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City of brotherly
shootings
Ever since Mayor Street stated "The brothers and sisters are running this city," Philly has gotten worse. When cops get shot/killed, he and soon-to-be ex-Commissioner Sylvester Johnson point fingers at Harrisburg and Washington to fix the city.
They want the job, now let them do the job. If I lived in that city (I did for 57 years) I wouldn’t mind a bit if cops stop and search me. But the two top brothers don’t want to upset their brothers and sisters, who are the ones that are mostly getting shot by each other. Too much political correctness going on in Phillytown. Now tell me, am I wrong?
Anthony J. Porta
Sebring, Fla.
Bring troops to U.S.,
not to Iran
Thousands of U.S. troops and hundreds of thousands of Iraqis have been killed or maimed in a war that was a sham from the beginning.
Many experts, including the Iraq Study Group, agree that our continued presence in Iraq fuels the violence and insurgency. Are we doomed to repeat this fiasco in Iran?
We need to being the troops home, seek a political solution in Iraq, and stay out of Iran.
Evelyn Haas
Lexington Park
Thanksgiving —
the harvest season
Guest Opinion
By Gabriel Brandis
Thanksgiving. What a wonderful time of year! The summer heat is behind us; the winter frost not yet here. The leaves on the trees are turning colors in this part of the world — red, orange, yellow, brown — as they tumble in the breeze all around.
I like to think of Thanksgiving as a season. Indeed, it is harvest season. Whether at the farmer’s market or the supermarket, an abundance of food choices are to be found. Colorful squash, and pumpkins, sweet potatoes and cranberries, and indian corn are readily available. Of course, there is the traditional turkey, optional (not required).
One of the best Thanksgiving celebrations I ever had was as a stranger in a strange land in 1988. As a newcomer to Boulder, Colo., I connected with about 30 other voyagers far from home. I was grateful to have made a connection so I wouldn’t have to celebrate Thanksgiving alone. We enjoyed a full-course feast. Almost everyone pitched in either food purchasing, prepping, cooking, or cleaning up afterward.
Our merry tribe made music on pots and pans, made group collages and took turns giving and receiving massages. All this in a drug-free environment of conscientious, spiritual-minded people. We danced, we played…
I also know what it’s like to be hungry. During that same time period I was staying with casual acquaintances, sleeping on a couch. Not really settled in and without a source of income, rapidly plowing through my savings, I recall going to a local Chinese takeout on Broadway (in Boulder). I asked if I could sweep their walkway or clean their windows in exchange for lunch. The lady asked if I was hungry, and I said, "Yes." She gave me a plate of food, without putting me to work. I never forgot that, and just reciprocated by passing on the generosity.
Gratitude — that’s what Thanksgiving means to me. I take this excellent time of year to consider all the blessings in life I enjoy rather than lament about what I don’t have. I’m grateful for the love of family and friends, and for the work I have so that I may live.
Not everyone has the blessings of family, friends and abundance in their lives. Hunger takes on many forms, sometimes invisible in those who are standing right next to us. Some people starve for affection or kindness. It’s visible on the streets if we pay attention. Is it possible to buy lunch for a hungry stranger? Or even just smile, perhaps with a kind word, and acknowledge another’s humanity as we rush by going about our day?
Christmas is quickly coming. Likewise, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. A holiday "season" of giving, caring and sharing for all people. Why wait until then to give, care and share?
Thanksgiving season is a good time of year to take stock of what we have. Just as squirrels gather acorns for the winter, we can gather what we need so we might bloom again the following spring.
‘Tis the season to nurture the spirit, learn something new and connect with others. As bears hibernate in deep sleep we can take time to contemplate what in life really matters on our deepest level. To be grateful.
Thanksgiving. Why does such a delicious holiday need to be over and done in one day? Why not make a season out of it? • •
Gabriel Brandis is a resident of Fox Chase and an occasional contributor to the Northeast Times. Happy Thanksgiving to all!
