Letters to the Editor | March 30, 2026
Inquirer readers on dysfunction in the sheriff’s office and cutting back on air travel.
Corrective action needed
It is past time for the state Senate and the governor to remove Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, pursuant to Article VI of the Pennsylvania Constitution.
In the interim, the city should petition the Common Pleas Court to place the office in the hands of a receiver appointed by the court. All duties of the office relate to the execution of court orders, so the courts have jurisdiction to inquire and act on the office.
I am glad your recent editorial about the dysfunction in Bilal’s office notes the complicity of the mayor and City Council, because various city government offices already have responsibility for work supporting the sheriff and could use that leverage.
There has been a major breakdown of accountability regarding the sheriff.
Mark R. Zecca, Philadelphia
Infrequent flyer
It is time for passengers who have the option not to fly to demand more from the airlines. The logistics of flying were bad enough before the long waits to get through security. Now we have higher fares because of higher fuel prices.
Once we get on board — unless we fly first class — we are treated like steerage on a ship. Narrow seats, little leg room, and marginal food quality. If we cut back on our demand for air travel, we will get better treatment.
I, personally, have elected to have fun in my neighborhood without taking a vacation that requires air travel. Why subject myself to a marginal transit environment when I can have the comfort of my own home and neighborhood? When I travel at a distance, I take trains. I get better food and service, and without the stress of navigating airports.
Bill Pelle, Haverford, bill.to.write@gmail.com
Fatigue is a strategy
President Donald Trump has crossed so many lines — decency, constitutional authority, private gain from public office, lying — that it’s easy to grow numb. We can’t allow that. We need to track these abuses and confront them.
If we stop reacting, the violations become the norm.
In the past week alone, Trump has:
Provided incoherent and conflicting messages about the war in Iran.
Threatened to “obliterate” power stations in Iran if its leaders don’t open the Strait of Hormuz, an act that violates international law.
Celebrated the death of Robert Mueller, an outstanding public servant, war hero, and former FBI director who kept us safe after 9/11.
Paid $1 billion of our money to a foreign energy company to forfeit wind farm leases and invest in fossil fuels, worsening climate change during a year of extreme weather.
Tried to scuttle a bipartisan deal to fund the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and ensure pay for Transportation Security Administration agents.
Pushed voting changes that would disenfranchise millions and restrict mail-in ballots, while using mail-in ballots himself.
These abuses persist because Republican officials and nominees for federal office, including judges, refuse to acknowledge them — or even something as straightforward as Trump’s 2020 election loss.
You have the power to act. Tell your elected officials how you feel. Show up. Vote for candidates who will follow the Constitution and reject these abuses.
Collective action can still produce public servants who understand that the government exists to serve all of us, not one corrupt man.
Deb Wells, State College, Pa.
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