Letters to the Editor | June 25, 2024

The mayor and City Council are not very concerned about pedestrian safety, since it costs too much (read “Vision Zero spending is cut in city budget”). Yet, construction and demolition companies are free to block sidewalks. Sidewalk closures plague my walks in Center City, and I imagine the same is true for others and in other neighborhoods. Most people simply walk in the street. It is unreasonable to ask pedestrians to go out of their way because the sidewalk is blocked. Some of us are infirm, using canes and walkers, or have heavy groceries or baby carriages. I have a no- (or small-) cost proposal: If a sidewalk must be totally blocked, then close off a lane of traffic. If not, leave six feet or so for pedestrians. What about the negative effects on drivers and bicyclists, you cry? If you want to live, shop, eat, or be entertained in Center City, you will be a pedestrian at some point, and we are the underserved majority when it comes to street safety.

Naomi Miller, Philadelphia

The man who brags about victories in destroying women’s rights to health care, who denied science and had a hand in over a million pandemic deaths, and who denigrates veterans, the handicapped, and people of color has finally met his match. Twelve men and women carefully followed the evidence and found Donald Trump guilty. It is now imperative that voters remember everything Nikki Haley, Chris Christie, and everyone else on the dais said during the Republican primary campaign. It is imperative that people remember what John Kelly, James Mattis, John Bolton, etc., said when they left the Trump administration. It is imperative that you google Project 2025. Trump’s recent conviction is but a small victory for the rule of law and democracy, both of which are under vicious attack from the people afraid they will lose the power so dear to them, so much so that the country matters not. The next few months will be the most important in our nation’s history.

William Cohen, Huntingdon Valley

A recently reported measles case in Philadelphia offers the opportunity to remind us of the lifesaving potential of childhood vaccines. The highly infectious disease killed an estimated 136,000 people worldwide in 2022 alone, mostly unvaccinated people and children under 5. Fortunately, access to the MMR vaccine has averted 57 million deaths since 2000. In the U.S., vaccine hesitancy is leading to outbreaks like we saw last winter. Around the world, families struggle to access the safe and effective vaccinations they desperately want and need.

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance is a global partnership striving to reach “zero-dose” children who haven’t received any childhood vaccines — or often, any routine medical care — and support countries to build strong immunization programs. This year, Gavi is raising funding for its upcoming replenishment. With strong U.S. leadership, it can roll out the new malaria vaccine and increase access to MMR and other vaccines, keeping us all safe. U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R., Miss.) and Ben Cardin (D., Md.) have introduced a bipartisan resolution (S.Res.684) underlining the importance of U.S. support for Gavi, and a House version is coming soon. Will U.S. Sens. Bob Casey and John Fetterman join them in calling for bold action to protect children and prevent the spread of infectious disease?

Katie Fleischer, senior advocacy associate, RESULTS

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