Letters to the Editor | Oct. 3, 2024

Jimmy Carter, our 39th president, turned 100 on Tuesday. From his hospice where he has been residing for over a year, he had told his son that he wanted to reach the century mark and live until Kamala Harris was elected our 47th president. For a man who proudly served his country as a naval officer, as governor of Georgia, and as president (brokering a then-unthinkable peace deal between Israel and Egypt), there are few Americans more deserving of one final wish. If our first female president is elected, hopefully, Carter will stay with us a little longer. If not, he will be reunited with his beloved wife Rosalynn, whom he lost last year after 77 years of marriage. Either way, whether or not Harris wins, our nation, and the world, was made a better place by the peanut farmer from Plains, Ga.: President James Earl Carter Jr. Happy 100th, sir.

Vin Morabito, Scranton

A recent letter writer wants to know why The Inquirer reported Donald Trump’s latest prevarication regarding Vice President Kamala Harris. He states: “We rely on our major daily newspapers to be a filter of legitimate news.” But if Trump did utter those words, then it is news and should be reported. It is not The Inquirer’s responsibility to be our censor. A journalist’s job is to report facts; our job is to evaluate them. Fact: Trump proclaimed the falsehood. Evaluation: This is a blatant lie and speaks to the man’s character.

Greg Berry, Lindfield

As I see photos of the horrendous devastation resulting from Hurricane Helene, pictures of places like Gaza and Ukraine come to mind. Helene (putting aside, for a moment, our failure to take climate change seriously) was an act of nature. Places like Gaza and Ukraine are dealing with the murderous appetites of some world leaders for more power and territory. Sadly, the results are the same.

Marie Conn, Hatboro

A University of Pennsylvania professor can make racist remarks and be suspended for a year, but a person can make as many racist remarks as he wants and still become president. A person can be indicted for a crime and lose his job, but a person can be indicted for 91 crimes and still be president. A pastor can have an affair or be accused of sexual misconduct and be fired, but a person can have several affairs and be found liable for sexual assault and still be president. If it is discovered that a person lied during his job interview, he won’t be hired, but a person can tell hundreds of lies and still be president. Shouldn’t the highest office in the land be held by someone above reproach?

Douglas Olsen, Willingboro

Considering Major League Baseball today has wholeheartedly welcomed gambling sites as one of its most prominent and profitable advertisers — posting betting odds during games, seemingly before every pitch and throughout broadcasts — perhaps it’s time to make amends to the late Pete Rose and induct the all-time hits leader into the Hall of Fame.

Chip Marshall, Glenview, Ill.

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