The death penalty
is a beautiful thing
In regards to Let justice be swift (Nov. 8 editorial), all I can say is that if a police officer’s gun did discharge and hit murder suspect John Lewis — a.k.a. Jordan Lewis, a.k.a Worthless Human Waste — in the head, it would be one of the happiest "accidents" of all time.
Of course, this is just wishful, fanciful thinking as is my vision of a public execution at Dilworth Plaza or Belmont Plateau, which would be preceded by Lewis being paraded through the streets, all the while hearing the cheers and applause of a grateful city. Another idea is a worldwide pay-per-view spectacular so people everywhere can rejoice with us as this vile bug is exterminated.
As hard as this is to say, I am sure not even Philadelphia’s Finest really want any of these farfetched scenarios to be played out. We all know full well if any one of these were to actually occur, it would set off a race war the likes of which this city and country has never seen. I guess it is better to let the slow wheels of justice begin their long, arduous journey.
The only problem with that is that those wheels will inevitably come to a screeching, grinding halt. I have the dreadful feeling that there will never be any justice for Officer Cassidy or the thousands of Philadelphians like myself who are sick and tired of convicted cop killers, pedophiles, etc., who never have to answer for their crimes.
Even as I write this letter, I am sure members of the Free John Lewis movement are compiling a list of reasons why he should never face the death he so richly deserves. First off will come the pleas that the shy, timid, baby-faced Lewis is only 21 years old and even though he’s a legal adult who seems to have full control of his mental faculties, he surely cannot be held responsible for his brutal act. Still others will argue that there was no true intent, even though he turned to face Officer Cassidy, took a step or two toward him, and made the conscious decision to kill him. They will surely say that Lewis, although he had a couple of seconds at the very least to think about it, acted on the spur of the moment. Thus, having no time to think, this heartless soul certainly cannot be convicted of first-, second- or, for some ridiculous, absurd reason, even third-degree murder.
If those should fail, there is the ever-popular broken home/dysfunctional childhood excuse in which the argument will be Lewis was called a very bad name when he was two days old and all of his pent-up anger and frustration had built since that day and exploded on Officer Cassidy.
These reasons do not matter, though. I believe the main reason why John Lewis can look forward to a long and fruitful life, albeit in prison, is because he killed a Philadelphia police officer.
I know that sounds bizarre, but let me explain. Those who are relatively new to the area may not be aware, but next month will mark 26 years since another hero in blue was gunned down on the streets of Philadelphia.
On Dec. 9, 1981, Officer Daniel Faulkner was murdered while performing a routine traffic stop. The convicted gunman, Mumia Abu-Jamal, is still breathing. And, as anyone who attended the annual July 4 observance at Independence Mall this year is aware, the push to free Mumia is very much alive and well with his supporters as vocal and passionate as ever.
Even more bizarre is that this is not just a Philadelphia thing. Abu-Jamal has both national and international admirers. His quest for freedom has even attracted the attention of celebrities. I didn’t question any of the Mumia fanatics in July, although I wish I had. It really boggles my mind how a person such as this can be elevated to the same level as a wrongfully imprisoned freedom fighter such as Stephen Biko or Nelson Mandela.
And, Solomon Montgomery, who murdered Officer Gary Skerski last year, does not have to look forward to a date with the needle. Surely, some will argue that Montgomery should not even be in jail. His backers no doubt will say that, the one tiny, trivial, insignificant murder notwithstanding, he is just a regular guy pretty much like me.
I confess there is a shred of truth to that. Just like I did, Montgomery likely awoke that Monday, showered, brushed his teeth, got dressed and ate breakfast. The only small difference is that I did not have robbery and homicide on my to-do list. While he was busy plotting that night’s heist and the elimination of anyone who happened to get in his way, I was working hard, trying my best to be a productive member of society.
The death penalty is a beautiful thing. People will argue capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime, that the cost to execute someone is significantly higher than letting him live for 30 or 40 years and that innocent people have actually been executed. None of this really matters when we are talking about a cop killer. John Lewis proved long ago how worthless he is to society, and the video surveillance camera from inside that Dunkin’ Donuts does not lie.
It was Winston Churchill who said those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.
The powers-that-be in Philadelphia would do well to heed his words.
