Don’t stop the movement
Like most Americans, I am deeply gratified that the collective “voice of the people” has been demonstrably effective in returning Jimmy Kimmel to the airwaves.
That said, I feel compelled to express one rather serious concern. While it is true that the efforts of the American public represent a resounding affirmation of our right to free speech, I must question the motivation. I mean no disrespect to Mr. Kimmel, but he is, after all, an entertainer. Certainly, there have been numerous protests against the policies of “you-know-who” since his return to power; none have approached the level seen and heard in support of Mr. Kimmel. Other protests are anemic by comparison, which makes me question our priorities.
Our entire governmental structure — executive, legislative, and yes, even our U.S. Supreme Court — lies supine before the inexorable erosion of our democratic norms. We are no longer approaching an authoritarian government — we’re living under one.
Yet, our strongest and most effective voice has been used in the service of an entertainer. Where is the outrage for the victims of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell? Where is the hue and cry when people are threatened by the president for merely disagreeing with him?
The voice of the people has shown how powerful it can be. Let that voice be heard with thunderous and sustained uniformity, before it is silenced forever.
Gary Kaplan,Warwick
Something to celebrate
Buried in the back pages this week is the fact that the city of Camden had zero homicides this past summer. Overall, homicides are down 43% compared with last year at this time. Adding to the good news, violent crime in Camden has reached a 50-year low. There has been a decline in major crime in other American cities.
Let’s avoid politicizing the progress. The fact is, Camden’s citywide police department was disbanded in 2013 and replaced with a countywide agency. Police officers had to reapply for jobs, and they reimagined the role police would play. Of course, there was a lot of pushback and resistance. The architects of the changes believe residents no longer fear the police and now rely on them for safety.
Beyond policing, the city invested heavily in cleaning up parks, repaving streets, and has learned to rely on technology to assist in solving crimes. There has been an increased focus on reducing recidivism and improving truancy programs. Despite the progress, the federal government canceled $3 million in funds for violence intervention. But let’s stay focused on the positive. The numbers speak for themselves.
Art Friedman, Lafayette Hill
Safety first
It’s outrageous that the Society Hill Civic Association is spending $25,000 to block bike lane protections on Spruce and Pine — considering Spruce Street has had at least two biking deaths in the past 10 years.
The inequity is glaring in a city where $25,000 can transform a low-income neighborhood. Imagine what that money could buy if used constructively: raised crosswalks or speed humps, high-visibility crosswalks with flashing beacons, trash cans to prevent litter, or stormwater bump-outs with plants that improve our air quality. These are improvements that benefit everyone.
Instead, the money is being funneled into lawsuits that stall progress and undermine citywide safety measures. It’s a reminder that in our system, wealth can buy influence at the expense of the broader public good. In a city where crashes continue to injure and kill, this money could save lives — not preserve parking for a wealthy few.
Philadelphia deserves leaders and civic groups that put safety before parking convenience. Everyone, whether walking, biking, or driving, deserves safe streets.
Julie Hancher, Philadelphia