Letters: It's time for Philadelphia's black men to stand up for our people

I'M WRITING in response to the articles on the deaths of the little brother Terrence Webster and the sister Shakuwrah Muhammad.

My thoughts are for all the African-American men here in the city of Philadelphia and elsewhere. How long are we going to sit back and allow this to keep happening to our children and our women - being disrespected, abused and murdered?

When will we decide enough is enough? Malcolm X once said it's our duty and responsibility to respect, protect and provide for the women and children in our lives.

How can we show them that we adore, love and need them when we keep allowing these conscienceless and self-hating brothers to hurt them? We need to understand that respect is demanded, not given.

Let's put our differences aside (whether it be religious, political or social) and start standing up for our people. We can't afford to keep letting these things happen.

Brothers, please stand up, and let's stop this right now!

Jahi Osayande, Philadelphia

nolead begins

Here we go again, taxpayers.

Young Vincent Parsons, wanted on federal and local weapons-offense warrants, was spotted by the cops.

While he carried two bundles of crack and a loaded firearm (and the children were playing in the playground), he was allegedly "executed."

Please explain why we taxpaying, working-class, civilized folks of Philly are going to end up paying for this fella and his family.

Trust me, I am not the only voice against this type of criminal activity. Sorry about the family loss, but those kids could have been on the wrong end of a bullet. Ladies and gentlemen of areas in the city who live in this type of environment (and you ALL know who you are), how about we put a stop to this - or your innocent baby could become a victim, too.

Bill Heiser, Philadelphia