Letters to the Editor | Aug. 26, 2024

In the grand scheme of things, my sadness at losing the view of the Peco building, lit up at night, is minor. But when I moved into Center City seven years ago and opened my blinds to see a cheery neon message atop the building, it lifted my spirits. Every night since then, I’ve watched for the evening announcement. Now the new Chubb building is going up on 20th and Arch Streets, and it’s reached the height where my view of Peco is completely blocked. The small pleasures of living in the city are tough to give up. Farewell to a nightly friend.

Donna Greenberg, Philadelphia

Former President Jimmy Carter’s grandson, Jason Carter, stated earlier this month that his beloved grandfather’s earthly journey is nearing an end. He gave an impassioned speech at the jubilant Democratic National Convention on Tuesday. Jimmy Carter’s legacy is vast and is rooted in faith and a desire to truly uplift people domestically and internationally.

Jimmy and the late Rosalynn Carter’s personal involvement with Habitat for Humanity raised awareness of a program that now works in all 50 states and in numerous other countries to uplift people’s circumstances through safe housing. Carter’s presidency was a hallmark for democracy. Donald Trump’s presidency included a horrible insurrection. Jason Carter said his grandfather will turn 100 in October and feels that Kamala Harris would offer the type of presidency that would carry on his legacy. Decency and leadership are needed for our nation. Casting meaningful votes has never been more important. Vote!

Gail Titus, Newtown

I am outraged at the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing cities to outlaw homelessness without solving it. People don’t choose homelessness as a lifestyle; it is a symptom of the underlying problem of skyrocketing housing costs and increasing poverty. By criminalizing poverty, this decision exacerbates the problem without providing solutions.

Instead of forcing people into jail cells or pushing them onto other communities, we should be investing in services that help people find a place to live. We should be throwing them a lifeline, not cutting the thread they are hanging by. This decision demands congressional action. Congress must take immediate action to protect those among us experiencing homelessness and address the fact that rent is unaffordable for many Americans. Enacting a renter tax credit that offsets the high cost of rent is a good place to start. This horrendous court decision should be the catalyst for Congress to finally act on America’s housing crisis. We the people must demand it.

David Ehrenkrantz, Wyncote

I write today in support of creating alternative paths to higher education. Like Tim Walz and JD Vance, I discovered a way to earn a university degree without paying tuition. I joined the Bristol Township Police Department in 1974. Back then, I possessed the minimum requirement of a high school diploma. Thanks to programs like the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, and the insightful leadership of employers like the state of New Jersey and the town council of Bristol Township, I was able to earn university degrees culminating in a doctorate in criminal justice from the City University of New York. My debt to these people is hard to articulate, but they should know I spend countless hours in the classroom interacting with hundreds of students who learned about ethical and humane treatment of others.

John Krimmel, Burlington, krimmel@tcnj.edu

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 200 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.