Letters: SEPTA strike sticks it to us

ONCE AGAIN, and in the darkness, unspeakable horror befell the citizens of Philadelphia.

SEPTA (aka the Transylvania Transit System) is helplessly possessed by an unholy union of vampires whose minions, fearing the daylight, struck at night. Their curse is lifted - for now.

The bloodsuckers got their gold and avoided the silver bullet - for now.

Freddy (Kelly) D'alfonso, Elkins Park

Once again, we faithful commuters are put out to pasture by the powers that be.

These high-priced entities who wouldn't be caught dead riding the buses and trains have the fate of the faithful in their careless hands.

If only the shoe was on the other foot. It's sad that SEPTA is biting the hands that feed them.

Patricia Warrick, Philadelphia

No sympathy for Mr. Cheng

Imagine being in a hotel room, far from the city you love, turning on the laptop to read the Daily News, and then you read the article on "the lonely Mr. Cheng."

My first reaction to this ridiculous rhetoric was how could a responsible writer for this newspaper think a topic like this was something I wish to read?

Do you think I care about the plight of someone who entered this country illegally? Who's taking jobs that homeless Americans can have? Who skates paying any taxes? Who'll get medical care that taxpaying citizens will have to pay for? We have enough Americans beating the system without the Mr. Chengs of the world coming to get their share.

The American Dream is not about sneaking into the country and working illegally. It's coming to this country legally, becoming a citizen, and a productive member of society. In the future, please think before you write something as appalling as this.

Ken Carchidi, Philadelphia

Health care now!

There's a temptation to sit back and wonder what some of the great minds who are no longer with us would think about this current dilemma.

We're talking about the right to live here, and it's hard to imagine how a human being could conceive of depriving another of this basic right.

When the economy is running like molasses, it's hard to imagine much trickling down from the top of the pyramid unless those in power provide a helping hand.

It's true that the House of Representatives has already made history, but we cannot afford to call it a day.

We need these changes in health care policy - and we need them now. If the individuals at the top of the pyramid want worker bees to keep doing the legwork, step up and give them the care they deserve.

Mark Danowsky, Philadelphia

The secret ingredient

Maybe I'm the only one who notices, but how come every time there's a Philly home game on national TV, they show Philly cheesesteaks being served down on Passyunk Avenue?

And how come the steak sandwiches are being served with the cook's "bare hands"? You are supposed to wear gloves and cover your hair!

So that's where the flavor of a South Philly cheesesteak comes from - a sweaty palm?

Laurence Barberra, Philadelphia