Northeast Times

Praise for good citizenship

The people of Northeast Philadelphia need to recognize the individual volunteers who serve on the PHA Citizens Advisory Committee. They have worked for the greater good of all you in the Northeast, with their time, energy and innovative ideas to effect change to the mismanaged Section 8 housing program.
Some of them just testified before the Pennsylvania House Urban Affairs Committee and did a fabulous job. They deserve your continued support and I applaud them all for their willingness to serve with this very difficult situation.
Christopher Artur
Chairman, Citizens Advisory Committee

Rita’s warms her heart

I read the article about Rita’s Italian Ice by reporter William Kenny (May 13 edition). Even though I now live in Virginia Beach, I still enjoy reading about my old hometown. I was born and raised in Mayfair. My mother still lives there and sent me the article.
After marrying a Navy man and moving away from Philadelphia, I missed some of the wonderful traditions of Philadelphia, like a good hoagie, cheesesteak, soft pretzel and Italian water ice.
We still can’t get good hoagies or cheesesteaks down South, but I am happy to say we have Rita’s about 10 minutes from my house and I visit it regularly. I work in a nursing home and we take our residents to Rita’s for their delicious treats. One male resident used to tell me he had to have a Rita’s “jalopy,” meaning a gelati, and he enjoyed every mouthful!
Even though I have to wait for a trip to Philadelphia to enjoy a hoagie, cheesesteak or soft pretzel, I can have a Rita’s quite often. You can take the girl out of Philadelphia, but you can’t take Philadelphia out of the girl!!
Mary Ann Bromley

Dig in to more thoughts

about Chink’s

I find it outrageous that Chink’s Steaks owner Joseph Groh believes it is acceptable to continue to use the disparaging name of “Chinks” for his establishment.
Fifty-five years ago when this business was established, it was unfortunately socially acceptable to use racial epithets against all minority groups, but that does not mean it was appropriate.
Being a Jewish woman, I find it shameful and hypocritical that family and friends of Samuel Sherman, who was also Jewish, did not see the problem with the nickname. How would they have felt if someone created an anti-Semitic business name?
For Groh and those who believe that Ayscue should “get a life,” their ignorance just proves that they need to be educated on the destructive effects of racism.
Groh complains that he bought the established name when he acquired the shop. That is not the problem of the Asian population, which is rightfully offended by it.
If his food is good, customers will still go to his establishment. He even admitted that his business has boosted from this publicity. If he has any sense of social consciousness, he will not just assume that he is the victim here.
There is no reason to exacerbate hatred. Northeast Philadelphia already has enough racial prejudice/ignorance, which is one of the reasons I no longer live there.
Meredith A. Gelfand
Mount Laurel, N.J.

As Shakespeare would say, “Much ado about nothing.”
Mr. Chink (Samuel Sherman) wold turn over in his grave over this “nothing controversy.” I believe Samuel Sherman wouldn’t have named his steak and hoagie shop “Chink’s” if he had felt the use of his nickname was disparaging. I’m sure he felt proud of his nickname.
When I lived in the area, I would go to Chink’s for a good steak sandwich.
God gave him a gift of almond-shaped eyes for a reason, and with all the free publicity, this may be an opportune time to start franchising steak and hoagie shops under the name Chink’s. Who knows, it might grow to become another McDonald’s.
Immigrants came from many countries seeking freedom and opportunity, but when something is not to their liking, they want to overturn some article of the U.S. Constitution. Perhaps it’s time to close the gates on immigrants.
We live in a diverse society and many of us are racist or intolerant of some ethnic group, and human nature can’t be changed.
Mr. Sherman never wanted to slur anyone. As a Jew, I have been called many names, and I let it bounce off my back. Remember, sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.
Irvin Kleeman
Abington

As the Chink’s Steaks debate continues to be featured in the Northeast Times, I am compelled to challenge the minds of fellow supporters of Joseph Groh.
Ponder this scenario: Joseph Groh will eventually be forced to change the name of his business, lose his business, and have no choice but to enter an embattled job search which is, in part, crippled by the overflowing borders of this country.
Perhaps he could land a job as a nail technician, or apply his years of experience in the food service industry at a Chinese restaurant.
P. Dougherty
Tacony

Ode to the horses

Dedicated to the men and women of the Philadelphia mounted police unit:

Before I lock the doors, I turn to look down the stable aisle. Silence is all I hear.
There will be no more children voices to be heard, “it stinks in here.”
Horses’ heads looking out the stall door waiting for carrots and apples from all who visit.
The sound of the anvil ringing for the next horse’s shoes to be fitted.
Horses walking up the aisle for patrol or crowd control. Police asking “where’s my horse?”
Due to budget cuts, I hope someone else can save their butts.
As I turn to lock the doors, I will have memories galore.
Bob Sickels
Lawndale

