worldwide. However, on the heels of America’s Semiquincentennial — and on the eve of Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day on Aug. 24 — do we not have the moral obligation, as a nation, to do all we can to support this democracy which sent military assistance to the U.S. in Afghanistan and Iraq?

Elie Wiesel stated: “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference … And the opposite of life is not death, it’s indifference.” How can we ambivalently stand by effectively doing nothing, even as we witness an ongoing great injustice? President Franklin D. Roosevelt referenced the analogy that we should lend our neighbor our garden hose if their house was on fire; a metaphor more recently echoed by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R., Pa.), when advocating for Ukraine recently on the House floor, who said its struggles transcend the political divide — it’s about freedom. Many U.S. Army veterans have gone to Ukraine to help in the conflict — some of whom have paid the ultimate price — because they felt this was truly the battle between good and evil.

We all have a choice — and a voice. What if we, each one of us, our friends and neighbors all called our congressional representatives to urge passage of the Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 so that there are no more excuses about finally making good on holding to account the two terrorist states that are responsible for most of the global instability today? Making the call wouldn’t cost a thing.

Christine Fylypovych, Blue Bell

In 1965, Lyndon B. Johnson established Project Head Start. Since the beginning, it has successfully helped to improve graduation rates, improve self-esteem in children, and provide a positive influence on a child’s future. It has long been an established fact that early childhood education also helps to prevent future criminal behaviors. Why is this horrid administration trying to defund this valuable program? They obviously have no concern for poor children. The wealthy can afford the best education for their families, but as a society, we have a responsibility to ensure all children have proper education as well as nutrition and healthcare.

Add this to the proposals to separate the highly effective measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine into three separate shots for absolutely no medical or scientific reason, and you must question the motives of the cruel and ignorant people who are running the country. I am hoping citizens are paying attention and, come November, will vote into office those who will do what is right for the American people. Our children are depending on us.

Kathleen Clements, Philadelphia

The president of the United States says that the Strait of Hormuz is “open and operating,” yet cargo ships are still under attack. Reality suggests that the president is once again lying to the American public. Either that, or he is completely delusional. In either case, Donald Trump’s war is continuing to distress the world economy, and there is no end in sight if he can’t acknowledge the reality of the situation. His bizarre focus on things like his ballroom reveals his misplaced priorities.

Bill Maginnis, North Wales

On Wednesday, the national debt reached $40 trillion. There was very little news coverage of this event, but it is significant for our future and the future of our children.

The Republicans were the party of fiscal conservatives, budget-conscious individuals, and supporters of our allies. What happened?

Republicans in Congress have let the Trump administration spend taxpayer money on just about everything the president wants. Take the East Wing ballroom. The White House is asking Congress for $1 billion to cover the costs of security and military upgrades.

How about $20 billion to bail out Argentina to help stabilize their economy, so his friend wouldn’t lose money invested?

How about $14 million for the failed reflecting pool renovation?

Or $40 billion for the Iran war? How about the estimated $100 million spent on flying Trump back and forth for his golf weekends? The list goes on. Yet, somehow, the Trump administration can’t find money in the budget to pay for food aid and so many other programs that help the American taxpayer.

Get out and vote. Stop the madness.

Patrick Thompson, Media

Developer Carl Dranoff does not like the perspective of two prominent local city planning experts about the expensive new median strip on South Broad Street. What a surprise that Dranoff, who came up with the idea, stands to benefit the most … because of his properties on that street.

Susie Perloff, Philadelphia

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