Letters to the Editor | Nov. 15, 2024

Conservative media are claiming that Sen. Bob Casey is a sore loser, not facing reality, and trying to undermine democracy by not conceding the election other media has called too close to call, and in which an automatic recount has been triggered. Casey has every right to demand that all votes be counted and that the election result is clear. Conservative media supported Donald Trump’s 61 lawsuits when he lost to Joe Biden. Many Republicans have bought the lie that the 2020 election was stolen, downplayed the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, and have not criticized Trump for not conceding. Why don’t Republicans stop bullying Democrats, engaging in faux outrage, working the ref, and using false equivalencies and outright lies about Al Gore and Hillary Clinton not conceding? What is happening with Casey will no doubt provide more fodder for those attacks.

George Magakis Jr., Norristown

For the last several days, The Inquirer has more than once described Bob Casey as “defiant” in not conceding to Dave McCormick in Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race. Since when is it defiant to insist that all properly cast votes be counted in a race, especially one that is headed for a recount under the law? Whatever the ultimate result, Casey — and the electorate — have every right to require that all votes be counted. Do better, Inquirer.

Marguerite Walsh, Devon

Another Veterans Day passed this week. I and many other patriotic Americans paid our respects to the servicemen and women who have graciously and unselfishly served our nation. As always, I feel our collective response is incomplete. At least three of the wars conducted in my adult lifetime have been justified and undertaken based on lies and distortions. They were arguably immoral and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and incredible destruction and suffering. Yes, we should show our respect to those who served when asked, but we should also apologize for having called on them under false pretenses.

While we recognize our veterans, we should also pay tribute to the many courageous men and women who have spoken out against our actions when they have been wrong, people like U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee, who was the single individual member of Congress to refuse to authorize the invasion of Iraq. We are a blessed, powerful, and great nation, but we are not perfect and are certainly not always the best we can be. We could be that, but only if we are willing and able to acknowledge, own, and learn from our mistakes. Then maybe we can be the best version of ourselves.

Bernard J. McBride, Philadelphia

Was your ballot counted? On Election Day, many Pennsylvanians had already voted early or headed out to the polls, determined to cast their ballot. There was the first-time voter, so proud to be part of our democratic process. The elderly man determined to cast his 50th consecutive Election Day vote. The new parent with babe in arms who knew his vote would benefit the life of his child. The cancer patient pushing her walker slowly across the schoolyard, committed to having her voice heard. The working mother rushing to make it before the polls closed. Pennsylvanians, did you know, as of Wednesday, that NBC calculated there were 91,000 ballots left to count? Stay true to your values, Pennsylvania. Do the right thing. We are a democracy. Count all our citizens’ ballots. Is your ballot waiting to be counted?

Gerri DiLisi, Lansdale

Join the conversation: Send letters to letters@inquirer.com. Limit length to 200 words and include home address and day and evening phone number. Letters run in The Inquirer six days a week on the editorial pages and online.