Letters to the Editor | March 9, 2025
Inquirer readers on Pete Rose's pardon, the "Sixth Borough," and the Social Security cap.
Donnie’s hustle
The proposed presidential pardon of Pete Rose by Donald Trump, an act that would be inappropriate and unnecessary, should not be surprising given the parties involved. Rose’s gambling addiction, including betting on the team he was managing, was followed by years of denying and lying about his behavior, and only admitting the truth when he was promoting his book. He never showed any remorse, was frequently arrogant and defiant, and was an embarrassment during his appearance at the 2023 Phillies alumni weekend. His behavior does not warrant being reinstated by Major League Baseball to its active list for Hall of Fame consideration. It is a disgrace our current president unfortunately has the same values.
Jay Klazmer, Cherry Hill
‘Sixth Borough’
In response to The Inquirer piece, “New Yorkers have finally realized Philly is better and want to move here”: I shouldn’t have to spell this out, but the whole “Sixth Borough” trope isn’t just insulting — it’s lazy. If the goal was to celebrate Philadelphia, framing our city as some offshoot of New York completely undermines that message. Philadelphia stands on its own, with a history, culture, and identity that are not dependent on comparison to another city — especially one that has long failed to appreciate what makes this place great. The phrase “Sixth Borough” has no place in any discussion of Philadelphia, let alone in the pages of our paper of record. I hope future coverage reflects the respect this city deserves.
Adam Frantz, Meadowbrook
Lift the cap
President Donald Trump alleged fraud in the Social Security program during his address to Congress. He claimed that 130,000 people over 160 years old continue to receive benefits. He further alleged that one such person is over 350 years old. The truth is that nobody over 115 receives benefits. Instead of being fed lies by a habitual liar, let’s do something about it. U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders has an excellent legislative initiative that would lift the current cap of $171,000 for contributions to the program, which would allow the addition of vision and dental to Social Security. Why shouldn’t the rich pay their fair share? Why are they exempt?
Angus Love, Narberth, anguslove76@gmail.com
For shame
To all the Democrats who sat on their hands and did not applaud the president’s guests sitting in the balcony during his address to Congress, I say shame on you. DJ Daniel, the brave young man who is battling brain cancer but loves the law. The young woman with brain damage from a volleyball injury caused by a transgender player. Families of our murdered servicemen and women who lost their lives in Afghanistan. Who turns their backs on these Americans and refuses to honor them? If the people who sent those mean-hearted politicians to Congress vote for them again, then they are no better than those politicians. It was disgraceful and a sad commentary on the Democratic Party.
Dolly Constable, Gradyville
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