Letters to the Editor | Jan. 26, 2026

The dirty business of censorship snuck its way into Philadelphia Thursday afternoon and removed panels from the President’s House memorial to the nine people enslaved by George Washington on Independence Mall.

Ripped from the walls was our history, our freedom of expression, and the respect and dignity for all human beings.

Peter Tobia, Philadelphia

The writer formerly worked as a visual journalist at The Inquirer.

What? No one protested and said they wouldn’t take down the slavery exhibit at the President’s House here in Philly? No one protested that taking down the pictures of enslaved people was destroying our country’s history, whitewashing a people’s history?

What kind of country rewrites history? Certainly not a democratic country. Little did I know that years ago, when I read Cry, the Beloved Country, I would now be crying for our own country.

And what would have happened if everyone refused to take down the exhibit? Of course, they knew they would lose their jobs. But beyond that, it would have made news, and I believe a lot of us Americans, particularly here in Philly, would have joined in their courageous protest.

After desecrating our history, how can we feel good about Philadelphia’s historical significance as the Semiquincentennial City in 2026?

Ettie Davis, Philadelphia

Bucks County is home to a cruel practice that most Pennsylvanians believe belongs in the past: live pigeon shoots. At the Philadelphia Gun Club in Bensalem, birds are released and shot at close range. It is reported that the club holds about a dozen shoots per year. While the vast majority of states have outlawed this cruelty, political maneuvering has allowed it to continue in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 1097, sponsored by State Rep. Perry Warren, aims to finally close this shameful chapter by banning live pigeon shoots statewide. The passage of this legislation is an urgent imperative. The movement to ban live pigeon shoots has a long history and is supported by a broad coalition of veterinarians, hunters, and concerned citizens. Yet, HB 1097 has languished for more than 30 years in the General Assembly.

Please contact your state representative and senator and demand they take immediate action by stating support for HB 1097. In November, every state representative and many state senators are up for reelection. To find your local lawmakers, visit: www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator.

Victor M. Verbeke, Pennsylvania Voters for Animals, Harleysville

Today, our Constitution, like the chassis of a very old car, is breaking down. Perhaps it’s time to trade it in. Our current Constitution, drafted in Philadelphia in 1787, certainly lasted longer than our first constitution, the Articles of Confederation — a document that was drafted in Philadelphia in 1777. Our founders were not hesitant to toss a constitution that was not working for a new and improved model. What better place than Philadelphia, and what better time than now to begin an inclusive conversation about a new foundation for our federal government? We deserve a government that is less chaotic and more respectful of the common citizen.

Hank Bienkowski, Boothwyn

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