Residents sound off on sanctuary cities and unbathed children.
Sanctuary city a mistake
Philadelphia is one of the 19 cities and counties in Pennsylvania that has declared itself as a sanctuary city. Is it wise for the city of Philadelphia to continue to protect illegal immigrants?
Mayor Kenney has been unwavering in his decision to declare Philadelphia as a sanctuary city. The mayor believes that the immigration restriction is going against some of America’s most cherished values, such as equality and liberty. We are the city of “brotherly love,” so restricting people from entering into the city would be going against our historic values and beliefs. On the other hand, continuing to shelter illegal immigrants could cause financial harm to the city.
President Trump announced that he was going to strip federal funds from sanctuary cities. This could affect health programs like Medicaid, transportation, and education, depending on what federal funds the president decides to cut. We all know public schools in the city are already financially struggling. Furthermore, the city only has one main type of public transportation, which is SEPTA. When SEPTA went on strike, it was hard for commuters, like me, to find alternative means of transportation. A commute that usually takes me an hour, took three hours without the help of SEPTA. We can’t fund another public transportation company without the help of the federal government.
Since 2014, Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey has argued that Philadelphia should stop being a sanctuary city. The senator bought up the issue of three cases where an illegal immigrant was a child molester. Since this type of crime was only a third-degree felony, the police were not allowed to notify immigration officials when the assaulter finished his prison time. So this meant the convicted child molester was released back on the streets of our city.
What’s more important to you? Should we stay true to our values or reject them to keep our children safe and our city financially stable? I would choose the latter. The future of the city and our children are more important. I want to live in a city where I trust that my child and I as legal citizens will be safe. I want to see my child be able to go to schools that are financially stable, not on the brink of bankruptcy. Don’t you want what’s better for the children of our city like I do? If you want to see a change, then take about five minutes to send an email to the mayor of Philadelphia and voice your opinions on this issue. If enough of us take a stance, maybe we’ll be able to change Mayor Kenney’s decision.
Christina Susan Thomas
Fox Chase
What handout is next?
It all starts in the home and that is where it needs to be. Children begin their life inside the home and are immediately influenced by the way of life shown to them by their parents and guardians. Parenting is a very demanding — and rewarding — experience. At home is where a child first learns social structure, mannerisms, proper use of language, respect and authority, and proper hygiene. The latter now seems to have gone missing.
Today, children are going to school literally filthy dirty. Bathing must now be an exception rather than a rule. With all the free handouts being given with regard to public assistance, food stamps, and free school breakfast and lunch, I guess the next thing will be before school showers.
We all have ourselves to blame for this situation. The more you just give away to people, the more lazy and dependent they become. It is time for these parents and guardians to take the responsibility that they created and take care of their own children. Formal education is provided by the community. Nurturing children is parental. Talk to your children, play with them, read them stories, get involved in their school and outside activities, put structure into their lives, feed them, and above all, bathe them.
Ronald M. Rolli
Rhawnhurst
Fly Old Glory with pride
In response to Walter Blowitski’s Letter to the Editor, “Fly the flag on holidays,” published on July 12:
I read with great interest the letter from Walter Blowitski in reference to flying the flag on holidays.
My family and Walter’s moved into the 50-home development in Somerton the same week. As he stated, my husband also was one of the WWII veterans and firemen buying homes. Because of age and health (my husband is now deceased), we had to sell our home and seek care in a local facility.
I did not meet the new owners of our home, as family handled the sale, but it is my fervent hope that no matter their ethnicity that Old Glory is still honored on patriotic holidays.
We must set an example for the younger generation to respect the flag and the country for which it stands.
Margaret Atkinson
Paul’s Run
