Letters to the Editor | Oct. 14, 2022

In a recent Jennifer Stefano column, she links tax cuts to the two gubernatorial candidates as a solution they both support. Looking at the state of Florida, a state that boasts low tax rates, its governor needs the federal government to bail it out, as it does not have funds to recover from a predictable natural disaster. Mississippi, another state proudly touting tax cuts for business, does not have the revenue to provide potable drinking water.

Perhaps the other outcome of tax cuts is corporations perceive tax cuts as a justification for withholding wage increases. This, in turn, reduces payments to Social Security and employer retirement contributions over one’s working years, thus creating the retirement funding crisis.

Stefano may be onto the elixir that may be the cause of our economic woes.

Joel H. Beldner, Glenmoore

Wendy Ruderman’s article, “Columbus still covered, but more colorfully,” describes the cultural issues surrounding the Columbus statue in South Philly. One issue often missed in historical accounts is Christopher Columbus’ financial support from Queen Isabella of Spain, and the substantial funds she had secured from Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition. Many on board, including the knowledgeable Jewish translator Luis de Torres, were escaping the Spanish decree. It is noteworthy that the historical context of that journey is widely ignored in the media and most schools.

Susan Sommovilla, Elkins Park

It is so sad to see the one-sided media coverage and political ads trumpeting access to abortion as a basic right. Not true. Many people of faith believe that God is the author of life and take seriously the commandment “Thou shalt not kill.” Many understand that the baby in the womb can feel pain and has a beating heart. Is there a difference between killing a baby in the womb and one outside the womb? Neither can survive on their own. And yet in one case, some call it “a woman’s right,” and in the other case, it’s murder.

Psychological, emotional, and spiritual pain is real for many women after an abortion, including me. Years ago, I found myself inconveniently pregnant. It was so easy to make the situation go away. If only abortion hadn’t been legal.

There are so many wonderful pro-life pregnancy centers now that offer medical care, counseling, and support to women throughout their pregnancy, and help with adoption should the woman choose that. Supplies and resources are available for the families long after the baby is born.

It’s hard not to see abortion as an act of selfishness. Is life all about meeting our needs and having comfort? Do we no longer care that if the Bible is true — and I’m certain that it is — we will stand in judgment for our actions before our Creator one day?

Janice DeNito Branagh, Norristown, JDenitoBranagh@verizon.net

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