Letters to the Editor | Sept. 19. 2023

The Sunday editorial correctly pointed to a problem with an aging Congress. The solution will not come from voluntary retirement. As comedian John Oliver so hilariously pointed out, a congressional seat is the only job with a six-figure salary and lots of perks for which you need no qualifications. The problem is really that we have turned Congress into a profession, in which many elected officials prioritize their egos and staying in office over service to their constituents or country. The solution is to limit the number of terms they can serve, and then force them out. The downside of this solution is that lobbyists may gain a stronger foothold on new Congress people. We also need to derail the obscene gravy train for buying the loyalty of elected officials at the same time.

Mitchell Rohman, Merion Station

Astonishing! That is what CEO pay is at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Penn, Jefferson, and so many other hospitals and other nonprofits in this city and around the country. And the justification is hokum, balderdash, and malarkey. Do you mean to tell me that if those jobs weren’t offered at such high salaries, qualified applicants wouldn’t take them? I am not saying that these people aren’t smart or effective. I am saying that their salaries are an insult to working people. It is all part of the “What’s in it for me?” and the “devil take the hindmost” mentality in this country. John Cole’s editorial cartoon is right on the money.

Bruce E. Endy, Wynnewood

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Wow, CHOP CEO Madeline Bell made $7.7 million in 2021. Meanwhile, her subordinates were struggling with the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bell’s salary (plus a $5.6 million bonus) was greater than what Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia spent on charity care over the previous three years combined. With record profits, Penn should do more for those in need. The salary of a nonprofit executive should be tied directly to the amount given to those in need. Tax exemption status should not be used to give more generous compensation packages to executives.

Paul F. Geibler, Media, bigg1013@gmail.com

I read with dismay about the “Hidden dangers of dog walking” in Sunday’s Inquirer. I understand the perspective of the dog owner featured in the article that a carabiner is a dangerous thing to have attached to a leash, but heartily disagree with the hand surgery specialist interviewed, Michael Rivlin, who said it’s better to let your dog run off leash than to try to restrain the animal. As the responsible owner of two large dogs, I take issue with this advice. As a frequent dog walker, my dogs and I have encountered dogs off lead, and it’s never a pleasant situation. In one instance, one of my dogs and I were attacked on a busy road, which thankfully did not result in serious consequences. A dog off lead vs. a dog responsibly on lead is a dangerous situation, period. The animal on lead is on the defense and will not react well to such an encounter. To simply “let your dog go” is irresponsible and can result in not only an injury but a nasty lawsuit. Bottom line: When you’re walking Rover, stay off the phone, stay alert, and control your animal. Keep everyone safe, and for God’s sake, if you can’t do that, you should not have a dog.

Rachel Renshaw, Langhorne

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