Letters to the Editor | Nov. 29, 2022

While the politicians in Harrisburg may blame Philly’s district attorney for the gun violence pandemic, the root cause lies in their own House (and Senate). The legislature has done the bidding of the gun lobby and now almost anyone in the state can obtain a gun — legally or otherwise. And make no mistake, the ease with which one can purchase a gun legally has a direct impact on the number of guns circulating illegally, whether by straw purchase or theft. The Second Amendment is our right, but with rights come responsibilities. It seems even our illustrious U.S. Supreme Court justices can’t seem to remember the “well-regulated” part of the amendment by the time they get to “shall not be infringed.” It’s time for commonsense gun reform. Not to take away our rights, but to ensure they are well-regulated.

Stephen Loughin, Bala Cynwyd

Michael Clemmons’ recent op-ed makes an excellent argument for our community to honor Chief Tamanend, the Lenni Lenape Native American who entered into a land treaty with William Penn. As part of its vision for the city’s historical area, the Independence Historical Trust has a plan underway to relocate Chief Tamanend’s statue to the 200 block of Market Street to anchor a new public space, Tamanend Plaza. In his treaty with Penn, Chief Tamanend hoped for a peaceful coexistence between the Lenni Lenape and the English. Tamanend Plaza will inform us about his remarkable life. It will be a new urban green space where our diverse community can gather to learn from and enjoy one another’s differences.

Bill Marrazzo, chair, Independence Historical Trust, Philadelphia

Columnist Jennifer Stefano offered an election autopsy of the GOP’s thrashing, but her dissection demonstrated why Pennsylvania Republicans took such a trouncing. While she plucked a few hairs to examine under the microscope — and her admission that Republicans’ lack of good policy was part of the problem — she ignored the virulent diseases endemic within her chosen party. The majority understood that GOP candidates running on overturning elections would eliminate not only the voice of voters in government but democracy itself. Women were adamant that we should be in charge of our reproductive autonomy and not the government. Our country is diverse, which Democrats view as a strength, while many Republicans divide us into warring factions. Stefano would do well to use her scalpel to help remove the malignancies that have overtaken what used to be called the Grand Old Party, but whose present state is a mockery of its former self. She can’t do this while blindfolded. Our nation cries out for two healthy political parties.

Beverly Hahn, Lansdale

I am heartsick over recent deadly shootings. Congress has the power — but not the will — to do something. Why are we beholden to the NRA? This senseless violence must stop. I am haunted by the beautiful faces of the University of Virginia students, gunned down by a person with easy access to a firearm. I am also haunted by the thought of those out for an evening of fun at Club Q in Colorado, not making it home. Please do your best to raise awareness of this terrible violence, brought upon so many Americans. The constant risk of being shot should not be a consequence of living in the United States. In a civilized society, how can this keep happening?

Sharon Eastburn, Glenside

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