Speaking of the war,

torture and abuse

There are many adjectives that I could use to define your fine editorial, No place like home (May 20 edition.)
I’ve decided it can best be described as “courageous.” However, brace yourself for the criticism that is bound to come from those that cannot bear to face the truth, though I do not intend to demean or disparage anyone with a sincerely honest difference of opinion.
The hot topic these days however is the brutal slaughter of Nick Berg. This sad incident too, should be put in its proper perspective. I agree with the notion that he was killed, in part, because he was Jewish. That being said, there’s no doubt in my mind that he didn’t enhance his safety by his flagrant arrogance. He was white, and openly Jewish. He traveled freely and alone in a hostile environment, and was a cinch to be singled out and identified as a foreigner. Not too bright.
I don’t believe though, that he would have lived any longer, nor met with a much better fate, had he been foolhardy enough to have taken a nocturnal walk into North or West Philadelphia, but not limited to just those two areas.
Still trying to keep this occurrence in an honest, unbiased but unembellished perspective, I must say this: He was for some reason believed to be traveling with an Israeli passport, hence moving about as a subject of that nation.
Like it or not, he was not legally entitled to protection from the U.S. However much he is eulogized by his family, friends, or public officials, it remains a fact that he was, after all, a carpetbagging mercenary, and would not have been welcome in many (if any) downtrodden nations that he professed to help — for a price.
Samuel J. Munafo
Academy Gardens

I would like to say that I agree completely with your editorial about the Iraq war. They did not ask us to liberate them or to invade their country with our war of “shock and awe,” but it was never about that anyway, it was about 9/11.
In my opinion there was never enough evidence to prove that they had anything to do with 9/11, or even al-Qaeda. Certainly not enough to warrant the over 10,000 deaths of Iraqi civilians and the loss of 780 of our own troops that has resulted.
Our forces are spread thin and we do not have the support of the majority of the Iraqi people in what we are doing. We should either send over an additional 200,000 troops so we can police the country, maintain law and order, give our troops the protection they deserve and have sufficient men to police the prisons in a decent, humane manner — or we should get out.
What annoys me most about the Bush administration is their arrogant attitude that those who oppose their policies are nervous Nellies who do not have all the facts.
Walter Desher
Lawndale

Regarding George Weber’s letter to the editor (May 20 edition), it really saddens me to read your “solution” to this war, especially since the odds you give of 10 for 1 are already much higher.
Take a minute and think about Nick Berg and what he was doing in Iraq. He was there on a humanitarian mission to help the Iraqi people. He was someone who believed he could make a difference, and he followed that belief across the ocean.
Instead of sitting in your house, brainstorming unrealistic ideas on how to resolve this war, try to continue Nick Berg’s humanitarian mission and think of what you can do to make a difference. Educate yourself about this war, about Iraq and its people. Learn that the “lunatics” you refer to are a small group of extremists, and extremists can be found anywhere.
We have our own hiding behind their uniforms and their political status to justify the torturing of prisoners. Therefore, some are not following the rules, nor is this small group acting very civilized. Remember, for all of the thousands of soldiers who are there to make a difference, there are thousands of innocent Iraqi people grateful for their presence.
Lisa George
Parkwood

In recent weeks, the world has seen and heard the photos and accounts of torture and abuse at the prisons in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay.
This is completely unacceptable. If it was American soldiers who were receiving this kind of treatment, our country would be up in arms, guns blazing. However, because it is American military accused of these despicable acts, it is being tolerated.
These acts of torture, rape, sodomy, abuse, humiliation, and degradation are the same as the Vietcong and Hitler practiced. It was not acceptable then, and it is not acceptable now.
From the lowest to the highest rank, the American uniform stands for men of honor. There is no honor in these acts, even in the fight of terrorism. These acts are terrorism. If we allow the fight of terrorism to rule our humanity, we ourselves have now become no better than our enemies.
Pamela A. Wiese
Wissinoming

You’re writing about Bush and his vice president’s military service? What about Clinton’s sidestep out of military service?
Did Clinton ever wear a uniform? Did he not have better things to do, like smoke pot and protest the U.S. government? Anyone who avoided serving in the armed services during the draft of the 1960s and ’70s are bums, no matter what party they belong to. Poor kids (white, black, Latino, etc.) and the rich stayed home.
Anthony “Tony Irish” Porta
Pocono Lake, Pa.

Praise for a dynamic duo

I commend two of our local politicians, Brian O’Neill and Joan Krajewski, for throwing their strong support behind the much-needed tax reform legislation in City Council.
It is time for Philadelphia to move into the 21st century and compete with other fast-growing cities and regions throughout the United States. Philadelphia will be left behind (and die) if we do not come up with a way to lower taxes. Lower taxes are needed to bring more citizens (and taxpayers) back to Philadelphia. Lower taxes will also spur a growth in our business community. The time has come to stop the mass exodus of jobs and money that continue to leave this region. Lowering taxes just makes good sense. It is a shame that Mayor Street and others on City Council can’t understand that. Too many times we slam our local representatives for not “thinking outside the box.” In this case, both Councilman O’Neill and Councilwoman Krajewski have done the right thing. They have said no to John Street, his plans for continued high taxes and his strong-armed tactics. One can only hope that their convictions and political courage will pay off. We should remember that when the time came to help the middle-class taxpayers of the Northeast, Brian O’Neill and Joan Krajewski said yes to the voters and no to Mayor Street. Thank you, Brian and Joan. Keep up the good work.
John Farley
Somerton
Editor’s note: Mr. Farley had sought to run against Councilman O’Neill last year but his candidacy was derailed when his nominating petitions were found to have been forged, allegedly by local Democratic Party operatives.

