Letters to the Editor | June 23, 2024

Even though Pope Francis apologized for his recent use of an anti-gay slur in reference to priests in seminaries, his doing so underscores a troubling reality: despite strides toward equality and acceptance, derogatory language against LGBTQ people continues to permeate public discourse. Words, especially from influential figures, carry significant weight. In this case, it not only perpetuates negative stereotypes but also fosters an environment where discrimination and marginalization thrive. Such language reinforces the notion that LGBTQ people are somehow less deserving of respect and dignity, contradicting the principles of equality that are fundamental to a just society. As we commemorate Pride month and celebrate diversity and inclusion, it is imperative to confront and address such harmful rhetoric head-on. Let us use this moment not only to condemn prejudice but also to foster dialogue and understanding. Together, we can create a world where every person is valued and respected, regardless of who they are or whom they love. The journey toward equality is ongoing, and it requires each of us to actively challenge bigotry and champion the rights of all people, unequivocally and without exception.

Jobert E. Abueva, New Hope

From stickball to being a major league baseball player for 23 years, retiring in 1973, and being elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1979, the “Say Hey Kid” Willie Mays died on Tuesday. He received 94.68% of the Hall of Fame vote. The 5.32% who did not vote for him must have been blind. He was without a doubt the best baseball player my eyes ever saw, and I have seen every major league player since 1949. Living in the Boston area back then, I did not see him play that often, but I saw him play enough to make that determination. His lifetime statistics would have been much higher if he had not served two years in the military helping to protect the rest of us. Rest in peace, Willie, and thanks for the memories.

Don Landry, Franconia

Antibiotic resistance is a scary — yet rarely discussed — reality, one that hasn’t been covered by The Inquirer in some time. One American every 15 minutes is killed by an antibiotic-resistant infection. My 21-year-old sister Lauren faces a heightened risk for these infections. I don’t want her to become a statistic. At 2 weeks old, she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a progressive, genetic lung disease that causes thick mucus to form in the lungs, making breathing difficult. Lauren has been hospitalized 20 times in her life, often due to infections. As the bacteria that grows in her lungs become resistant to available antibiotics, we get closer to the frightening possibility she will run out of antibiotic options.

The PASTEUR Act would make a huge difference for everyone, including my sister. If passed, it will incentivize the development of novel antibiotics by creating a subscription model by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ensuring products are available after development, and ultimately bringing them into the hands of those needing them the most, like Lauren. We are running out of time, and we need action now. Those living with rare diseases in Pennsylvania, including my sister, need Congress to pass the PASTEUR Act immediately.

Katherine Black, Royersford

Everyone is up in arms about Louisiana requiring schools to display the Ten Commandments, and I agree with them. It is wrong for the government to push religious beliefs on schoolchildren, but I think I have a compromise. Why not just ditch the first four commandments and stick to the remaining six? I think we can all agree that respecting your parents, not killing, not committing adultery, not stealing, not lying, and not being jealous are pretty universal beliefs. Maybe we could even add “no phones during class.”

Stefan Keller, Huntingdon Valley

As an evangelical Christian, I was appalled at the recent article stating that a majority of evangelical voters support Donald Trump for president. How they can justify supporting someone who is a convicted felon, an adulterer, a sexual predator, and a pathological liar is beyond my comprehension. The Bible clearly states in Micah 6:8 that what God requires of man is to “act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God.” Trump certainly cannot claim to do any of those things. President Joe Biden may not be an evangelical, but he certainly comes much closer to the moral standards of the Bible than Trump ever will. Trump is playing evangelicals for his own benefit, and like sheep, they are following right behind him.

Frank Gillet, Medford

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