Letters to the Editor | Dec. 8, 2023

I agree with all the points made by Mathy Vathanaraj Stanislaus in his op-ed on how Philadelphia can prepare for climate change. But there is one big step in disaster preparedness that was left out, and it has to do with our vote and our Congress. We have the power to vote out climate deniers who won’t legislate appropriately to protect us and instead elect climate-friendly candidates. I don’t care about your political views — conservative, liberal, or whatever. Climate change shouldn’t be a partisan issue, as it affects all of us. I want a livable world for my grandchildren and fear that if the climate is left unchecked, without appropriate legislation to address the issue, they may not grow up in that world I want for them. Voting is an important environmental tool. Use it wisely.

Jonathan Light, Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Merck says it is fighting the Inflation Reduction Act because it should be able to charge “market prices,” which it says it needs to pay for research and development. I wholeheartedly agree, except Merck claims that the market price is whatever the seller demands. In reality, market prices are set by sellers and buyers agreeing to a price, like what Canada, Germany, France, and other rich countries pay. To pay for research and development, Merck should charge those countries a bit more, and Americans the same (which would be less than what we pay now). We already subsidize some of those countries’ defenses from enemy threats via NATO. We shouldn’t also subsidize their health care by paying more for prescription drug costs.

Mark Girshovich, Wynnewood

So, a big drug company is crying foul because there is an attempt to stop it from fleecing Americans, and it is going to spend millions more on lobbyists. Add that to the millions of dollars already being spent on lobbying by a Big Pharma trade group. If they are playing fair, why do these companies need lobbyists? Who will pay the lobbyists for the American people to fight back? We finally have an administration willing to stand up at least a little for the people, and corporate power says, “How dare you.” So much research, not just pharmaceutical research, happens in public labs in this country. Then corporate power is handed the rights and the profits, and we the taxpayers, who paid for the research, are price gouged when we need the products. From Microsoft to Moderna, we are supposed to pay them tenfold for products created with the help of taxpayer money. Hopefully, the Inflation Reduction Act removes the blinders so we can clearly see our current system of corporate exploitation and stand up against it.

Jeff Monjack, Mount Ephraim

The complex path toward resolving perilous, enduring personal tragedies sheds light on effectively addressing seemingly impenetrable political quagmires, such as the war in Gaza. Both necessitate facing unsettling truths about dangerous human beings who will not change, recognizing profiles in courage as leaders, and a community awakened to these moral imperatives. For example, abused women are told repeatedly by partners who imprison them: “If you attempt to leave, I will kill you. Or I will make your life so miserable that you will wish you were dead.” Although much work remains, domestic violence organizations provide a tireless coterie of people who provide hope, direction, and protection to those living in fear. In doing so, they transform lives.

Like abusive partners, leaders of both the Palestine Liberation Organization and Hamas have “led” with blinding corruption and a lack of concern for their suffering population, who are terrified to oppose them. Since Hamas’ long-planned Oct. 7 atrocities, the dangerous limitations of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have been made shockingly clear. So, just as a determined citizenry unites to protect vulnerable families within its borders, there are powerful voices in all countries (in Israel and Gaza, as well) who insist that bloodshed between those once brothers be resolved through a two-state solution. Their commitment, determination, and grit will energize and inspire others to support this necessity and find a peaceful way to work within Israel and Palestine to make it happen.

Building a quality framework toward this goal can eventually lead to new leadership in Israel, as well as the emergence of a leader the Palestinians deserve — one with the vision, strength, and bravery of Egypt’s Anwar Sadat. Imagine his welcome to Israel by a leader like Golda Meir, who once again would ask, “What took you so long?”

SaraKay Smullens, Philadelphia

Although it is vital that the Washington Square West community’s divergent perspectives are brought to the public’s attention, The Inquirer comparing the pro-arena stance of just two individuals to the numerous negative opinions does not seem representative of the overall neighborhood feeling. While this debate is undoubtedly a local issue, it is far more profound than a “not in my backyard” concern. The resistance to the proposed Sixers arena isn’t merely an opposition to development in that area, but a principled stance against the type of development being proposed.

It is essential to underscore that the residents engaged in this discourse aren’t against the idea of development along that strip. The concerns raised by the community encompass broader implications — from traffic management and environmental impact to the long-term consequences of a project of this magnitude. We don’t believe replacing a box with another box is the recipe for success. We advocate for a thoughtful and considerate approach to development, one that aligns with the ethos and character of our neighborhood while addressing the needs and concerns of its residents. The focus should be on sustainable, community-oriented development that enhances our area without compromising its essence.

Patrick Coué, member, No Arena Washington Square West

In consideration of the families and loved ones of all civilians being held hostage by Hamas or detained without charges by Israel, it is imperative that the condition of every one of these men, women, and children be released so that at least it can be known that they are well and being cared for. It should no longer be acceptable to anyone that these people be kept from their families as pawns to be used at the will of those who seek war. Surely, we as human beings can do better.

Philip A Tegtmeier Sr., Honey Brook

Now that some degree of humanity has surfaced with the (temporary) truce and hostage exchange in the war between Israel and Hamas, we should consider a long-term solution that will avoid future bloodshed once the fighting ends. The long-discussed two-state solution should be given serious consideration. Let’s not let the thousands of Palestinian and Israeli civilians who have died do so in vain. The current situation is a recipe for disaster. If the Palestinians were free to have self-determination, they would be more inclined to elect leadership that knows how to provide basic services such as electricity, plumbing, and fuel rather than bomb-making and tunnel-digging terrorists. Give peace a chance.

Angus R. Love, Narberth, anguslove76@gmail.com

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court heard an appeal recently arising out of the impeachment proceedings pending against Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner. When the court deliberates its decision, Justice Kevin Dougherty will not participate, having recused himself from the case without explanation, as reported in The Inquirer. Dougherty’s recusal is appropriate given his lambasting of Krasner over the latter’s handling of the highly publicized murder prosecution of former Philadelphia police officer Ryan Pownall. Last summer, the Supreme Court rejected an effort by the DA’s Office to reinterpret the state’s use-of-force law during Pownall’s trial. Justice Dougherty authored a concurring opinion criticizing nearly every aspect of Pownall’s prosecution, the conduct of which was described as “the antithesis of what the law expects of a prosecutor.” The tenor of his opinion suggests that Dougherty’s impartiality toward Krasner might reasonably be questioned, thus meeting the recusal standard provided in the state’s judicial code of conduct.

Patrick J. Hagan, Ardmore

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