Letters: THANKS, KITTY, FOR YOUR MOSQUE COVERAGE

TO KITTY CAPARELLA:

You first reported on the ugliness of Imam Shamsud-din Ali's criminal problems, the dire conditions of the Philadelphia Masjid and adjoining school. Then came the beautiful, inspiring, and uplifting story of the rebirth of the Masjid and school.

This story has come full circle.

Thank you for your diligence and passion. Most journalists only report or sensationalize the bad because that sells papers, but your journalism has depth and compassion. You not only report what is, but what could be. In today's ever-changing economic and geo-political environments, we need hope and possibilities! Great work!

Hakim Muhammad, Philadelphia

People first, then pets!

Re Joyce Meder's March 29 letter "Animal Plan-it":

First, if you want to quote someone, make sure you know who said it! It was Gandhi, NOT Winston Churchill who said you can judge the greatness of a nation by the way it treats its animals. In the Internet age, it's not that difficult to check.

And I pray that your vote in the upcoming primary won't rely on the candidate's rating on the Humane Scorecard! Are you aware of the problems that plague our country? The economy, war in Iraq, gun crime, health care (for humans!), the subprime mortgage crisis.

The right to vote in our country is a privilege, and should be cast on what's good for people, not pets! As a pet owner, I understand your compassion for our four-legged friends, but where is your compassion for the two-legged constituents?

In closing, I'll quote Yogi Berra: "I really didn't say everything I said."

Kevin M. Coughlin, Philadelphia

The bare facts?

I was watching an ad for Rep. Bill Keller and it said he's kept strip clubs out of South Philly. My question is if he did this, why is there a strip club and adult book and movie store just feet away from the Toys 'R' Us (no pun intended) and across the street from Whitman Park housing?

To my knowledge, there's recently been a strip club hosting bachelor parties and such just across Front Street from a residential neighborhood.

Debbie Frommer, Philadelphia

Secret weapon

Re the murder on the subway:

I wish they had targeted this European-American - I would have shown them my little friend!

Pat Brown, Philadelphia

I believe the teens who committed the attack are African-American students. If four white teens killed an African-American man, the headlines would have made this a racial issue.

Michael A. Tolassi, Broomall

(Formerly of Southwest Philadelphia)

White House cocktail

So Georgia Makiver's bartender has more qualifications to run for president than Barack Obama?

I've never known a bartender who was a Harvard law grad, an ex-state senator and a U.S. senator. Who's her favorite waiter, a former secretary of state?

Mike Lawler, Pottstown