Letters to the Editor | Dec. 31, 2023

The Inquirer asked readers to share their hopes, concerns, or predictions for the new year. Here are some of your responses.

Well, Philly, we’ve done it again. On the 300th anniversary of Ben Franklin’s arrival in Philadelphia, it’s been quite a year for one of the oldest cities in the U.S.

If you are traveling to a Philadelphia sporting event, do not be troubled. We threw that damaged section of I-95 back up in record time. When you arrive, that’s not a rugby scrum that has broken out in South Philly. Lincoln Financial Field is now the international home of the tush push. (We’ve never seen anything like it, either.) And now, it seems, it may become illegal (if only by NFL standards).

Across the parking lot, our Phillies didn’t blast quite enough leather-bound projectiles into the night sky over Citizens Bank Park to win a championship. No matter, we love them anyway. Closer to City Hall, Democrat Cherelle Parker made history by becoming Philadelphia’s 100th mayor. The city’s mayoral seat — which goes back to 1691, when Humphrey Morrey was appointed by William Penn — has not been occupied by a Republican since 1952. (Does anyone even remember Bernard “Barney” Samuel?)

And what of Franklin, the 17-year-old who stepped off a boat in October of 1723 on the Market Street wharf to see the early morning fall mist lift at dawn to reveal what would become the hub of a new nation? My guess is that he’d be lovin’ every minute of the tush pushing, brotherly shoving, I-95 rebuilding, birthplace of America. Who else in the world has all this?

Michael Thomas Leibrandt, Abington

We are about to start a new year. I have a few hopes for the future. My main goal, hope, or prayer is to end hate. I am an (almost) elderly Jewish woman. That is apparently enough for some people to want to kill me. Why? You don’t know me, how can you have so much hate in your heart? What is the hatred for? I don’t expect your heart to blossom with love and kindness, but maybe you can work on the cruelty and meanness. Maybe 2024 will give us hope.

Sheryl Kalick, Philadelphia

I hope that Americans can begin to put our ego-driven arrogance in check so that our vitriolic political division can adopt a more civil and cooperative tone. It concerns me that if we don’t, the potential for civil disruption, societal chaos, and mass violence will continue to expand and ultimately tear America apart. My prediction is that people will not change or renounce their destructive extremist behaviors until their civil liberties are gone, and they realize they’ve been sacrificial pawns in a long-calculated game designed to benefit a cabal of the rich and powerful. Happy New Year!

Mike Dobson, Albrightsville

In the upcoming year, I look forward to a safer Philadelphia under the leadership of Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel. However, it would be foolish to think that one person could accomplish such a monumental task. We — as a city of law-abiding citizens — must support his efforts and back the police officers who risk their lives in the performance of their duties.

William D. Markert Jr., retired Philadelphia police captain, Warminister

My hope for the new year is personal. I will do my utmost to listen deeply and question assumptions — regardless of how rock solid — for I recognize how wrong I have been about so very much. Several years ago, when survivors of a concentration camp told me that rumblings in America were reminiscent of what they endured in pre-Nazi Germany, my inner voice screamed, “Never in America!” Although I have known that terrorist groups like Hamas view their citizenry only as pawns, I now recognize their evil psychological genius.

Supported by those of like mind, Hamas knew Israel would retaliate mercilessly following its long-planned inhuman Oct. 7 violations, and that subsequent horrific suffering of Palestinians would lead to Israeli condemnation — supported by countless Jews. But it also knew this condemnation would feed into insidious, purposeful scapegoating of Jews, and by extension, America and the concept of democracy.

As global demonstrations against Israel and Jews increased, I remembered a buried experience following 9/11, when my husband and I visited Morocco to learn more about a culture related to us, yet unfamiliar. Following a cordial week, the parting words of our guide made me shiver, but I suppressed them: “9/11 was just the beginning. Those who believe as I do have countless ways to bury you, including professors in your major universities.” This recollection underscored many unsettling examples of tragic directions endorsed by the supposed “best and brightest.” I now know that a high IQ, unless accompanied by strong common sense and compassion toward others, can be perilous.

SaraKay Smullens, Philadelphia

No one wants to talk politics as the clock counts down to midnight on Dec. 31, but before we start a new year, let’s consider some of the complexity of our world (in under 150 words). I’ll go first: What Hamas did on Oct. 7 can be described as monstrous and evil, but so can Israel’s indiscriminate killing of Palestinian civilians. Saying the latter is not antisemitic, but when you do, you may find yourself on the side of antisemites. I believe there is genuine support for Israel among conservatives and the GOP, but the issue is being used as an excuse to grandstand and go after liberal institutions (and a university president or two). Words can lead to violence, but are not violence themselves — but man is Donald Trump guilty of something regarding Jan. 6, 2021. OK, your turn.

Brian Patrick, Philadelphia

Another year, another chance to reflect on the old Nick Lowe song, “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding.” We are all making our way through this wicked world, searching for light in the darkness of insanity. Wondering if there is only pain and hatred and misery. Peace, love, understanding? There’s nothing funny about them, but perhaps these words will continue to elicit a rueful laugh or a cynical dismissal until we get serious about bringing harmony to our world at war.

Alice McBride, Philadelphia

Regardless of how you feel about the candidates, the 2024 presidential election will be a turning point for America. I wish the options were better — on both sides — but even so, if you were to boil down the candidates to their worst qualities, we’re choosing between benevolent neglect and malevolent intent. I know which one I prefer. By this time next year, we’ll know who our neighbors pick.

Patrick Smith, Philadelphia

On Christmas Eve, my family visited a family of refugees from Ukraine: a father and mother, a 16-year-old son, and a grandmother. They came with very little. We began to commiserate, but the father stopped us. “No,” he said. “We are together, we are here, we are safe, and we can again sleep at night.” To me, it resonated with the story of another refugee family more than 2,000 years ago for whom there was no room in the inn, also forced to flee from the threat of death. I am proud that this family fleeing the threat of death in Ukraine found with us a haven. Such is the promise of the lady with the torch, and a reminder of who we are, refugees all. It is time in 2024 to listen to the better angels of our nature.

Glenna Hazeltine, Philadelphia

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 150 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.