The gambling

joke’s on us

The push to have gambling halls in Philadelphia to be used by Philadelphia residents is a typical joke being played on us.
Philadelphia would get zero dollars for real estate tax relief; we are the only county in Pennsylvania that would receive nothing. Many of our senior and retired people pay little or no wage tax, so we get no wage tax relief and no real estate tax relief. Remember, gambling in Philadelphia using Philadelphians to gamble with zero benefits. Why not ask Philadelphians whether they want wage tax relief or real estate tax relief? Check and see what a 1 percent tax reduction would do for you.
Tom Finnegan
Somerton

A push for more

energy sources

Assuming Philadelphia mirrors the nation, then the top 50 percent own 94.4 percent of all assets and the bottom 50 percent own the balance of 5.6 percent of all assets. The bottom 50 percent in Philadelphia simply do not have the money to pay their gas bill. The Philadelphia Gas Works will back off the $80 surcharge for uncollectibles and will simply increase the rates in a disguised form. It is time for David to bring down this gas Goliath.
As citizens, let’s challenge our intellectual property to usher in alternate energy sources. This gas Neanderthal will eventually collapse from its own weight unless true competition is allowed to flourish.
Chase out the patronage drones and allow the true gas experts to run this company.
Bill Tinney
Millbrook

A good note about

the young musicians

I’d like to tell you a story about a group of young people.
These are not the “squeaky wheels” that we so often hear about in the news today. They aren’t in trouble or causing it.
These are the unsung heroes of bitter-cold football games, parades, pep rallies and musical theater productions.
They’ve performed for Mr. Bill Cosby, honoring his generosity to the school district, and returned following requested performances in Disney World.
They are a source of pride for their families, school and the community.
Well, after years of recycling, many students are playing instruments in desperate need of repair, with the high prices for sheet music, and many policy-makers’ efforts to dilute the arts; you might think that they’d lose their spirit, but not these teenagers.
These kids are responsible, hard-working and, if you can believe it, grateful. They are grateful for the chance to perform, grateful for marching band uniforms that were graciously handed down by West Chester University.
Most of all, they are grateful for the support of people like their principal, Mr. Barton, vice principal Ms. Carroll, and the dedication of their music directors, Mr. Wenglicki and Mr. Flaherty, who work tirelessly with them to perfect their musical gifts.
They’re the kids of the Northeast High School music program!
We are planning some fund-raising events and are asking for the support of the community.
The children hope that with continued hard work they will be able to leave lasting improvements for upcoming classes, a legacy for the music program.
I hope that residents and businesses in the area will join their effort by attending an event, donating an item for raffle or purchasing tickets for a performance. Please let them know that their actions are truly music to our ears.
Bernadette Haigh
Parents Association, Northeast High School music department

Support needed at

Rhawnhurst Elementary

Dear community merchants: On Thursday, June 10 (rain date June 11), the special-education teachers and students at the Rhawnhurst Elementary School, at Castor and Borbeck avenues, will hold a Hawaiian-themed luau to celebrate the effort and accomplishments our students have made throughout the year.
In order to make this party fun and exciting for all in attendance, the special-education teachers look to you, the community members and merchants, to support our endeavor.
We would benefit from any and all donations, especially prizes for raffles, hot dogs and rolls, snacks, soda etc., that your organization may be able to supply. In exchange for your contributions, we would be more than happy to hand out any coupons or literature promoting your company or product.
This is also a chance to support your school and neighborhood children and to show them that the community cares. Remember, any donations are tax-deductible.
If you are able to support our academic and student appreciation luau for our special-education population, please contact Rita Alexander or Cathy Berman (special-education teachers) at 215-728-5013 by June 5.
Thank you in advance for your community support in making this celebration of students and education luau a huge success!! ALOHA!!!
Rita Alexander and Cathy Berman

Parents should get involved

Referring to David Krain’s letter in last week’s edition that the state cheats Philly’s public schools, I am sick and tired of people like you, Dave, stating that the public schools need more funding. What else do they need? Is it good teachers, books, computers, breakfast or transportation? No, they have all that, and it is free.
What they do need is parents or perhaps a parent that gives a damn. Do the public schools even have parent-teacher night anymore, or was it stopped because less than 10 percent of the parents would show up?
Yeah, I know, Dave, the parents have no way of getting to the schools. In order for the Philadelphia public schools to be successful, parents must motivate their children and take an active role in their education.
Steve McClernand
Mayfair