Letters to the Editor | July 17, 2023

The only criterion for schools is: Do they educate? When we parse words, rather than acknowledge facts, we are committing a grave disservice to our children. For example: When we read in PhillyVoice that “fourth grade students across Pennsylvania’s public schools saw increases in math scores on the PSSA, with 42.3% of students scoring proficient or higher.” That means the majority — 57.7% — of students are not proficient. That a child in that public school may not be able to correctly calculate change from a purchase, may not be able to multiply his or her hourly wage from a summer job, may not be able to play a simple card game with a sibling, may not be able to dream of the impact his or her life would have on thousands of people across the city. When we give public money to families to feed their children, we do not dictate that they can only go to the store where 57% of the food is below par. Why do we do that with education? The time for vouchers is now. Give the money to the parents, and let them choose the school that suits them.

Adriana della Porta, Philadelphia

America is ready to capitalize on the next generation of energy technology with carbon capture and hydrogen hubs. Pennsylvania has the potential to lead the charge, as mentioned in the recent Inquirer article, “Safety and oversight concerns are raised as Pa. lawmakers pursue billions for hydrogen hubs.” The history of carbon capture and storage speaks for itself. Over the last 40 years, carbon dioxide has been injected for enhancing oil production, with over 99% of it still safely underground. Its potential is reflected in the federal tax credits that provide economic support for these projects. These credits have been around since 2008 and were expanded by Congress last fall, a reflection of the national interest in this growing technology.

Pennsylvania is a prime candidate for carbon capture and storage expansion. There are at least 20 facilities in the state that are potentially eligible for the tax credits, and there is extensive capacity for additional facilities thanks to advantageous geologic formations. Policymakers in Harrisburg recognize the potential economic and environmental benefits. State-led oversight of these projects means the process can be tailored to Pennsylvania’s specific needs. Now is the time to unleash carbon capture and storage and build a cleaner energy future for the Keystone State.

Stephanie Catarino Wissman, executive director, American Petroleum Institute Pennsylvania

The U.S. has enough problems to last a lifetime. It doesn’t need the plethora of lies and disinformation that continue to assault us. Donald Trump’s and William Barr’s dishonesty has consequences. Columnist Kyle Sammin thinks Russiagate is a fantasy. Yet Robert Mueller’s investigation produced 37 indictments, seven guilty pleas, and 14 criminal referrals. Mueller found compelling evidence that Trump obstructed justice, that Russia engaged in sweeping and systematic attacks on the integrity of the U.S. election in 2016, and that he could not exonerate Trump. Only the U.S. Justice Department policy that states a sitting president cannot be indicted prevented that from occurring.

After Mueller’s report was released, Barr, then attorney general, made an announcement that misrepresented Mueller’s findings, whereupon Trump declared he had been exonerated. Trump’s current charges regarding classified documents are not analogous to Hillary Clinton’s email server. I do not recall the particulars, but FBI Director James Comey’s July 5, 2016, statement said, in part, that no reasonable prosecutor would bring a case. Sammin concludes that the Republicans can move on “by turning the page on the former president and all his drama.” Convincing the millions who’ve bought the Big Lie and are now an entrenched cult, oblivious to all but their dear leader, isn’t happening. This is a big problem for the justice system and the future of our imperfect democracy.

N. Farbman, Philadelphia

For a major public space in the core of Center City and the very face of government to a large number of its citizens, both the process and design being presented to the Philadelphia Art Commission for Thomas Paine Plaza are wholly inadequate. A survey posted weeks before breaking ground with virtually no publicity? A major public art installation relegated to the scrap heap days after presentation for “conceptual review”? Plans for a project that’s been in the works for years quietly released after the project is already under construction? Cherry-picked comments added to presentation materials they couldn’t possibly have influenced? A nonsensical design that thumbs its nose at the work of a preeminent Philadelphia modernist and the majority of the space’s current users? The proposal seems downright contemptuous of Vincent Kling’s original design and of the many communities using this space today. Moving forward with no real public engagement process would be a major disservice to the citizens of Philadelphia and a dereliction of the Art Commission’s duties.

Nicholas Baker, Philadelphia

The delivery and cost boondoggles encumbering the new version of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s liquor special-order system confirms, once again, that our state should not be in the booze business. Having lived in states where private enterprise is the norm for trade in these products, I know how much better that can be. It is apparent from the customer’s perspective. I have yet to meet Pennsylvania liquor store employees who know anything about what they sell. For example, when asked for advice about wine to buy for a particular food, you get a blank stare. You might be advised to read the generic “review” labels stuck hither and yon around the store. Even a suggestion that red meat might call for red wine and white meat for white wine is not forthcoming. Fortunately, I live near New Jersey. Employees in those liquor stores give real, knowledgeable, and helpful advice. That will happen here if the state gets out of this business.

Rodger Miller, Doylestown

The recent Inquirer op-ed on red flag laws absolutely hits the mark. Just who are Pennsylvania Republicans protecting by opposing these proposals? Is it people who are struggling with mental health issues or immature young men? Who is served by that? Are they concerned they will lose votes? No one is interested in taking guns from hunters or legitimate, responsible gun owners. By opposing commonsense red flag laws, Pennsylvania Republicans are complicit in the deaths of five innocent Philadelphians. Shameful.

Margalit Whitmore, Philadelphia

In his recent op-ed, Mike Weilbacher references NASA climate scientist James Hansen’s testimony before Congress in 1988, when he said that climate change is here. Another piece in The Inquirer that day (”Climate change ratchets up the stress on farm workers”) reinforces how one segment of outdoor workers have their health and even lives threatened by climate change. This story could easily have been about railroad workers, electrical linemen, foresters, and any other outdoor workers.

Weilbacher finishes his op-ed by saying that “Hansel was right 35 years ago. Global warming is not only coming, it’s here. And just like in 1988, the Earth is speaking loudly. Will we listen this time?” What he did not mention was that when Hansen testified, he thought that by pointing out to Congress the immediacy and gravity of the problem, the government would act. The strangely named Inflation Reduction Act is a start. Beyond that, Hansen and the rest of us are still waiting.

Peter Handler, group leader, Philadelphia Citizens’ Climate Lobby, Philadelphia

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