Letters to the Editor

Shane Victorino, who has been traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, shown during a July 23 game against the Milwaukee Brewers. STEVEN M. FALK / Staff Photographer

Letter to the Inquirer Editor

Posted: August 03, 2012

Victorino will be missed

In response to the departure of Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence from the Phillies, we must think of this in a very positive sense, especially in light of Victorino's legacy ("Outfield overhaul," Wednesday). With his great athletic ability and, better yet, wonderful, upbeat personality, he brought much to the City of Philadelphia.

We must also remember what he did for the Nicetown Boys and Girls Club. This philanthropic effort goes way beyond his skill as a player. His efforts there were truly a sign of someone who cares and gives back.

I will miss Victorino, but I hope our loss will be the Dodgers' gain. May he go to Los Angeles with the blessings of all Phillies fans.

Bernice Sherman, Philadelphia

Harrisburg's misplaced priorities

If Harrisburg doesn't have the revenue to fix many of the serious problems that we have ("Protest opposes end of General Assistance," Wednesday), how did it come up with funds to fix problems we don't ("City official expects voter ID ‘mess,'" Thursday)?

Paul Kopicki, Narberth, pkopicki@aol.com

Why appeal firefighters' deal again?

I know Mayor Nutter knows the meaning of the words binding arbitration ("Nutter to appeal fire pact a 2d time," Saturday). Level with us, Mr. Mayor, what is the real reason you are fighting the firefighters' contract?

Emma M. Lee, Philadelphia, joeandemma@yahoo.com

Speak out on Jerusalem

It was really pitiful to watch the verbal gymnastics of White House press secretary Jay Carney as he tried to squirm out of saying whether Jerusalem is or is not the capital of Israel ("Romney strongly defends Israel," Monday). If President Obama, leader of Israel's so-called best friend, cannot make up his mind on whether Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and instead allows his press secretary to wallow in a nebulous exercise of political correctness, then we suggest that he make up his mind as fast as possible. We the voters need to be able make up our minds as to whether we want to reelect a president who does not have the guts to say that Jerusalem will remain the capital of Israel.

Norman and Helen Fass, Philadelphia

Through economic looking glass

Mitt Romney mentioned in Israel that the book The Wealth and Poverty of Nations influenced his thinking that "culture makes all the difference" regarding economic success ("A Romney remark riles Palestinians," Tuesday). Good thing he didn't read Alice's Adventures in Wonderland or he would have us all bowing to the Red Queen.

Michael Schirra, Jim Thorpe

Kinder, gentler Parking Authority

With regard to the expenditure of about $60,000 by the Philadelphia Parking Authority in an effort to make its enforcement officers a kinder, gentler ticket-writing force, I'm reminded of an old adage that applies perfectly: Dress a pig in silk, and it's still a pig ("‘Have a nice day' and a parking ticket," Monday). Incredibly, online, I saw a request from the PPA: "Like us on Facebook."

Stephen R. Schwartz, Medford, thegr8rgood@aol.com