Letters to the Editor | Dec. 26, 2023

The Republican right in the U.S. House of Representatives has voted for a bogus, nonsensical impeachment inquiry of Joe Biden without any evidence to justify it. It’s equivalent to elementary school squabbling. Republicans have spent more than five years manufacturing lies about Biden while accomplishing nothing of benefit for Americans. At the same time, they’re failing to see the long-term danger to the security of the U.S. and our European allies by refusing requested Ukraine aid.

Robert Turnbull, Hatboro, turnbull@aol.com

I support peace in Gaza, but the calls for a cease-fire do not advance that goal. As long as Hamas opposes the existence of Israel, any cease-fire will last only until the next atrocity. Everyday Gazans are bearing the brunt of Israel’s offensive while Hamas leadership remains in safe havens prepared in advance for themselves. This conflict would end quickly were Hamas to engage with Israel as a partner for peace.

Michelle Portnoff, Gladwyne

I am a Jewish person. I have been to Israel many times. I abhor what Hamas did to the Israelis on Oct. 7, the murders and the abduction of hostages. It is upsetting to see that Hamas continues to use its citizens as human shields. I attend rallies in support of freeing the hostages held by Hamas and for Israel’s right to defend itself. I, too, would like a cease-fire, but this is in the hands of Hamas. If Hamas were to release the Israeli hostages and surrender, this war could be over. I call on Hamas: Let the hostages go, surrender, and save your people. Where is that call to action?

Larry Deutsch, Philadelphia

Whoever came up with the dumb idea that humans can be trusted with guns? Even the most mature of us can have moments when we are impulsive, vindictive, make terrible decisions, and allow our basic instincts to take over. The younger we are, the more these tendencies will drive our behavior. There have been more than 1,700 shootings so far this year in Philadelphia. Does that mean the shooters all suffer from mental illness? No way. It is about our flawed human nature. None of us should have easy access to guns. Gun ownership should come with a list of requirements and tests. The headlines remind us of this terrible truth every day.

Tom Sexton, Philadelphia, tom_sexton@hotmail.com

Thank you, Kyle Sammin, for your column on suburban Dems and taxes. Let’s see the numbers for Montgomery County real estate tax hikes for the last three years: 5%, then 8%, then 8%. Additionally, the Democratic commissioners will likely vote to boost taxes 12.9% for 2024. Why are taxes spiking? There’s extremely high spending for the Justice Center and Planning Commission. It is easy to vote for Democrats, as they are first on the ballot. But we pay and people suffer. Rather than making a deal to help keep unhoused people in the former Coordinated Homeless Outreach Center (CHOC) with Norristown, or sufficiently funding the Montco Mamas program to help Black/minority birth outcomes (a great alternative to abortion), the Democrats have another priority. They devote hundreds of millions to a luxurious government building program.

David Bryant Morgan, Ambler

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