Letters: Is there a double standard in replacing Justice Scalia?

NOW THAT we need a replacement for the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, the Republicans are saying they won't vote for one until the next president is elected, because that has been the policy for 80 years.

I wonder if that would still be the case if the current president was a Republican, along with the current Senate.

Mayer Krain

Philadelphia

Addiction is not

a racial issue

Regarding Solomon Jones' column on substance abuse and race, addiction doesn't have a race, plain and simple. I remember the black community complaining that nobody was doing anything about crack ruining their neighborhoods. Then "white people" put laws to help get the major suppliers in their area long-term jail sentences. What is it? Don't do anything or do something. Can't win. Always the case: complain, complain, and complain.

How about looking in the mirror? Blame yourselves. That ever occurs to you? Didn't think so. Be honest, it's up to the person to make good choices.

Bobby LaVelle

Philadelphia

Unfair criticism

of the Sixers

I am reaching out to voice my frustration about the 76ers writers - particularly John Smallwood and Marcus Hayes. For the last several years, these writers have written scathing articles about the team, the front office, and the ownership group that are meritless. Unfortunately, several readers rely on these writers for their information. The misrepresentations and accusations that are made toward the players, executives, and owners is unwarranted and unfair.

I am keenly aware that many fans - and validly so - re frustrated with how the 76ers have been "tanking." Although I am a proponent of that long-term strategy, I recognize the alternative viewpoint. But these writers disregard the strategy. I was particularly struck by the lack of credibility in an article by Hayes, in which he indicated that Jerry Colangelo hinted at a reduced role for Sam Hinkie. Nowhere in the article is there any indication that is true.

Previously, Hayes and Smallwood have inflicted their own personal bias into the 76ers strategy. While personal opinions can be necessary, it is poor journalism to disregard the alternative viewpoint and to make stark allegations that Hinkie and the ownership group are "criminals" and "frauds."

I want better journalism. Even though not everyone will agree with the 76ers' strategy, it is meritless to make such drastic allegations regarding the front office and the ownerships group - particularly because an older generation of readers relies on the sports section for its news.

Noah Goodman

Temple Law Review, Staff Editor

Sanctuary cities

and the FOP

The FOP cannot condone politicians that violate the law. The FOP has backed Gov. Wolf, Attorney General Kathleen Kane and Jim Kenney for mayor. They all support Sanctuary Cites for illegals, felons and terrorists. The FOP has to take on these politicians who support a policy that puts Police officers in harm's way. The City of Brotherly Love for felons and the home of the Sanctuary City policy must stop. The Democratic Party cannot condone a policy that puts police officers in danger and law-abiding citizens in harm's way. The FOP cannot keep endorsing politicians that do not obey the law.

FOP President McNesby, you need to stand up against Mayor Kenney's felon policy. This outlaw mayor stood in front of the cameras when Police Officer Jesse Hartnett was shot by an Islamic terrorist. The Mayor sugar coated it and said Islamic religion had nothing to do with it. He made the national news. The men and women in law enforcement want the Democratic Party to obey the Law and Constitution.

Kane, who also was endorsed by the FOP, did not take Wolf on. Wolf took the death penalty away for cop killers.

Every police officer wants a good contract. What they don't want is a politician like Kenney. He gets the support of police officers, then he stabs them in the back by telling all the felons "The City of Philadelphia ( Bad Lands ) welcomes them with open arms."

He then gets in front of the TV camera and becomes Ayatollah Mayor Kenney, an expert on the Koran and sharia law . He tells everybody (even after they know a Muslim confessed to shooting Hartnett) to disregard the confession. He says that Islam is not at fault and that nobody believes for one minute that Islam is involved.

The FOP must take politicians on, especially the ones who violate their oath of office. The national FOP, the state FOP and the local FOP need to stop the insanity of endorsing politicians that violate the law.

Joseph McAllister

Retired P.P.D.

Philadelphia