Letters to the Editor | Aug. 9, 2024

A great Democratic event Tuesday night in Philly. I was so impressed with Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, Josh Shapiro, and the great crowd at Temple University. It is so important to defeat Donald Trump in November, a man who admires dictators and aspires to be one, who is a compulsive liar and seems to lack a conscience. It is time for Americans to realize that we have much more in common than that which divides. Urban and rural, north, south, east and west, citizens of varied ethnic backgrounds and religions, Democrats and Republicans, we need to reach out to one another and seek respectful political and ideological dialogue with one another.

My wife and I have been dealing with complicated aging issues and I did not realize how difficult the transition to “old age,” would be, but we have learned to reach out for help. Although we, like most Americans, greatly value our independence, we must face the reality of our situation and are now seriously considering transition from an apartment complex to an assisted living setting.

I plan to do all I can to support Harris and Walz through my writing, modest contributions, and of course by voting in November. Despite some concern that some of the MAGA followers may try to disrupt voting, we do plan to vote in person unless our disabilities require us to seek other means of voting. In closing, thank you, Philadelphia, for hosting such an inspiring event.

Patrick Frank, Arden, N.C.

Wednesday’s Inquirer grossly underestimated the size of the crowd that did not make it into the Liacouras Center at the Harris-Walz rally at Temple on Tuesday evening when it stated, “several hundred more were turned away.” Our miles-long queue (no hyperbole) stretched far and away down one city block after another, made frustrating and delayed U-turns and switchbacks, and wrapped around block after block near the campus. It took 45 minutes of walking for people just to find the end of the line and join in. Thousands of us (a woman near me estimated 5,000), who looked as diverse as all of America, stood for at least two hours as the line inched along. Photos would show not only the accurate size of the huge group but how they remained committed even after the rally had begun and ended. I wanted to get into the rally, but I drew infinite encouragement from these thousands of serious, patient, politically responsible voters willing to stand for hours to show their support for the Democratic ticket. You can miscount us, but don’t underestimate us.

Kathleen McCormack, Wayne

Philly’s growing Hispanic population includes new immigrants and transplants, but also their children and teens who are growing up in our city. A first-ever comprehensive study into the status of Philadelphia’s Hispanic kids, “Pa’lante — It’s Time to Move Forward,” reveals they need our help. Hispanic youth do well in some areas: low rates of infant mortality, low involvement in gun violence, and low engagement with the child welfare system. But in areas that are foundational for lifelong success, the statistics are troubling: 10% of Hispanic youth are uninsured, 20% start kindergarten without appropriate social/emotional skills, 70% aren’t testing on grade level in math or English, less than 60% graduate high school on time, and a fraction advance to college.

The institutions charged with meeting Hispanic children’s health care, social service, and educational needs are not doing enough to help them build a healthy, prosperous, and self-sufficient life. We must hire more Hispanic and bilingual child care providers, teachers, and school staff so young children, K-12 students, and their parents can better engage. We must connect more Hispanic students to state-of-the-art career-related learning. And we must ensure every child has insurance for mental health, dental, and vision care. Let’s support our fastest growing demographic so our city can flourish for generations to come.

Javier Suarez, executive director, Live Work Philadelphia, and event manager, Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The recent labeling of Gov. Josh Shapiro not being selected as Kamala Harris’ running mate as antisemitic is disturbing. This accusation stifles legitimate criticism and debate, trivializing real antisemitism. Shapiro’s support for Israel and his stance on school vouchers are valid reasons for opposition, not his Jewish identity. Rejecting his candidacy based on these issues is a democratic right, not antisemitic. Elected leaders must represent all people, not special interests. Ed Rendell, a Jewish mayor and governor, earned trust from Arab and Palestinian communities through balanced leadership. The Gaza tragedy demands vocal opposition to atrocities. Conflating anti-Zionism with antisemitism ignores diverse Jewish perspectives that advocate for Palestinian rights. We must focus on shared values and global issues like climate change and economic inequality. Misusing antisemitism as a political tool undermines justice and human rights for all. Let’s promote inclusive leadership and honest debate. We need leaders who represent all people, not just special interests. Rejecting Shapiro’s candidacy is not antisemitic; it’s a democratic right.

Samuel Kuttab, Wyncote

If a recent letter writer who conflated peaceful protests against businesses supporting the Israeli war with the Nazi boycotts, brutality, and vandalism against Jewish businesses in 1933 had paid attention to what the protesters were saying while outside Goldie, she would know this is a false comparison. The opposition to Israel-born Michael Solomonov’s restaurants was over the donation of more than $100,000 to a group that supported the Israel Defense Forces, who have been involved in killing more than 39,000 Palestinians.

The protesters, non-Jewish and Jewish, were opposed to the owners of the restaurants not because they are Jewish or Israeli, but because they are aiding and abetting a war that is devastating the Palestinian population and infrastructure. There was no antisemitic speech or hateful remarks toward Jewish people as a group. As a Jewish woman, I consider Gov. Josh Shapiro a Zionist, a man who has a blind and passionate attachment to Israel and would never consider that it could do any wrong. Susan Abulhawa, the activist whose letter to the editor prompted the letter writer’s response, has rightly characterized Shapiro as such. She is an activist who has written extensively about the impact, devastation, constant bombing and misery brought upon her people by this war.

Judy Rubin, Philadelphia

Not being a rock star but a politician is what I really like about Vice President Kamala Harris. Women have vied to become our nation’s first female to occupy the highest office, but none has made it. In 2024, I strongly believe voters will deem appropriately that the Democratic agenda is a more suitable way to move forward with our country’s democracy. Harris and I are peers in every sense of the word. She grew up on the West Coast, I grew up on the East Coast. We both attended HBCUs. We graduated from college the same year. We share the same political affiliation. Our points of view are similar. As an African American, race has never been an important factor in my personal voting decisions. I would never pull the ballot lever in the direction of a certain candidate specifically because of their race or ethnicity. Remarkably, Harris had a tremendous impact as California attorney general. That resonates with me as a Northeasterner. I strongly believe Harris has the potential to become an excellent public servant in our nation’s highest office and will diligently become a superior commander in chief.

Wayne E. Williams, Camden

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.