Letters to the Editor
Time to rally against
hurtful budget cuts
Senate Bill 850, which makes drastic cuts in programs and services that provide a vital safety net to Philadelphia's most vulnerable populations, was defeated on a party-line vote in the House Appropriations Committee. But Pennsylvania doesn't have a budget yet; we need to stay vigilant.
The Programs Not Prisons Committee represents nonprofits and grassroots organizations throughout Philadelphia. We understand the tough choices, given the current economic crisis and the fact that the state is facing a $3 billion deficit. However, cutting funds for education, violence prevention, job training, health care, and many other vital services is shortsighted and will be more costly in the longterm.
On Wednesday, many grassroots organizations and hundreds of citizens, families, and youths will rally at 2 p.m. at LOVE Park to show our elected officials in Harrisburg that our voice is loud and it counts.
Sharmain Matlock-Turner
Programs Not Prisons Committee
President and CEO
Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition
Obama must speak
louder on Iran
Of course, we cannot protest Iran's choice of president and its voting practices. But we can certainly protest its shooting protesters and killing many.
President Obama must protest this outrageous behavior by Iran's police. They can arrest protesters, prosecute them, punish them, but not kill them! Obama must speak out about this.
Ruth Gordon
Elkins Park
Jailing Fumo
is a bad decision
Re: "Fumo, Arnao are denied new trial," Thursday:
What advantage to me specifically, and to society in general, is there in putting former State Sen. Vince Fumo in prison? He is not a threat to anyone, has never harmed me, and is in no position to repeat his crimes.