Bill McDevitt Jr.
Morrell Park
First it’s trans fat,
then it’s bedtime at 10
Hear hear to Ed Vassallo for his recent letter to the editor regarding the trans-fat ban.
The idea of a government telling you what you can and cannot eat is ridiculous, to say the least. We’re in the United States of America, for heaven’s sake, the Land of Freedom!
So, let’s say, hypothetically, that City Council passes this absurd ban on trans fats. Logically, the next step will be eliminating trans fats in our grocery stores, taking away things like bacon, butter, ice cream, TastyKakes, etc. Next, mandatory exercise will be enforced. Then, while they’re making us all healthy, they might as well reinstate prohibition and take away alcohol. Citywide lights-out and bedtime by 10 p.m.
Maybe after that, our brilliant mayor and City Council might start thinking we need to be told how to dress, control what we watch on TV, and what we can and cannot read. Are you kidding?!
Taking away trans fat is not going to turn everyone thin and healthy. I have two words for you that might: MODERATION and EXERCISE.
It is time for City Council and our mayor to seriously re-evaluate their priorities.
I can think of dozens of more important issues than trans fat. How about doing something constructive about gun violence and the ever-rising murder rate plaguing our city? How about improving our pathetic public school system and stopping the blight that is creeping into every decent area left in our city? Hel-lo!!
Heather Hamilton
Fox Chase
Clintons’ pet projects
give reason to worry
There are many pet lovers who write letters to the Northeast Times. I wonder what they think of the Clintons’ bid to get back in the White House?
The Clintons entered the White House with their lovable cat Socks. Then they adopted their dog Buddy when Bill got into his women problems and needed to seem more, I guess, normal.
Presidential candidate Hillary once even wrote a book about the pets, and we were told how Socks loved to roll in the laundry (as if Hillary ever did laundry.)
Well, we should remember that when the Clintons left the White House, the pet ornaments were no longer useful. The beloved Socks was given away, seemingly like a pair of old socks. Buddy was run over and killed a year later, when left to roam on the roads near the Clintons’ New York home.
Gee, even the supposedly bloodless Richard Nixon kept his dog Checkers for a lifetime, and buried him with a monument.
If how we treat our pets is a window into our soul, this may tell us more about the Clintons than any speech or policy paper.
Richard Iaconelli
Rhawnhurst
Mayoral candidates
lauded for good behavior
I would like to commend both mayoral candidates, Michael Nutter and Al Taubenberger, on the quality of their campaigns during this past election. Both candidates focused on issues and their own personal styles. There were no degrading comments about the other candidate.
During interviews or debates, even if they differed on opinion, they handled the situation with dignity and respect for each other.
They are a great example of what elections should be about and of what the people want, and other cities could take a lesson. Now, if only the 2008 U.S. presidential candidates were listening . . .
Marcia Buchanan
Somerton
The 20-year plan is less
than meets the eye
As I See It
By John Scanlon
Shaken by the sorrow around him as the flag-draped casket of Officer Charles Cassidy emerged from the church, and even more by the violent episode that brought everyone to this mournful moment, Gov. Ed Rendell challenged the state legislature to do something by Christmas.
Pass a bill that would put anyone who shoots at a cop in prison for at least 20 years, Rendell urged. He’ll sign it into law. Fast.
"That would make a great present to police officers," he said during a Nov. 8 session with reporters.
Personally, I don’t know about that. Rendell’s intentions — and his crime frustrations — are no doubt sincere. But whether a mandatory minimum 20-year prison term will deter thugs from shooting at police officers . . . it may sound good to Rendell the politician, but I’d have to believe that Rendell the ex-district attorney would have his doubts.
He should. Two days later, police trying to thwart a fight between two groups of teens in Grays Ferry dodged bullets fired at them by gun-toting combatants. Three days after that — on the evening of Nov. 13 — two narcotics cops serving warrants at an alleged drug house in East Frankford were wounded by gunfire, shots supposedly fired by a 16-year-old kid inside the place. The following afternoon, three men sought for a Haverford Township carjacking traded gunfire with Philly police who came upon them in the city’s Cobbs Creek section.
