Letters to the Editor | June 2, 2024

I was so happy to see the two international courts step up and make judgments regarding the war in Gaza. Instead of shunning these rulings, we should embrace all efforts to bring an end to this terrible bloodshed. We have functioning international bodies created to bring justice and peace to the world through international law. All members of the United Nations are bound by the International Court of Justice ruling, while all but six nations are signatories to the International Criminal Court. We need to listen to these voices, as all other attempts at peace in this region have failed for decades. There are agreed-upon international laws; we should encourage their enforcement through all means.

Susan R. MacBride, Philadelphia

A recent op-ed rightly highlighted the financial barriers to becoming a Pennsylvania teacher. However, the state should also prioritize tackling airborne viruses in schools, which are now hazardous workplaces due to the spread of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza. The CDC found that students were the main driver of COVID transmission during the initial reopening phase, endangering their health and that of their teachers. Insufficient air filtration and poor ventilation in buildings and buses are at the core of this problem. In 2023, the governor budgeted $500 million to reduce environmental hazards, which could be used to update school HVAC systems. Federal American Rescue Plan funds are still available. Inexpensive HEPA or Corsi-Rosenthal filters should be placed in every classroom, and opening windows encouraged. Let’s not tolerate sick schools anymore. If we literally clear the air, we can help attract quality teachers and protect the health of our kids.

James G. Lertola, Pennsylvanians Against COVID, Kennett Square

The other day, a raccoon interrupted a Major League Soccer game between the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC. It ran around Subaru Park and eluded capture for a few minutes. Play resumed after the field crew trapped it in a garbage can. I see a bit of symbolism in this. Thirteen miles away, in FDR Park, Philadelphia is clearing ground for 12 artificial turf fields that city officials hope to lease to sports organizations like Philadelphia Soccer 2026. In Worcester Township, 32 miles away, Variety Club and elected officials broke ground last month on a lighted artificial turf field that will be ready for lease to sports organizations this fall.

Forty-six miles away, in Green Lane Park, Montgomery County cleared ground and installed artificial turf for a different professional sports facility with a similar economic motive. All of these developments are promoted as contributing value to the community. Sports facilities benefit everybody. If not everybody, then at least the vocal majority. The MLS video, “Somebody Sign That RACCOON!” has been watched 428,800 times. As we create master plans to develop and monetize our shared open spaces and build more man-made environments to celebrate and groom our talented athletes, that raccoon reminds us not to lose sight of the universal value of spontaneous play in nature.

Peg Patton, Perkiomenville

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