Letters to the Editor | July 21, 2025

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of Justice fired Maurene Comey, a dedicated federal prosecutor known for her commitment to upholding the rule of law. Her removal raises serious questions about the independence of our justice system and whether political loyalty has overtaken legal integrity. At the same time, the GOP voted to slash $9 billion in previously approved funding, targeting foreign aid and even public institutions like PBS and NPR. These cuts not only harm vulnerable populations at home and abroad, but they also undermine our global standing and attack one of the few remaining pillars of factual, educational broadcasting. What message are we sending when we punish truth-tellers and defund programs that support education, international partnerships, and basic human needs? Autocracy and fascism often begin not with a dramatic takeover, but with the gradual erosion of democratic norms, institutions, and civil liberties. We must stay vigilant. Democracy doesn’t disappear overnight — it erodes when we remain silent in the face of decisions like these.

Sandy Berenbaum, Richboro

Am I the only person who missed the news report regarding the Trump administration’s order to incinerate 500 metric tons of food (high-energy biscuits) that were originally earmarked by the Biden administration for families in Afghanistan and Pakistan who lost their homes due to severe storms and flooding? The food relief would have served 1.5 million children for at least one week. The Biden administration allocated almost $800,000 for the relief aid to be distributed as needed. I read the newspaper daily and watch the news reports on television every evening. I did not see any timely information about the food incineration. The excuse was that the food had expired, but did it just sit there while Donald Trump continues to dismantle foreign aid programs in his vow to keep “America first”? His sense of empathy is nonexistent. His actions regarding this issue are inexcusable. All of us must continue to hold the Trump administration accountable for its despicable and inhumane actions.

Carol A. Pasquarello, Philadelphia

As a medical provider, it is common to receive lab results, imaging findings, and other tests that outline and subsequently serve as a guide for next steps in medical care. These results function as a snapshot into how our health is impacted by our biopsychosocial environments. The recent study detailing concerning levels of PFAS in people living near military bases in Bucks and Montgomery Counties is alarming when viewing the numbers in a silo. However, what concerns me deeply is the impact that these “forever chemicals” will have on people both now and in future generations. We ultimately do not know the full scope of how these levels will alter our communities’ health.

Kayla E. Cooper, Philadelphia

Regarding The Inquirer article, “Report parking violations to the PPA in 30 seconds with a new tool.” So now Philly has its own secret police, its own Stasi. Neighbors ratting out neighbors, all in service of the Philadelphia Parking Authority. The car haters have hit the jackpot with this one. I didn’t think PPA could get any worse. Now, the climate change virtue-signalers have a new weapon to use against the bogeyman called the automobile. How far is the city willing to go to interfere with people’s freedom of mobility? I shudder to think what might be next.

Tom McCarey, Berwyn

The editorial cartoon, “The three R’s of education,” trivializes the legitimacy and presence of antisemitism on college campuses. Instead of implying that antisemitism is just another accusation used to target educators and university administrations, it’s important to look at the actual data and facts. While some universities have improved their responses to antisemitism by establishing task forces and other policies, there are still hundreds of incidents recorded every year threatening violence against Jews, and reports of vandalism and graffiti targeting Jewish spaces and residences. Free speech and diversity of opinions are critical to education, but this should never come at the cost of isolating and threatening Jewish students and faculty. Antisemitism is a real issue on campus, and to treat it as otherwise only further contributes to the problem.

Jason Holtzman, chief of the Jewish Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia

Were the dead important before dying, I wonder? Did they count, as in sheer numbers or in importance? As I listen to our president wax and wane about the numbers of dead Ukrainians and Russians, Palestinians and Israelis, and how so many Americans died in the exit of Afghanistan, I wonder.

I wonder how many will die here in America. Not due to a war from without, but the one within. As our government, and unelected and nonaccountable agents, slash the agencies that oversee our laws and the protection of our people, I wonder how many Americans will die unnecessarily from lack of food or healthcare. I wonder why research that impacts our health is less important than the next rocket to Mars? I wonder why this president’s obsession with revenge inhibits the protection for the daughter of our last president, when he did the same for his four adult children?

Don’t be fooled by the rhetoric from the White House, where they are pampered with heat and air-conditioning, and eat good food regularly. They are not worried about meeting their health insurance payment, or when their Medicaid will kick in with a payment. I wonder if they are worried about SNAP providing nutrition for their children. And apparently, all their parents are wealthy, as they are not worrying about what will happen to Medicare or Social Security. And they are not worried about how many of our friends and neighbors will have lost their jobs and begin slashing their own budgets for food, housing, and healthcare. That should be an interesting number. I wonder if they are worried about us at all. Maybe we will be remembered, and counted, when we die.

Frances Worrell, Ocean City, N.J.

As a pediatric resident physician, I see firsthand the impact of chronic health conditions on Philadelphia’s youth. While the worsening of children’s health and mortality in America appears to have many contributors, climate change should not be forgotten as a major one. In our city, the urban heat island effect exposes children to higher temperatures than ever before, especially in historically disenfranchised neighborhoods. This makes it more difficult or even dangerous to safely play, get active, or explore our natural world — all elements that can combat chronic conditions like obesity and depression.

Record pollen counts, wildfires, and industrial emissions all impact air quality, which contributes to asthma exacerbations despite standard medical management. Green spaces have been shown to reduce firearm violence as well as temperature, but many Philadelphia neighborhoods still have minimal tree canopy and unequal access to local parks. If we want to improve the health of America’s future, we should start in our own backyard by investing in green spaces, implementing stricter air quality standards, and ensuring every child feels safe being outside.

Sophia Darwin, Philadelphia

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