Readers sound off on politics, patriotism and the environment.
Can’t afford TrumpCare
When I was in sixth grade, I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder. The transition from elementary school to middle school seemed rough for everyone, but for some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was blanketed in a deep sadness instead of the usual anxiety. Every menial task, from getting out of bed to answering a question in class, became a mountain that I didn’t have the strength to climb. One day, I came close to ending my life.
My parents worked with me to find the help I needed. I was checked into a program in Horsham, where I spent eight days under watch, and given medications designed to help me calm down enough to take a step back and realize that life was more than what I was initially seeing. After I left, I kept up consistent visits to psychiatrists to make sure I was on the right track.
I have a preexisting condition. My condition is that, at one point in my life, I was ready to kill myself. My condition is that feeling may someday return. The fact that I sought help rewarded me with life, but punished me with an inevitable placement in a high-risk pool.
If the ACA is repealed, and the AHCA goes through without a hitch, there’s a good chance I will struggle to make affordable health insurance payments. I am a 27-year-old man with a job and a fiancee, pursuing my true happiness, but thanks to TrumpCare and those who support it, I fear the worst kind of discrimination: curtailed rights because I dared, as a child, to ask for the help I needed. We can do better. Please call Sen. Toomey. Remind him that my life matters more than a tax cut for the wealthy.
Stephen Norris Jr.
Northeast
Fly the flag on holidays
I’m one of two original owners left in a 50-home development in Somerton. The original owners were mostly war vets, police and firemen. On federal holidays, we proudly flew the American flag.
As the ownership changed, fewer flags were flown.
Today, we are a multinational and multiracial neighborhood. On Memorial Day, six flags were outdoors in the neighborhood. June 14, Flag Day, the number dropped to four.
As a war veteran, I’m ashamed of my neighbors. Will it take a catastrophe or a war for us to return to our original pride and patriotism?
Much to my delight, there were 18 flags outdoors on Independence Day. This is the best display in the last five to 10 years.
Walter Blowitski
Somerton
Confusing justice system
Former Attorney General Kathleen Kane refused to prosecute several individuals for taking bribes while in office because she said the case was tainted.
Former District Attorney Seth Williams took up the cases and prosecutes them. Williams was prosecuted by the feds for allegedly taking bribes. Williams’ attorney claimed that there is a Supreme Court ruling that should make Williams innocent.
There was an altercation with several athletes and cops, but Seth Williams didn’t prosecute them. The head of the FOP claims that the athletes should be prosecuted.
Williams’ office won’t prosecute the Amtrak train engineer because they claim they cannot prove it was criminal. Various attorneys and a judge say the engineer should be prosecuted.
For us non-lawyers, criminal law in Philadelphia is very confusing.
Mayer Krain
Modena Park
Where are the birds?
I consider myself somewhat of an environmentalist. I watch and observe as much as possible, everything around me.
I live with my wife in Northeast Philly. For occasional relaxation and enjoyment, we drive down to the boat ramp at Linden Avenue.
Last season, and all previous trips there, we observed literally hundreds of birds and water fowl. There were seagulls, mallard ducks, Canada goose, lots of sparrows, pigeons and starlings.
For the last month and a half, my wife and I have observed no birds of any kind.
I want to know why, and what happened to cause this.
Bob and Fran Reynolds
Morrell Park
