Letters to the Editor | Feb. 7, 2024

With all that is going on in the country and the world, the right-wing media led by Fox News has focused on what is truly important: whether Taylor Swift will support Joe Biden. The right seems so afraid of Tay Tay’s influence that they have started a campaign against her and floated conspiracy theories that, even for them, are truly unhinged. These outlets are so terrified that Swift could sway young voters toward the president that they are working very hard to convince her to stay out of the election. Whether she decides to support anyone is her right under the First Amendment and as an American.

The hypocrisy here is astounding even for Fox News and its “friends.” Celebrities have spoken out in favor of and against politicians forever. Fox News had no problem with people who’ve made antisemitic statements (Kanye West) or are anti-LGBTQ (Kid Rock, Ted Nugent) supporting Donald Trump. All Swift has done is encourage young people to register to vote so that they can participate in the democratic process. Whether she voices her opinion or not, railing against someone who only brings joy to millions and encourages peaceful participation in democracy is shameful and another indication of the depths to which many on the right have sunk.

Andy Rosen, Philadelphia

This year, we’ve learned that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through surgery. On Jan. 22, Dexter King, the 62-year-old son of Martin Luther King Jr., died of prostate cancer. While the reason is not yet fully understood, prostate cancer affects African American men more than those of other races. Fortunately, I don’t have prostate cancer. For the last 15 years, I’ve annually had my blood checked for PSA levels and had my urologist do a painless 30-second exam. Men, do yourselves a favor and don’t wait until Prostate Cancer Awareness Month in September to get tested. As we’ve seen, power, wealth, and prestige are no protection.

Paul L. Newman, Merion Station

I understand and empathize with voters who are dismayed with Joe Biden, whether it be concerns over the economy, disagreement with his foreign policies, or perhaps just his advanced age. However, the political calculus is not complicated: anything less than a vote for Biden is support for Donald Trump. Voters abstaining or choosing to vote for whichever third-party candidate makes the ballot will be helping to usher in the end of democracy and the rule of law as Americans have known and enjoyed since the U.S. Constitution was enacted. A protest non-vote is essentially a proactive yes-vote for an aspiring dictator and his band of antidemocratic opportunists, con artists, and thugs. We know what Trump’s going to do — he’s told us — and for once, he’s telling the truth. So, if you want Trump in all his fascist glory back, all you have to do is nothing.

Michael Dobson, Indian Rocks Beach, Fla., medobson328@gmail.com

The Inquirer Editorial Board has announced that it sees Donald Trump as unfit to serve another term as president of the United States, and is dedicating a series of editorials to make its case. In fairness, the board’s analysis should also include whether our current president is unfit to serve a second term.

There are serious concerns about Joe Biden’s physical, mental, and cognitive capabilities. He often appears confused and makes verbal gaffes on a regular basis. This is clearly the reason he avoids holding news conferences and is reluctant to debate opponents during campaigns. If he did, these shortcomings would be more apparent. Is this the man we can trust to make the crucial decisions that determine our future under extreme pressure?

A recent editorial focused on a lack of accountability on the part of President Trump as a deterrent to his effectiveness as a leader. Interestingly, Biden has shown a real problem with accountability himself. While Biden, as noted in the editorial, has said that he takes “responsibility” for the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in August 2021, a White House report released in April blamed that fiasco on the Trump administration.

Biden has never taken accountability for the growing crisis at the southern border. On Day One of his administration, he issued executive orders to undo the policies implemented by the Trump administration that kept the border under control.

And then there’s the record inflation that occurred during Biden’s first two years, of which he has said, “It was already there when I got here.” If it was there, it didn’t seem to show up until he took office and implemented his questionable policies. If we are judging the leading candidates for president, Biden most certainly failed the accountability test.

Mark Fenstermaker, Warminster, markfense@gmail.com

On Feb. 14, we will mark the sixth anniversary of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla. One result of that tragedy was the emergence of young activists across the country who found their voices. Their original target was gun control, but over the years, they have embraced many causes. They have also been tireless in their drive to make sure people register to vote. This gives me much hope for the future.

These young people played a big part in President Joe Biden’s election. Now, some of these dedicated individuals are finding it challenging to continue to support Biden in light of the continuing suffering in Gaza. I offer no easy answers, only this suggestion: talk to young people in your orbit. Listen, really listen to them. They’re already active, so remind them of the power their voices have, whichever side they’re on. Personally, I share this unexpected election angst, but we have to remember that no matter who is on the Democratic ticket in November, saving our democracy is the real candidate.

Marie Conn, Hatboro

Both as an attorney having worked in pharmaceutical cases and as a consumer, I read the recent Inquirer article about the struggle of independent pharmacists with particular interest. I turned to an independent pharmacy in Glenside years ago after my prescription for one medication suddenly went up to $100 a month at RiteAid. Those pesky benefits managers were clearly at work maximizing profits for their corporations. The medication was a fraction of that price at the new pharmacy, and they happily delivered it to my home in Powelton Village.

When an independent pharmacy opened in West Philly, I transferred my prescriptions to them. Communication with them is excellent, and they also deliver. A very important consideration for people like me who take medications prescribed by different doctors is that medications may have adverse interactions, some of them serious. Doctors are less educated than pharmacists in spotting these problems. I have been saved twice from harm by my independent pharmacist, who knows exactly what medications I take and alerted me to potential problems. The doctor then changed the medication to a more benign alternative. Having a relationship with good health-care providers is key.

Carol A. Fritz, Philadelphia

It’s not too difficult to notice the achievements of women now participating in many sports that were traditionally only for the male gender. Are these advances ever going to include women who could do great things in professional football? It’s not outrageous to think they could participate as kickers and punters. These positions are almost always by themselves, and not one of them is engaged in the really rough activities of football. They are generally safe from ever being tackled or even knocked down. So, what is preventing women from kicking and punting footballs during a game? They could become truly bona fide members of a few teams, and eventually, women may become players on just about all the teams. Perhaps the National Football League could get something started for next season.

Edwin E. Scully, Philadelphia, edwinscully2@verizon.net

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