THIS IS in response to a letter written by Donna Di Giacomo:
I don't write many letters to the editor but find, as a citizen of this great city, that I must.
I take exception to calling the Philadelphia Police Department the "Philadelphia Thug Department," as your letter appears to state. I don't believe that the police went to assault anyone, but went to enforce a legal order. I believe that the city and the police gave the Occupy movement great leeway. And they are not thugs.
I know many in the department, and know them to be upright, hardworking men and women. They work hard to do a great job in keeping us safe. They run to dangers while we are running away from dangers; they work 24/7 even in the dead of night when we are warm and snug in our beds. They are Philly's Finest.
When I was growing up, parents knew where their children were, we knew the neighbor down the street as well as the family next door. We even sat outside talking to one another on those nice warm days and nights. When I was growing up, neighbors stood together and they were on the lookout.
I know some people are worried, and scared to get involved. Instead of bad-mouthing those who put their life on the line every day to protect the rest of us who don't, let's come together in prayer and action.
No one is perfect, but God ordained government and the Police Department.
Instead of playing the blame game and pointing fingers and name-calling, how about if we came together to reclaim our communities, our lives, our children?
I take my hat off to the Philadelphia police: Thank you for being there, thank you for all you do, and thank you for doing a tough job great. I will continue to pray for this city, the citizens and our Police Department, and the rest of the officers across this great country and world who keep us safe when trouble comes knocking.
Thank you and may God bless each of you and your families.
Deacon Frank Crangle
Philadelphia
