Letters to the Editor | Jan. 26, 2025

Thanks to The Inquirer for all the articles about Macy’s and the traditions of the Wanamaker Building. The outpouring of memories and nostalgia from the public is heartwarming. But one thing that has puzzled me is wondering where all these people were when the sales were declining in the Center City store? Are these the same people who would come into the city each Christmas for the light show and Dickens Village, leave the store a mess, and never buy a thing? It costs money to pay for the maintenance of the organ and run the light show and Dickens Village. Perhaps the biggest lesson of Macy’s impending closure is to financially support the places you cherish in your heart, rather than use them for free and later lament their loss.

Mike Smith, Haddon Heights, sadbassethound@gmail.com

It is most alarming to learn the Fraternal Order of Police hopes to roll back transparency and accountability standards in its contract negotiations. The police deserve generous salaries and benefits. They deserve the highest quality of ongoing training and support to keep high standards of behavior. Our country was founded on the principle of checks and balances. The Police Accountability Unit at the Defender Association and the Citizens Police Oversight Committee are a vital component of public trust. Efforts to erode oversight create an above-the-law culture that places the public at risk and disproportionately affects Black and brown people. Now, more than before the presidential election in November, we must stay alert, together, and vigilant to thwart all efforts in which our institutions attempt to exert supreme authority over our people.

Marilyn Frazier, Ambler

A random stranger in Philadelphia saved the life of my friend’s adult son recently. He was in Philly on business from Canada. He’s a binge drinker — to an extent his family was unaware of — and collapsed on a street near City Hall, choking on vomit with a near-lethal level of alcohol in his system. Some good soul, rather than stepping over him, called 911.

His wife, having not heard from him, tracked his location through his phone to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. All they could tell her was that he was in the ICU and intubated. She and his parents rushed to Philadelphia. They can’t say enough about the excellence of care he received. Today, my friend’s son is home and has begun the journey of recovery. Today, his family is focused on supporting him on that journey. Today, there exists a future. That future would not be there were it not for somebody in Philadelphia who cared for a stranger and made the call to get them the help they needed. To that stranger, thank you. Your compassion has had a huge and positive impact on so many lives.

Bruce Arculus, Toronto

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 200 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.