Letters to the Editor | Oct. 11, 2023

One in five adults lives with a mental illness. And yet there is still tremendous stigma attached to this medical condition, which can be triggered by genetic or environmental factors. The alienation experienced by those living with a mental health disorder and their loved ones can be overwhelming. As a National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) certified family support group facilitator, I see it in people’s faces when they come to group. Their stories about mentally ill loved ones are powerful, their pain all too apparent. The group offers a safe space where people can share their stories and know they will be received with empathy.

When I see a look of hope in a person’s eyes, I’m reminded why I facilitate the group, which also provides information about available services and resources. Indeed, the 12th and final NAMI support principle affirms, “We will never give up hope.” People come to group to unburden themselves and for information and support. NAMI also offers the Connection support group for those living with a mental health condition. Teens and young adults struggling with a mental health issue but who are not in crisis can call the confidential NAMI Teen and Young Adult HelpLine at 800-950-6264 to speak with another young person who shares similar experiences and can offer information, resources, and support. To learn more about the programs NAMI offers and to locate a support group near you, visit www.nami.org.

Christopher Florentz, board member, NAMI Atlantic/Cape May, New Jersey

Yes, it’s nice to have bike lanes and to complain about drivers and pedestrians while you’re riding your bike in the bike lane (as one letter writer did recently), but what about the other side of the equation? What about the bikers who don’t obey and stop at red lights or stop signs? I’ve seen many bicyclists blow stop signs and red lights and almost hit cars and pedestrians. I also witnessed a biker run into my side-view mirror while my car door was closed, and she tried to run off. If cyclists want equal rights, then they should obey the rules, be mindful, and share the road. Since the city is spending so much money on creating and maintaining bike lanes, it’s about time to require bikers to carry insurance and register their bikes, just like a car. If you want to receive special privileges, then you should also share in the cost while on the road.

N. Rubin, Philadelphia

In many ways, America’s struggles at Valley Forge mirror Ukraine’s current challenges in fending off a Russian invasion. Thomas Paine wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” The long-awaited Ukrainian counteroffensive is beset by brutal fighting, entrenched Russians, and hampered by delayed equipment and ammunition. These challenges will be overcome. The liberty of a free people will triumph over the forces of tyranny and oppression once again. But not without our help.

Over the past 18 months, Americans have provided critical weapons, ammunition, training, vehicles, food, medicine, and more. In this moment, and the winter to come, Ukraine needs our help more than ever. America cannot be a summer soldier or sunshine patriot in this fight. America must continue to support Ukraine. Not later, now. Not words, weapons. Not gestures, training. Not finger-pointing, funding. Yet some are already claiming “Ukraine fatigue” and insist that additional support brings the U.S. closer to direct conflict. Neither of these claims are true.

Every battle Ukraine wins keeps American boots off the ground and far away from the war and helps to maintain the rules-based international order that the U.S. created after World War II. Let us not forget about the pain inflicted upon Ukrainian civilians, or the half-million Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, including infants and toddlers. That is more than a war crime — it is an attempt to erase an entire culture and nation. It is genocide. True friends and supporters are needed now. It is time America helps Ukraine push through the coming dark months into a true sunrise of triumph.

Darrell Owens, former national security adviser to U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey, and Brian Fitzpatrick, U.S. representative, Pennsylvania’s 1st Congressional District

It’s been almost two months since the Philadelphia police released a statement saying Eddie Irizarry “lunged” at officers while holding a knife. Two days later, the department switched gears and said Irizarry “was seated in his car with the windows rolled up and may have been holding a knife.” Two very different accounts. Why has it taken so long to conclude the investigation into who was responsible for releasing the initial information? We constantly hear from police brass that they want to build community trust. They want to be more transparent. If that’s the case, they certainly fumbled the ball with this investigation. Everyone wants to hold the street cops accountable. I feel that all police employees should be accountable, regardless of rank or position.

William D. Markert Jr., retired, police captain, Philadelphia

We acknowledge the challenges felt citywide that were described in Al Alston’s op-ed and echo the author’s expectations for city services that make every Philadelphian feel safe. However, as head of the Fairmount Community Development Corp., I am writing to ensure that all of Brewerytown’s spirit and potential are represented in these pages and to invite neighbors and visitors to join us. Twenty new businesses have opened in Brewerytown in the last year. They are joining 80 existing storefronts — many of them woman- and minority-owned. On the second Saturday of every month, our businesses welcome customers with special offers and activities.

This fall, we’ll be celebrating Halloween with trick-or-treating down Girard Avenue. In the spring, our streets will be filled with music, food, and art for the Girard Avenue Street Festival. You don’t need to wait for a holiday to visit. Brewerytown welcomes neighbors traveling home from a show on Broad Street or biking the Schuylkill River Trail, those exploring Fairmount Park, the Philadelphia Zoo, the Discovery Center, and Smith Memorial Playground. The neighborhood is a short walk for anyone enjoying museums on the Parkway, swimming at the Athletic Recreation Center, or shopping at the Brewerytown Community Garden’s farm stand.

Strong neighborhoods are the result of residents, workers, business and property owners, government, and nonprofit leaders working together. In response to the closure of Girard Avenue last winter, community members contributed more than $20,000 to a business relief fund. Neighborhood champions are collaborating with Fairmount CDC to improve lighting, litter, and anticrime efforts, support new businesses, and train prospective entrepreneurs. Our goal is to see Brewerytown thrive as the most diverse, vibrant, ambitious, and accessible community in Philadelphia.

Patrick Sherlock, executive director, Fairmount Community Development Corp.

Should anyone be in City Hall longer than any president is in the White House? Two City Council terms are more than enough to work hard, achieve one’s goals, and then depart. Philadelphia will benefit from new faces and new ideas. Eight years is more than enough. Our city will benefit from the urgency that Council members will need to achieve great things before their time is up. Previous efforts to enact term limits have failed, but we can easily enforce term limits as voters. Simply do not vote for anyone who has already served two terms — anyone. Hard and fast rule: Two terms and I will not vote for you any longer, thank you very much. Now goodbye and good luck.

Gardner A. Cadwalader, Philadelphia

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