Letters to the Editor | Jan. 23, 2024

In his recent column, Solomon Jones discussed Black voters’ disappointment with President Joe Biden. What he failed to address is that as president, Biden’s ability to act for the benefit of Black voters is limited by existing legislation and, because of the divided Congress, his inability to sign new legislation. Also, his infrastructure and anti-inflation bills did help the Black community, as did his executive orders. Leaders of the Black community must make it clear that whatever failings they perceive in Biden are insignificant compared with the damage another Trump administration will bring. Too often in elections, we are forced to vote for unappealing candidates. But in that event, we must vote for the lesser evil. Trump represents a threat to our democracy. Even if Biden is disappointing, he is clearly better than Trump, who must be defeated.

David C. Harrison, Philadelphia

The upcoming presidential election is not Democrats vs. Republicans, or left vs. right, or liberal vs. conservative. It is American principles, the rule of law under the Constitution, vs. treason. Once it is decided that we uphold these principles, we can return to vigorously debating policy differences on taxes, abortion, guns, immigration, etc. The gamut of opinions will be freely expressed and heard. That is a long-standing American tradition. It is what defines America. As Thomas Jefferson said, “Every difference of opinion is not a difference of principle.”

Donald Trump’s only principle is a dictatorship under a police state. His words and actions clearly demonstrate it. He has said he could suspend the Constitution and declare martial law. He has said that presidential immunity grants him the authority to murder political opponents. Going beyond words, he spurred the violent invasion of our U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Our darkest day. Presented here is the real choice this November. All else is secondary. Which will you choose?

Carl Balis, Glenolden, balcj2@comcast.net

I want to thank Ellie Rushing and The Inquirer writers and investigators for “Forever Young,” the detailed report of the 23 Philadelphia juvenile shooting victims in 2023. And thanks to Meredith Elizalde, as well, for her account of her tireless efforts to address firearm issues after the fatal shooting of her son, Nick. The details of each victim’s life and death change them from statistics to children. How will we protect the lives of our kids in 2024? There were many underlying factors in each child’s story, but their deaths all had one thing in common: a firearm. Elizalde’s op-ed highlights the frustration of trying to get the Pennsylvania legislature to respond to this crisis. For starters, I suggest The Inquirer rework its report into a booklet and send a copy to every state legislator. Let’s force them to act.

Joel Chinitz, Philadelphia, jjchin@comcast.net

Thank you for publishing the op-ed by Meredith Elizalde in Sunday’s Opinion section. This week has been excruciating for anyone who has experienced or cares about the havoc created by gun violence in our communities. The recent report on the Uvalde, Texas, fiasco makes clear how unprepared and unconcerned first responders and government officials remain in confronting this devastating crisis. The arrogance, hauteur, and lack of concern of legislators described by Elizalde are infuriating. Yet, this is the stance voters allow representatives to take if they can keep their seats despite a total disregard for the needs of their communities. There are numerous organizations working nonstop to educate, empower, and activate citizens in confronting the gun crisis. Elizalde’s op-ed reminds us of how important and necessary the work remains. I thank her for sharing her heartbreaking story.

Barbara S. Blonsky, Mount Laurel, barbarablonsky52@gmail.com

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