Letters to the Editor | Aug. 8, 2023

I disagree with Helen Ubiñas’ recent column, “Philly’s next mayor shouldn’t take the summer off.” Cherelle Parker’s summer hiatus doesn’t reflect a lack of concern for Philadelphia; it is a thoughtful approach to becoming mayor. In any task, there is wisdom in “sharpening the axe before cutting the tree.” This Abraham Lincoln metaphor emphasizes the value of preparation and planning before embarking on significant work. So, too, it should be in politics. After an intense primary, Parker is pausing to sharpen her axe. This involves reflecting on campaign promises and identifying the best team to implement them. She is prioritizing outcomes over activity, a sign of strategic thinking often lacking in politics. During this time, Parker is not on the sidelines; she is preparing for the marathon. Philadelphians need strategic actions that bring about significant, permanent outcomes.

Alba Martínez, founder and executive director, La Guagua 47 community arts project, alba.martinez@laguagua47.org

Thank you for The Inquirer editorial, “Finally facing justice.” Donald Trump’s latest indictment details his efforts to fraudulently overturn his loss in the 2020 presidential election. He defied a bedrock American principle — the peaceful transfer of power — and incited a deadly riot at the citadel of American democracy in an unlawful attempt to retain power. After his arraignment Thursday, he hypocritically portrayed himself as a political martyr, complaining: “This is a persecution of a political opponent. This was never supposed to happen in America.” This is the same Trump who, while running for president in 2020, led campaign rally chants of “Lock her up!” directed at Hillary Clinton. Later, as president, Trump was impeached (the first time) for trying to extort a foreign government into investigating his 2020 political opponent, Joe Biden. It is time to hold Trump accountable for betraying his country.

Stephen A. Silver, San Francisco

The Inquirer’s recent editorial on climate change (“More cruel summers”) presents a troubling picture for me as a member of Gen Z. I, too, see the effects of global warming in the recent four consecutive days of record-breaking global average temperature, in the polluted haze of Canadian wildfire smoke, and in my own basement, where heavy rainfall seeps through my front door. Philadelphia must take steps to combat climate change by switching from fossil fuels to renewable energy. In April, The Inquirer published a letter to the editor (“Still waiting”) that expressed concern about Amtrak’s plans to install fossil-fuel-powered boilers to heat buildings in Old City and 30th Street Station. As a high school student, I am horrified that I will have to experience more catastrophic weather, not only for the next few years but for decades and decades if agencies like Amtrak continue to choose dirty energy sources. Options such as geothermal and solar energy should be considered. In addition, Amtrak could go green by simply staying on the Philadelphia steam loop.

Karina Lad, Philadelphia

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.