Declining under Dems
I recently read a commentary about the need to strengthen Philadelphia’s neighborhood high schools. My question is why is there such a high dropout rate in Philadelphia high schools? Why are there so many language barriers along with so much poverty, family instability and special education challenges in the city?
For over 60 years; since 1952 to be exact, one party has been running the city. By literally paying people to stay poor, doing nothing to stem the rise of poor teens having babies that only perpetuates the poverty cycle and by adding to language barriers by adopting sanctuary policies for illegal immigrants, as well as feed the profit models of the mainstream media outlets, the Democratic Party has ensured these problems will be around for some time to come that would necessitate the need for higher taxes, more and bigger government programs as well as cost the city more jobs.
They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over while expecting different results; and Philadelphia has been practicing the same regimen for over 60 years now with the only result being the snowballing decline of this once great city.
Peter DiGiuseppe
Rhawnhurst
Fund all schools fairly
The high school student op-ed bases its claim on the assertion that funding the public and charter schools is “very costly since the School District of Philadelphia simply does not have enough money to adequately run both.” But if the charter schools “currently accommodate about 30 percent of public school students in Philadelphia,” doesn’t that mean that the public schools should require 30 percent less funding? The costs incurred by a school system should ideally be based on the number of students served by that system.
What the op-ed doesn’t address is the per-pupil cost of educating a child in a charter school as opposed to the per-pupil cost in a public school. Furthermore, no mention is made about the quality of the education received in either system. The issue which needs to be discussed is not how to help the school district, but rather how to best apportion public educational funding for the maximum benefit of the children and citizens of Philadelphia. On this topic, the article offers no insight.
Hershel Barg
Rhawnhurst
Preserve free speech
A protected free speech is the bulwark of our American republic. That said, it’s expected that some speech may offend some and at times many. With regard to the Inquirer editorial (Jan. 10, “Don’t Coddle the Mummers”) criticizing the Mummers for offending people, my response as an American is leave the Mummers alone.
If it offends you, don’t go; don’t patronize the corporate sponsors; but leave free speech alone. Because suppressing even offensive speech, which is content-based suppression, is patently unconstitutional and un-American.
Suppressing speech that might hurt feelings is the tool of tyrants and fascists. Let this be clear, suppressing offensive speech will lead to the suppression of another First Amendment right — religious liberty. Free speech is the oxygen that keeps the flames of religious liberty burning. Read the Bible. There is stuff in there that might hurt someone’s feelings, but don’t say it can’t be preached or believed. We have a right to free speech, not a right not to be offended.
Danny Alvarez
Somerton
An attack on all of us
A common bond that many of us share in Northeast Philadelphia is the great privilege of belonging to the extended Philadelphia police family. On Jan. 7, we saw the bravery of one of our officers, as he fought courageously in the face of danger. His actions stand as further proof that our men and women in blue are truly Philly’s finest. Day in and day out, these officers put the public safety before themselves.
The attempted assassination of one of our police officers is unacceptable, and an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. The events that took place on Jan. 7 show the dangers our friends, neighbors and family members face as they patrol our streets are real. We must continue to stand as strong supporters of our guardians in blue.
I am grateful to be a part of the police family and my thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Hartnett and all the other brave officers in this city.
Fran Nelms
Somerton
