Letters to the Editor | June 2, 2025

Donald Trump pardoned a man who pleaded guilty to tax crimes just one month after his mother attended a $1 million-a-head MAGA fundraiser at Mar-a-Lago. This is a blatant quid pro quo — the sort of thing that would have led to the impeachment and conviction of any other president. With Trump, it is par for the course. Sadly, few Trump supporters will care about this suspicious action. However, MAGA folks will take great joy in watching Trump detractors whine and complain about this fishy pardon. As one of my friends wondered: Are we witnessing the death of outrage?

As a scholar who studied political rhetoric for four decades, I believe the rules of the game have changed, and the rhetorical playing field is no longer the same. Hence, the moral of the story is clear: Democrats can’t regain control if their message is exclusively or primarily “not Trump,” they must convince Americans they will fix the problems that negatively impact their lives the most. This then can be contrasted with what Trump has and hasn’t done. Such a message offers the best persuasive strategy for Democrats going forward.

Richard Cherwitz, Camas, Wash.

The Inquirer headline said it all: “Lower Merion Republicans sent out a ‘Democratic sample ballot’ with GOP-backed school board candidates.” If I were not so enraged by this dirty trick, I would be saying to myself, “Why didn’t I think of that?” Lower Merion Democrats, however, were not fooled. My neighbors came down the street with the real list of candidates endorsed by the real Democratic Party. Their lawn signs warned me. And The Inquirer did its job informing the public. Although this particular trick was a bad idea, I applaud the Lower Merion MAGA faction for trying. They are taking their cues straight from Project 2025: divide liberals by using charges of antisemitism. And they are applying the global strategy to local contests. The Democratic Party needs a cunning and ruthless strategy that will match MAGA and that can be executed on the local level everywhere.

Alex Pearson, Merion Station

For a man who says he wants to cut waste out of the government, doesn’t Donald Trump think a billion dollars to provide him with a luxury aircraft is the most ridiculous thing he has ever wanted? We did not crown him as king of America. It’s time to put a stop to his megalomania. No tax dollars should be spent on his (it’s not the government’s) plane.

Timothy Wadas, Philadelphia

A recent editorial unfairly maligns private water companies as a solution for Chester City’s financial woes and ignores the significant benefits that regulated private companies bring to Pennsylvania. These companies have been integral to our state’s infrastructure for over 200 years, offering operational expertise and efficiency that public systems often lack. Furthermore, they are committed to providing high-quality water, investing in infrastructure improvements, and advanced treatment technologies to meet stringent standards. And all of this is supported by the fact that they provide safer water than government-run systems.

It’s disappointing to see the editorial perpetuate tired, unsubstantiated claims about prioritizing profit over service. Pennsylvania’s water companies understand that providing reliable, affordable water is essential for long-term success. Further, they are subject to regulatory oversight — unlike government-run systems — that ensure fair rates and quality service. While providing financial relief to Chester City is important, a hasty decision to forgo private investment could jeopardize the Chester Water Authority’s future. A partnership with a private company can bring much-needed capital, expertise, and innovation, ensuring Chester residents receive the best possible water service for generations to come, with a keen focus on sustainability and affordability.

Robert F. Powelson, president and CEO, National Association of Water Companies, rfp@nawc.com

The president has invoked a famous edict from 19th-century French dictator Napoleon Bonaparte: “He who saves the country violates no law.” OK, then! I look forward to seeing that standard applied if rioters storm the White House while chanting, “Hang Elon Musk!” I expect such an episode to be treated as nothing more than “a normal tourist visit.” Any “visitors” who get in legal trouble will naturally expect to be pardoned.

Of course, we won’t soon see such a lawless attack on our government, the way we saw MAGA rioters do on Jan. 6, 2021. Some of us proud Americans still believe in the rule of law. We are feverishly working through constitutional channels to keep our country from slipping deeper toward dictatorship. But the Republican-controlled Congress offers little sign it will uphold its constitutional role and rein in our out-of-control president.

The courts, so far, have been a bulwark against some abuses, but who knows how the president’s pals on the U.S. Supreme Court will ultimately rule? And MAGA minions openly suggest the president is free to defy court rulings he doesn’t agree with. While we can try to restrain the president with our votes in November 2026, he can do irreparable damage in the meantime. And that’s assuming the president doesn’t invent some fake reason to delay or cancel the vote. I hope those of us who believe in the rule of law are not being naive.

Matt Zencey, West Chester, mzencey@hotmail.com

For families in Philadelphia, saving money on energy bills isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Unfortunately, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and other Republicans voted against clean energy jobs and energy independence. We must protect Pennsylvania’s investments in clean energy, made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act. It is now up to the U.S. Senate to correct this misguided approach. We should be strengthening American innovation and building jobs, not tearing them down.

The Inflation Reduction Act has already had a positive impact in Philadelphia. Thanks to a strategic combination of tax credits, grants to homeowners, and partnerships to boost the local solar industry, we are seeing a boost in job opportunities and cost savings for businesses and families. Across Pennsylvania, the impact has been profound. In 2023 alone, more than 158,000 Pennsylvania families saved over $267 million on clean energy and energy efficiency investments. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick must ensure the momentum of local investments, lower energy bills, and job creation continues to benefit every corner — especially the lowest-income residents — of the Keystone State. The progress we’ve made is undeniable. With continued federal support, we can build a prosperous, sustainable, and resilient future for all.

Mathy Stanislaus, EPA assistant administrator for the Obama administration, 2009-2017

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.