Letters to the Editor | Jan. 30, 2025

President Donald Trump called the Kansas City Chiefs to congratulate them for their win in the AFC championship game and the team’s return trip to the Super Bowl. He did not congratulate the Philadelphia Eagles. Trump should no longer be called the commander in chief, but rather chief petty officer.

Steven Lewis, Philadelphia

When the Eagles win the Super Bowl, should they accept a visit to the White House? After all, Philadelphia is “one of the most egregious places anywhere in the world” and a place where “bad things happen.” Or will there even be an invite? As the chant goes, we don’t care.

Simone Alexander, Philadelphia

A letter writer celebrates Donald Trump’s withholding of disaster aid to California unless the state’s politicians bend the knee to him as if that were a legitimate way to run a government in a civilized society. Disaster aid is a core function of the federal government, as it promotes general welfare. It should be unconditional, as it always has been when hurricanes and tornadoes have impacted red states. Only when disaster strikes a blue state do Republicans attempt to take aid hostage, as they did in 2012 after Superstorm Sandy struck New Jersey and New York. Neither the writer nor the president will be smiling, as it is very unlikely the overwhelmingly Democratic California delegation, which includes people like former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Adam Schiff, will help pass Trump’s agenda no matter what kinds of threats he makes. They understand that you can never submit to bullies and that you never negotiate with terrorists.

Bill Fanshel, Bryn Mawr

The position of inspector general was developed by Congress following the resignation of President Richard Nixon and was designed to monitor corruption and waste in our major government agencies. Inspectors general are guardrails of our democracy and protectors of our tax dollars. They are independent and do not serve the special interests of either political party. They cannot be fired without 30 days’ notice or without just cause. President Donald Trump’s recent firings of these vitally important people were both unlawful and an abuse of power. We should all be outraged, regardless of party. These firings may be in the best interest of a wannabe dictator, but they are not in the best interest of our country.

Anne B. Zehner, West Chester

House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Republicans are now stating that it’s patriotic to pay higher grocery prices. Johnson is making $223,500 a year as speaker, and I believe he and Republicans should not ask Americans who make far less to carry the burden of being “patriotic” alone. He and all Republican lawmakers should donate at least 50% of their salaries back to the government to help with the debt and give taxpayers a break. Time they feel the pinch we feel. Why should the poor and middle class have to be the only ones?

Jesse E. Hare Jr., Jamison

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