Letters to the Editor | June 4, 2025

A thank-you to Sen. Bob Casey for speaking out against the Trump regime’s plan to cut Medicaid and other programs that are vital to all, especially those Americans who are not billionaires. Seems as if both of our current senators are absent and we can expect little from most GOP elected officials regarding our veterans, government employees who were unconstitutionally fired, and illegal cuts to vital programs already approved by Congress.

It must be hard for Casey to see the chaos created by President Donald Trump and his enablers after his years of dedication and service to Pennsylvania. Casey’s successor, Dave McCormick, has now proven that he is all-in on the MAGA cult. He is a veteran, yet has not denounced the planned military parade for Trump’s birthday — at a cost of $45 million to taxpayers. If this disgraceful fascist spectacle takes place, let McCormick and his billionaire bros pay for it.

McCormick also hasn’t denounced or demanded accountability for the Signal group chat team’s egregious security breaches. Nor has he denounced Trump’s acceptance of a plane from Qatar. Since the GOP paid to get him in office, McCormick has shown his loyalty is to Trump and the party, not to his oath of office in which he swore to preserve and defend the Constitution. I wish Bob Casey was back!

H. Tunney, Montgomery County

A recent letter about the long-term problems at Crozer Health was a welcome — but incomplete — note. Those of us who live in Chester have watched as two hospitals (Sacred Heart and Crozer) vanished. What has not made the news is how we lose our doctors. U.S. health coverage is hospital based. That means when a hospital closes, the doctors lose their practice. Where is the protection of patients? The most vulnerable patients with limited resources must figure out how to get their prescriptions filled, and how to get to their doctors. What will happen next? Will we finally be willing to go with Medicare for All coverage? How will that play out with the current government in place? I trust that we will be reading more about all this as I look for my next doctor — for which it seems I need a fax number I do not have.

Joan G. Broadfield, Chester, [email protected]

The Trump administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status for Afghan refugees is a moral failure. The White House claims Afghanistan is no longer dangerous — this is false. Millions in Afghanistan face hunger, persecution, and repression under Taliban rule. Sending refugees back is not just reckless; it is a betrayal of those who risked their lives for America. As a veteran who served in Vietnam, I know the debt we owe local allies. My unit relied on interpreters to navigate language barriers and gather intelligence vital to our safety. Without their expertise, we would have been blind, vulnerable, and exposed.

These Afghan refugees played the same role for U.S. forces in Afghanistan, guiding American troops, translating critical intelligence, and risking their lives in the process. Many Afghan allies are still in danger because of their service to our country. To abandon them now is shortsighted and unjust. Americans returned home safely because of their sacrifices — now, we must ensure their safety. Sen. Dave McCormick, who served in Iraq during the Gulf War, understands this better than most. He has the power to influence this decision. So far, he has been silent. How much cruelty will Americans tolerate?

Dave McCarraher, King of Prussia

A recent op-ed detailed the story of Hattie May Wiatt, a student of Russell Conwell who tragically passed away at age 6 due to diphtheria. I want to thank Paul Vartan Sookiasian for bringing public attention to this important story and piece of Temple University’s history. As a child, Hattie saved pennies to help fund a new church and Sunday school, as she longed for the opportunity to further her education. After her passing in 1884, others rallied around Hattie’s memory and followed in her footsteps. Hattie was buried at Monument Cemetery but was later reinterred at Lawnview Cemetery in the 1950s after Temple purchased the site.

As I shared at the recent groundbreaking for the new educational facility to be built on the site, we are acutely aware that this is sacred ground. We will continue to honor and respect all who have been buried there. As we move forward with construction, we will work with our archaeological partners to follow an approved protocol to ensure that any remains are respectfully and properly reinterred. Hattie’s desire for education speaks to Temple’s mission, which is alive and well today. She was a member of the North Philadelphia community and an important part of our history. We are grateful for this reminder of Hattie’s story and will ensure her memory is honored in a visible and appropriate way.

John Fry, president of Temple University

The Inquirer article on “deeply unregulated” homeschooling in New Jersey ignores the real problem. If the state wants to talk about child abuse, it should look at its own Child Protection and Permanency agency and its pattern of targeting families and traumatizing children. Having been a victim of CP&P intrusion, I can attest to the harmful effects, despite the ultimate favorable outcome for our family. Indeed, research suggests child protective services investigations can traumatize children. Meanwhile, data show that homeschool students may suffer less harm (e.g., abuse, neglect, fatalities) than conventional school students.

As a homeschooling mom, I can tell you firsthand of the abuse of power, specifically within Camden County. Our child welfare system violates due process and assumes parents are guilty until proven innocent. I have spoken to lawyers, public defenders, detectives, and police officers, and the resounding message is the same: CP&P bullies families and targets specific demographics, including homeschooling and religious families. The Inquirer talks about more oversight? On this we can agree — if that oversight targets the real perpetrators.

Lia C. Gerken, Merchantville

In March, the Trump administration issued an executive order targeting the powerful law firm Paul Weiss. Days later, Paul Weiss rolled over. An email from the firm’s chairman explained the decision to forfeit $40 million in pro bono work to Trump instead of mounting any sort of defense. Eight other big law firms also capitulated to similar threats, including Kirkland & Ellis and Latham & Watkins (the two largest law firms in the world).

Paul Weiss feared a protracted fight would put them out of business. Billable rates for these large firms approach $3,000 an hour for senior partners, and $1,000 an hour for associates. Perhaps that’s what these firms are committed to protecting — not the law, but the business of law.

It may have been a bottom-line business decision, but it’s a branding nightmare. One has to wonder: Do these attorneys lack the acuity to recognize extortion when they see it? Is this how lawyers should react to a full-frontal assault on the Constitution? Will potential clients ever trust that they’ll be vigorously represented in court when these capitulating law firms are too timid to stand up for themselves? If this was a business decision, perhaps they should find another business.

Dana Rollins, Langhorne

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