Letters to the Editor | June 29, 2025

At a time when trust in institutions is under strain, I write to affirm the essential role of independent journalism and civic literacy in sustaining American democracy. As a former civics and history teacher, I’ve seen firsthand how understanding our founding principles — and questioning power — enables meaningful civic engagement. Though I now reside in Tampa, Fla., I’ve followed The Inquirer for years. Its reporting is not just news — it’s a vital forum for public dialogue. As a Philadelphia native, Father Judge High School graduate, and current board member of the Dad Vail Regatta, I remain deeply connected to the city and its civic culture. Subscriptions are more than transactions — they’re acts of democratic commitment. Read deeply. Ask hard questions. Urge students, neighbors, and officials to value fact-based reporting and resist disinformation. The health of our republic doesn’t rest solely on elections. It relies on a well-informed citizenry. We owe it to future generations to support the institutions that connect us to the truth.

Tom Feaster, Tampa, Fla., [email protected]

I am dismayed as we look at the potential destruction of SEPTA services because some Republicans in the Pennsylvania legislature don’t want to fund mass transit in Philadelphia. What particularly bothers me is that no one seems to realize that if the cuts go through, we will have mass chaos next year when millions try to flood into the city to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Oh, and there’s the World Cup, too. If SEPTA is not funded, the blame for the national embarrassment that will occur next year must be put squarely on the Republicans, who love to wave their flags but don’t seem to understand they need to provide support to the celebration. We need to shout from the rooftops to the Republicans in our state legislature that we will make sure the world knows they will be blamed for the debacle in Philadelphia as we try to celebrate our national milestone. That might get to them.

Kathleen E. Boger, Newtown Square

Kudos to op-ed writer Yolanda Jennings for her insight and compassion supporting earned time credits despite her personal experiences as a victim of crime. It takes a lot of courage to go beyond the tragic consequences of being a crime victim and support a program that attempts to reduce recidivism and encourages inmates to pursue rehabilitation. Many years ago, I was part of a coalition led by the Pennsylvania Prison Society that supported an earlier version of earned time. Unfortunately, the time was wrong, as the mass incarceration law-and-order movement controlled the legislative agenda. We now see the consequences of that “lock ‘em up and throw away the key” mentality.

Since then, we have seen a fivefold increase in prison populations and a tenfold increase in cost, with little to no appreciable effect on crime rates. Republicans now see another failed government program, while Democrats see the burden falling disproportionately on the poor and people of color. Now that the 47th president is a convicted criminal and handing out pardons to political allies and supporters, it’s time to rethink our criminal justice system and implement programs such as the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act. Programs that incentivize good behavior with commonsense solutions.

Angus Love, Narberth

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