Letters to the Editor | March 26, 2026

Donald Trump has called for the federal government to oversee the election process in Philadelphia and other democratically controlled cities. Fortunately, Al Schmidt, our secretary of state, courageously spoke out against Trump’s claim about the myth of voter fraud in Philadelphia, and that nationalizing elections is a violation of the Constitution. This leads one to wonder why our senators, Dave McCormick and John Fetterman, are not doing the same. At a time when Trump continues to undermine the validity of our elections, their silence speaks volumes.

Greg Nowell, Narberth

Primary season reminds us that the same legislators in Harrisburg who proclaim their fealty to democracy when running for reelection are still crippling said democracy by preventing many people from voting in primary elections. These primaries are critical in electing candidates who will occupy offices that will affect the lives of all Pennsylvanians, regardless of party. But we are stuck with closed primaries in which only party members can vote. So in this commonwealth, all independents are left out in the cold. It has been well-documented that closed primaries are those in which the fewest citizens come out to vote, and they are the most ideological, so the party’s candidate in the general election may not represent the preferences of most party members, just the small number of primary voters. Many states have done away with closed primaries, but not in Pennsylvania, where the birth of American democracy has been enshrined.

Paul Selbst, Philadelphia

We need to ask ourselves two questions. First, Donald Trump is asking for $200 billion to pay for the war in Iran. That would cost about $600 for every man, woman, and child in America. Ask yourself, do you have the funds to write a check for that amount right now? Second, on Saturday, Trump said, “I am not putting troops anywhere.” Meanwhile, Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu said that meaningful results from the war will require a “ground component.” Trump is assembling thousands of Marines in the Middle East. Whom do you believe?

Dave Elder, Philadelphia

I was appalled to read the recent op-ed posing the question of whether New Jersey public schools should be named after Donald Trump. Why would anyone in their right mind consider honoring a figure whose tenure and conduct have been so deeply divisive and controversial?

Public schools are places where we shape the values of future generations. The individuals we choose to honor in their names should reflect integrity, respect for democratic institutions, and a commitment to the public good. Naming a school is not just symbolic — it sends a message about what and whom we value. At a time when our country is striving to strengthen civic understanding and unity, we should be especially thoughtful about the examples we elevate. There are countless educators, community leaders, and public servants whose lives and contributions embody the ideals we hope to instill in our children. They would be far more fitting choices.

Sandy Berenbaum, Richboro

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