Letters to the Editor
Misleading pictureI was pleased to be included in Wednesday's article "Hundreds protest attacks on Gaza," but was distressed by the accompanying photo of a poster that equated a Star of David with a swastika. There were no other signs like that one at the rally, and the tone of the rally was not at all anti-Jewish.
Misleading picture
I was pleased to be included in Wednesday's article "Hundreds protest attacks on Gaza," but was distressed by the accompanying photo of a poster that equated a Star of David with a swastika. There were no other signs like that one at the rally, and the tone of the rally was not at all anti-Jewish.
When we saw the sign with the swastika, a few of the Jews present spoke with the man holding it. He was warm, friendly and deeply apologetic. He had no idea that having such a sign would upset Jews. "I'll take it down now," he said, and did. He said he will never use it again.
This sign was an anomaly. By highlighting it, you created an appearance of extremism and overt anti-Jewish feelings when none existed.
The picture it paints of the Muslim community is one that perpetuates stereotypes and foments dissension. The situation in Gaza is deeply painful, and I hope all of us can continue to work together to find ways to communicate honestly and work for peace in our communities and in Israel/Palestine.
Rabbi Linda Holtzman
Philadelphia
Don't blame GOP
Re: "Bucks woman outraged by Rendell's temper," Thursday:
Gov. Rendell is not the first to have a difficult relationship with the opposition. That being said, it is disingenuous of him to blame Republican politicians for problems with his legislation.
Democratic political strategist James Carville sees Pennsylvania as Philadelphia in the east, Pittsburgh in the west, and Alabama in the middle. A more genteel description might be that Pennsylvania has a diversity of opinion.
If voters from all parts of the commonwealth recognized the need for and the value of Rendell's agenda, there would be no overwhelming opposition to rising taxes. The legislators would be pressured by their constituents to support same.
Rendell has not yet presented his agenda in a way that appeals to the diverse views held by Pennsylvanians. Venting at the opposition or at constituents will not fix anything.
Ken Kelly
West Chester
Workers' choice
Re: "Employee Free Choice Act would make matters worse," Tuesday:
Club for Growth president Pat Toomey's statements could not be further from the truth. The bill will not strip workers of their rights or take away their choices.
It will simply place the decision about whether to form a union into the hands of workers, where it should be, instead of employers.
The reality is that our economy is suffering, and the middle class is shrinking. To get the economy back on track, we need more well-paying jobs - and union jobs are good jobs. On average, union workers earn up to 30 percent more than their nonunion counterparts and are 59 percent more likely to have employer-paid health insurance.
Workers earning a good wage contribute more to the economy through taxes and spending, and health care keeps workers healthy and on the job, which is good for businesses. The Employee Free Choice Act would make it easier for workers to choose a union if they want - and it should be a part of our economic recovery plan.
Wayne MacManiman
Mid-Atlantic director
32BJ Service Employees International Union
Philadelphia
Fighting crime
I read with interest your editorial Thursday "A first-year success in fighting crime," on the decline in Philadelphia's homicide rate in 2008.
In the nine "high-crime" districts receiving extra police patrols, there were 71 fewer homicides, a decrease of 28 percent.
An article Wednesday, "Violent crime declines in city," said areas not specifically targeted saw homicides increase 8 percent.
Can we learn anything from this discrepancy, or is there no statistical significance?
Daniel I. Murphy
Haverford
dmurphyesq@comcast.net
Secret smoker
I take exception to the letter Thursday ("Shape up, U.S.!") singing the praises of Barack Obama's intense fitness regimen, and how the American public should emulate it.
Many Americans know that Obama has been a pack-a-day smoker, who, while trying to quit, is still a smoker.
I hope he is able to kick this habit, not only for his own health but for those in his family, in particular his young girls. The health implications are significant.
Bernice Deal
Newtown