Letters to the Editor | Nov. 22, 2022

Many have emphasized how the Jan. 6, 2021, coup attempt frightened voters, contributing to an unanticipated midterm surge for Democrats. But no one mentions the possible impact of another terrifying event: the hammer attack on Paul Pelosi. Do we want to live in a nation where extremists’ lies create a wave of fury and hatred powerful enough to endanger the lives of public servants and their families? Pelosi’s attacker was unbalanced, but his actions were generated by an atmosphere encouraging others to justify violence as a patriotic duty. President Joe Biden didn’t exaggerate when he compared MAGA Republicans to fascists. Like the MAGA movement, fascism spreads lies appealing to the resentments of the masses, encouraging a frenzy of hatred until brute force overturns democratic institutions, intimidating and silencing political opponents and dissenters. The midterm results were encouraging, but far too many remain loyal to MAGA leaders and perspectives. America’s future hangs in the balance.

Carol Stein, Philadelphia

Do we need more police? What is needed is more police doing actual police work. On any given day you can see more than a half-dozen police vehicles parked by the Pennsylvania Convention Center. You can see police vehicles and officers directing traffic at construction sites, a task that a laborer could do with a red flag. Every day I see a police vehicle parked in front of the Target store in South Philadelphia. Doing what? At one time I was aware that the most sought-after “assignment” was the task of filling the gas tanks of police vehicles. That lucky officer was known as the “gas man.” Even I, at 90, could do that job.

I. Milton Karabell, Philadelphia

In his recent op-ed assessing his years as mayor, Jim Kenney called gun violence Philadelphia’s most pressing challenge and his own top priority. He also noted that barriers to coordination with state and federal law enforcement agencies impede the city’s efforts. In April, U.S. Rep. Dwight Evans introduced a $51 billion, seven-point plan to fight gun violence in Philadelphia and around the country. One of its main provisions would encourage collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through a new model known as Hub, developed in Canada and already adapted for use in Philadelphia. The bill would also promote evidence-based strategies for local law enforcement and boost funding for community-based violence intervention. Funding was already approved as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Philadelphians need our lawmakers to work together on reducing gun violence. Evans’ bill is a good step in promoting greater cooperation.

John Francis, Philadelphia, jmf1967b@gmail.com

Before getting carried away with enthusiasm by the story on police hiring and pay, remember that police doing civilian clerical tasks will be replaced by civilians only when they leave the job voluntarily. Also to our collective disgust, as part of the package of “reforms,” the city agreed to make a lump-sum payment of $1.5 million into the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5′s legal fund, the proceeds of which are often used to fight the city. Talk about feeding the mouth that bites you.

Debra Weiner, Quakertown

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