Letters to the Editor | May 3, 2023

I’d like to introduce my generation to you. We are referred to as Generation X or Gen X. We come between the baby boomers and the millennials; however, according to many articles in your paper, we don’t exist. In Sunday’s story on the foods that people of different generations tend to eat, for example, we weren’t included. In fact, in many other articles, there are comparisons between boomers and millennials (and possibly Gen Z), but we are skipped over constantly — as if no one was born between 1965 and 1980. I can assure you, we definitely exist. We are working hard, actively in the workforce, parenting young adults who are millennials and Gen Zers, and taking care of our aging boomer parents. We do this because we were raised to take care of things, and we don’t need much attention or credit. But it would be nice not to be ignored.

Heather Hersh, Philadelphia

In the 80 years since my grandfather was robbed and murdered by a teen in his candy shop in Philadelphia’s Oxford Circle, minimal federal action has been taken to pass responsible gun laws, particularly regarding AR-15s, which are designed for modern military use. After the latest school massacre, I prayed that each Republican in Congress who is against a new assault weapon ban had terrifying, vivid nightmares in which he or she must identify the decimated body of a loved one who has been butchered with an AR-15, especially a child. Such politicians, of course, would wake up from their horrific dreams — not so for the ever-suffering parents whose worst nightmares continue in the daylight. As I vigorously advocate for a renewed ban on assault weapons, I also pray for victims’ families, for traumatized and scarred child survivors of mass shootings, and for police officers, the men and women who bravely enter harm’s way. I cannot give up on numb-seeming Republicans. I cannot give up on the idea that at least a couple of conscience-driven GOP leaders will tap deeper into their inner goodness and wisdom. Whether or not they have AR-15 nightmares, I pray that some will “wake up” (or loved ones will awaken them) to the life-and-death priority of supporting and voting for an assault weapons ban.

Ilene Munetz-Pachman, Langhorne

It is a real shame that The Inquirer chose to describe Sean Hassett’s defacing of public spaces with graffiti as “more artistry and self-expression.” The article implies this behavior is praise-worthy; it is not. It is a visual element that leaves unsightly smears on walls and other surfaces. Homeowners, community groups, and businesses spend a lot of money and many hours trying to remove and prevent this damage to property. Drive through blighted areas of Philadelphia and you will see this “street art” does nothing but add to the blight. The article notes the existence of Philadelphia’s Mural Arts program. This is a great outlet for artistic expression and where this person should focus his effort.

Vincent Ziemba, Philadelphia

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