RE YOUR EDITORIAL on the minimum wage and the debate on whether it should be raised:
I hear all the time about how raising the minimum wage will hurt the people it is intended to help. Why is it that when union members get a raise, when state legislators give themselves a pay raise in the middle of the night, federal officials vote themselves a raise, CEOs (think Exxon-Mobil) and all other workers get a raise, the economy and minimum-wage workers are not adversely affected?
But when people living in poverty are given pay raises, the economy and these workers suffer? The inference is that people are better off living in poverty. I honestly do not understand.
Wayne King, Philadelphia
Flipping Sen. Santorum
Never shy about an opportunity to garner a little publicity, Sen. Santorum entered the fray regarding Joe Vento's "Speak English" sign.
The senator endorsed Mr. Vento's sign, and evidently expressed his consternation that, golly gee, the menu isn't that extensive, so what is the matter with these foreigners? Why can't they speak English when ordering their cheesesteaks?
I suppose that when the senator goes abroad, he always orders his meals in the native language of the country he is visiting. Otherwise, I am sure he wouldn't take such a bold stand in favor of Mr. Vento's sign. I guess he believes that if he has to do that when he travels, immigrants in this country should do likewise.
Hopefully, the senator, who, according to the article, took a turn flipping shaved beef on Geno's grill, will have the time come November to hone and refine his newly acquired skills so that when he is ousted by the voters he can become a full-time employee of Geno's. Undoubtedly he will be a whiz at asking customers (in English, of course) whether they want their cheesesteaks wit or witout. Adios, Sen. Rick!
Stephen C. Miller, Philadelphia
Condos & safety in the streets
Reading Earni Young's column "Condo craze on N. Broad St." (June 19) made me queasy.
I've seen buildings in the area being turned into high-priced condos, and now the governor is willing to sell off the state building for more of the same. Is Benjamin Franklin High School next?
What stood out for me was her compliment to developer Eric Blumenfeld stating he was "willing to invest in neighborhoods before they become safe."
Is there a plan in the works for neighborhoods to become safe? Has Blumenfeld received an advance copy? Please share the info, because people are dying in the streets. Is the city willing to protect only the rich and influential and their over-priced condos?
Winifred Johnson, Philadelphia