That chaotic week of cops in the crosshairs says one of two things about the proposed 20-year sentence, depending on your point of view. It’s needed. Or it won’t mean a damn thing.
I lean toward the latter. The reason is that the effectiveness of such laws is predicated on a basic assumption — that a thug will think before he shoots. But it’s also an unrealistic assumption, especially because the thug isn’t going to sweat a 20-year mandatory when he already faces a host of other charges during the crime that will send him away for far longer.
What happened at that West Oak Lane Dunkin’ Donuts on Oct. 31 is a prime example. For the armed robber at the counter that day, during those tense and desperate minutes, only one thing stood between him and the door to escape.
Officer Charles Cassidy.
If the prospect of the death penalty wasn’t enough for the gunman to drop his bead on the police officer, odds are that the prospect of a mandatory 20-year prison term isn’t even a consideration.
Rendell’s call for such a penalty is merely one of those "send a message" laws. They become popular among politicians and district attorneys — increasing penalties for the use of weapons during specific crimes is an example — as a response to an epic act of violence, such as a high-profile cop shooting, but it’s very debatable that the message is getting through.
These epic acts of violence also tend to once again stir the public and political chorus for "tougher gun-control laws," an understandable appeal, but a vague notion nonetheless.
Even more, legislative initiatives that are promoted as profound changes to the Pennsylvania Uniform Firearms Act, initiatives that supposedly will keep guns from the wrong hands and save lives on the street, usually just wither away, stymied by tepid lawmakers, especially those who represent rural districts and ignore the real victims because these legislators lack the brass or the inclination to tangle with the NRA or alienate that voting bloc of deer hunters.
Here in Philadelphia, House Speaker Dennis O’Brien has paired with Rendell, pledging to introduce the bill for that mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison for cop-shooters as a meaningful testament to the legacy of Officer Cassidy. O’Brien, however, isn’t as enthusiastic about Rendell’s push for legislation limiting handgun purchases to one a month, suspecting that it won’t have much support among his squeamish colleagues in the House and Senate.
This has irked newspaper columnists and gun-control advocates — the gun-a-month movement has been embraced for some time now as the panacea to the carnage on Philly’s streets. But is it? If you buy 50 guns and suddenly can buy "only" 12 guns, does it really make a difference, and what does it truly say about reducing homicide rates, keeping guns from criminals or reducing the odds of that next cop-shooting?
Without a doubt there’s a need to revamp the state’s gun code — requiring fingerprinting of buyers would be a reasonable start. But the solution isn’t to over-legislate gun ownership; it’s to make gun purchasers pay a price for it, combined with a strong system of documentation and oversight.
It can address crime. It’ll raise tremendous revenue for public safety. And no gun owner can moan about infringement of his Second Amendment rights.
Depending on the county where you live, you can obtain a permit to carry a firearm for as little as $25 — pay the fee, pass the state background check and you have a license that’s good for five years.
That has to change. How should the state restructure the licensing process?
• Charge a statewide application fee of $300 for every weapon permit, with in-person registration. That license is good for just one year.
• Charge a $150 fee for the annual renewal of every weapon permit, again with in-person registration. The weapon also must be presented for inspection. If the permit is not renewed, it’s revoked and the weapon must be surrendered under threat of a $5,000 fine and 90 days’ imprisonment.
• If a gun owner sells his weapon, he and the buyer must complete a resale form in person and split a $250 transfer fee. If this provision is ignored, there will be some explaining to do at the time of the annual permit renewal for the weapon.
• Owners who fail to report a stolen weapon will face a $5,000 fine and 90 days’ imprisonment.
• Coordinate this program through the existing Pennsylvania State Police weapons registry.
• Appropriate annual revenues from permit fees and fines to police hirings, crime-prevention programs and local victim-assistance offices.
It is obvious that meaningful gun control won’t come to Pennsylvania anytime soon. We must find other ways to track weapons and pay for the increasingly high cost of violence. ••
John Scanlon is editor of the Northeast Times.
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