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Letters to the Editor | Sept. 15, 2022

Inquirer readers on stop-and-frisk and 9/11 commemorations.

The annual Tribute in Light is illuminated above Lower Manhattan on the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Sunday.
The annual Tribute in Light is illuminated above Lower Manhattan on the 21st anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Sunday.Read moreJulia Nikhinson / AP

Bring back stop-and-frisk

In the ‘80′s and ‘90s, we had DUI checkpoints, where law enforcement would stop vehicles and conduct breathalyzer tests. An extremely effective solution to the problem.

In Philadelphia, the problem today is gun violence. And it’s not stopping, but rather seems to get worse with every passing day.

It’s time to bring back “stop-and-frisk.” It’s time to take unlawful guns off the street.

Bryan Andersen, Philadelphia, andersen_b@hotmail.com

Disadvantages of plant-based faux meat

As an omnivore, my daily regimen consists of animal protein and lots of veggies, combined with a natural supplement custom-designed to meet my personal needs. I eat virtually no processed food, including no plant-based, processed food.

Sunday’s article neglects to consider how much energy is used to manufacture plant-based faux meat and how much additional carbon/methane might add to the atmosphere.

Compared to plant-based m eats, labels show that a real quarter-pound burger may have fewer calories, less salt, and saturated fat, and no need for vitamins and minerals in amounts irrelevant to what a given individual may require.

In an effort to reduce meat consumption, it may well be the case that, from a health and nutrition standpoint, advertising has incorrectly convinced many that plant-based meat substitutes a re far healthier than they actually are.

Harry Nydick, Collingswood

At odds with Stefano on Biden

There’s a lot wrong with Jennifer Stefano’s op-ed of Sept. 12. Independence Hall was bathed in red, white, and blue lights, not just red. Stefano and others bashed Biden’s speech as divisive, while Trump baselessly calls anyone who doesn’t worship him an enemy of the people, a traitor, a loser, and count less other schoolyard insults; not to mention all women who disagree are automatically “ugly.” Trump has repeatedly called on his supporters to physically assault his perceived enemies, something Biden would never dream of doing.

Biden’s " failed policies” have resulted in a strong stock market, strong employment, better wages for some, and the waning of the pandemic.

Stefano points to inflation and energy costs, without acknowledging that Britain and other countries are dealing with the same. Nor is Biden responsible for the failure of formula makers to maintain their factories.

Stefano could have a bit more regard for facts.

Jean A. Kozel, Eagleville

Why did the Inquirer choose to run the Sept. 12 op-ed “Biden’s Divisive Rhetoric”?

An op-ed should offer a different perspective on the news, something new or not known by most people. The op-ed just restates Republican talking points that President Biden caused inflation and high gas prices. Then there was the misleading statement that people are being told they may need to pay an additional $2,500 in taxes so that Biden can eliminate other people’s college tuition debt. What people? The only one saying that is Jennifer Stefano, the author. Stefano covers herself with the word “may” in he sentence, but her statement is untrue, and Stefano should know better.

Please bring us an op-ed that informs and inspires, not political rhetoric.

Lee Evan Tabas, Haverford, lee@tabasfunding.com

Reaction to “Former colonies” op-ed

My siblings and I have been contending over Queen Elizabeth II’s passing — one sibling and I have been moved by what we are witnessing on BBC.com, while another sibling exclaims, “So what?” regarding her passing.

I am only one year older than King Charles III, and Elizabeth has been in our consciousness all our lives. But we are African Americans; what did the Queen have to do with us?

We know the Royal Family’s current wealth originates partly from past subjugation of former colonies. Elizabeth’s government dispatched soldiers to suppress liberation movements in some colonies. She never apologized for slavery and even blew an opportunity to command “The Firm” to make Meghan feel welcome.

So why does the Queen’s passing move half of my siblings and me? Because Queen Elizabeth II aged with grace, like a fine wine.

Rosamond Kay, Philadelphia

Another list of names needs to be read

I listened to the names of the 2,977 people who died on 9/11. That event was one tragic day and is over. President Biden attended an event and spoke on the anniversary.

When are we going to start reading the names of the tens of thousands of people who died from fentanyl-related poisoning since the illegal drug importation has increased?

The list of names of fentanyl-related deaths is going to increase daily until a stronger border policy is implemented by President Biden.

President Biden did not attend an event on Aug. 21, what was recognized as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day.

It might take seven people a month to read the names of these people who died of past fentanyl-related poisoning, and will be a full-time job, since the numbers and list of names will continue to grow.

Something is wrong when these words need to be put on paper.

David Lipton, Toms River

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.