Letters to the Editor | Oct. 3, 2025

Some thoughts on what Disney did to Jimmy Kimmel and the outrage from your readers about Mark Fenstermaker’s letter:

James Comey’s conduct ruined the lives of Carter Page, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, and George Papadopoulos. His actions also undermined the first Trump administration. Comey leaked false information to the left-leaning media, and the current administration is trying to bring him to task.

Free speech allowed Comey to do what he did. He abused his First Amendment rights and ruined the lives of fellow citizens. Where is the outrage from The Inquirer Editorial Board and opinion writers directed at Comey? This is the double standard Mr. Fenstermaker was trying to address. Kimmel made a false statement, and Disney wanted to make a point. So if somebody points out a lie, they are attacking the liar’s right of free speech. Is that why The Inquirer thinks Comey should not be tried — and his lies identified? Because it would be attacking his right to free speech?

Tom Elsasser, Philadelphia, elsasser64@aol.com

During the interminable lead-up to the last election, we were subjected to one television ad after another reminding us that Dave McCormick attended the U.S. Military Academy and that he would serve with duty and honor. There is also an understanding that when a candidate wins, that individual serves all the people, not just those from whom he received votes.

Duty and honor would stand up for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein, and yet, Sen. McCormick voted against releasing the files. When Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened free speech in our country, Sen. McCormick has again remained silent.

I have reached out three times to the senator’s office, and no one has responded.

What happened to duty and honor and representing all of the people of Pennsylvania?

Rob Howard, Rosemont

Is telling the truth and taking an oath now “woke”? Our president and his mini-men have taken an oath to our Constitution, and apparently no longer believe in it or support it.

Is it not enough to take an oath in the military now? Are all our enlistees liars and traitors? These are not “draft dodgers” or folks with bone spurs; these are men and women who volunteer their time, their lives, and that of their families to support our Constitution and our country.

So now we will ask them to take a lie-detector test and sign a nondisclosure agreement. Our own president did not agree to either of these after taking his oath. Nor did Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, or White House budget director Russell Vought.

Am I outraged? You bet. And I am outraged that more of my fellow Americans are not? You bet.

Fran Worrell, Ocean City, N.J.

Did you know there are only three librarians for 118,000 students throughout the Philadelphia School District? Do you realize only 17% of Philadelphia’s fourth graders score proficient in reading? Are you aware that the inability to read is correlated with low self-esteem, anxiety, and social isolation? Or that students lacking literacy skills are four times as likely to drop out of school and six times more likely to drop out if they also come from low-income families? Have you considered that because of low literacy, Philadelphia County loses $21.2 billion annually, since potential workers do not qualify for jobs that require reading?

I learned all this Tuesday at the Read by 4th Partner Network Meeting.

Dedicated teachers, parents, and advocates joined together to discuss progress and plans. So much to do. So little money. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) cuts were among the reasons for the major losses in library personnel. But more budgetary slashes are anticipated.

If The Inquirer’s readership is not aware of the dire realities confronting Philly schools, teachers, and kids, then let’s start there. The future of our city — dare I say our country — lies in ensuring we have a literate population. Please sound the drum loudly, often, and on the front pages in bold letters.

What can you do? Anything. Especially if it’s out of your comfort zone or suburban neighborhood. This wonderful city of ours depends on the goodness of those with means, time, and wherewithal. And now that you know, you can’t unknow.

Beverly Moskowitz, Philadelphia

Politicians wonder why they are held in such low regard. Well, a month into the school year, our children still do not have many textbooks and workbooks. About 11% of the school year has come and gone, and all of our elected leaders have failed us. Yes, there are one or two people who really are responsible for this. But at this point, all of them have failed. Gee, I wonder why test scores for our children are trending lower …

Bryan Andersen, Philadelphia, bryan.andersen@outlook.com

I’m responding to The Inquirer’s recent article about the budget uncertainty threatening Pennsylvania’s Solar for Schools program (a statewide effort that funds solar energy systems in schools).

A loss of funding causes a loss of opportunity — an opportunity to educate students on sustainability and renewable energy, reduce emissions, and save money. What benefit is there in squandering a teaching moment and the chance to create a healthier future?

Currently, Pennsylvania ranks 49th in renewable energy growth over the past decade, with only 4% of electricity being renewably sourced. This can change if the Solar for Schools grant program continues. We must all call on the state legislature to include full funding for Solar for Schools this fall.

The Solar for Schools program doesn’t just lower energy costs — it equips students with the tools and values to build a cleaner, more sustainable future.

Cecilia Sarnowski, Philadelphia

I have to disagree wholeheartedly with David Murphy’s recent column regarding the playoffs, in particular, making the playoffs longer. Thanks to the commissioner of Major League Baseball and the television gurus, we now have the World Series finishing on the first day of November if it goes seven games, with all the games televised at night. Our children today cannot stay up until midnight to watch these games. Then there’s the weather. Some day, you are going to have a World Series between Colorado and Boston or Cleveland. If that happens, and you are in November, you won’t need a tarp to cover the field. You will need a Zamboni to clear the snow and/or ice off the field. It’s not fair to the players or to the fans to play in such conditions that late in the year. All MLB has to do is shorten the season by having more day/night doubleheaders during the regular season, where the home team still gets its double revenue. Television’s scheduling influence has ruined the game.

Paul Benedict, Broomall

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 150 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.