Letters to the Editor
The firing and proffered reinstatement of USDA official Shirley Sherrod tells us much about the way agenda-driven bloggers can influence more mainstream news outlets, which then pressure government officials, in this case a White House cabinet member, who then take "swift action" to stem a potential tsunami of bad press.
A tsunami of bad news
The firing and proffered reinstatement of USDA official Shirley Sherrod tells us much about the way agenda-driven bloggers can influence more mainstream news outlets, which then pressure government officials, in this case a White House cabinet member, who then take "swift action" to stem a potential tsunami of bad press.
Well, the tsunami wasn't stemmed; it issued from a place where Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack wasn't looking: right from inside the record of integrity and service built by Sherrod herself and attested to by the white farmer she once hesitated to help ("Sherrod receives apology, job offer," Thursday).
The news outlets that ran a clearly edited tape of Sherrod's comments before the NAACP at the very least made a foul joke of all of the basic rules of professional journalism. At worst they were party to a deliberate smear tactic designed to demonstrate black racism at the White House (this charge was repeatedly made by Fox News). In the latter scenario, Sherrod was simply a target of opportunity, an expendable bit of insignificance. Nothing personal.
Her boss, Vilsack, treated her no better. His great management sin was failing to support his team member while facts were being sorted. She was an expendable bit of insignificance. Nothing personal.
Yet the tables turned. Today, Sherrod is seen for what she is, an inspiring example of how the best in the human spirit can triumph over the worst that it encounters.
Orlando R. Barone
Doylestown
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Race-baiting is on the rise
This country is inordinately obsessed with race. Shirley Sherrod was dismissed because of a doctored speech put online by a right-wing entity. She simply presented a narrative about white hatred during her youth and the way it shaped her thinking. She further elaborated that with age she became less judgmental in her official capacity concerning her original bias.
Now that minorities have grown in numbers and influence, race-baiting has become all the rage in political circles. As long as one party can trump the other by using this hideous tactic, we're in for decades of mudslinging by vacuous politicians willing to open old wounds for an advantage.
Anthony J. Frascino
Swedesboro
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A place for cheaters
I'm disappointed that the esteemed Inquirer would run a commentary by Noel Biderman ("More than friends on Facebook," Wednesday) that amounts to nothing more than a blatant ad for his website - and a website that facilitates infidelity, no less. His website is anonymous and thus more discreet than Facebook, he happily notes, so if you're going to cheat on your spouse, do it here.
I don't begrudge Biderman the freedom to provide a service and make a living, but I wish The Inquirer hadn't wasted editorial space on a column that basically condones adultery, and directs readers to a site that helps them get away with it.
Gary Frisch
Voorhees
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Clarifying gun facts
A recent article concerning the illegal use of so-called assault weapons put forth as fact myths about such weapons and the laws governing them ("Expert describes powerful weapon that killed Liczbinski," last Saturday).
Yes, all of the guns mentioned are legal to own; I have owned or currently own several of them.
No, it is not illegal to modify such a gun to have a magazine with more than 10 rounds, or to have two magazines taped together. Even under the failed and now-defunct assault weapons ban, these actions were still legal.
Yes, many of these guns are of high enough caliber to penetrate a bullet-resistant (there is no such thing as bulletproof) vest. Then again, standard deer-hunting rifles, which outnumber assault weapons and are found in hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania homes, as well as millions nationwide, are of equal if not much higher caliber.
David Kveragas
Newton Township
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The crucifix, not the cross
I am compelled to respond to a letter Wednesday ("Desecrating a holy symbol") because apparently one of us is confused. The writer stated that Tony Auth's cartoon Sunday mocked that which we as Catholics hold sacred, the cross and the priesthood.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but throughout 12 years of Catholic education, I was taught that it is the crucifix, not a cross, that is the central image defining Christianity. A cross is just a cross, unless the crucified body of our Lord Jesus Christ is evident, arms outstretched, nails embedded in his hands and feet, an open wound appearing on his side, and his head crowned with thorns. That is what truly symbolizes the greatest sacrifice made by the son of God to save us from eternal damnation.
Maureen Kirkner
Phoenixville
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Climate bill is needed now
People have written letters doubting the science connected to climate change.
But people climbing the Earth's highest peaks are photographing the rapid melting of glaciers once expected to last forever. Yearly runoff that farmers depend on won't be available for crops, as in China, where Himalayan glaciers are disappearing.
We must band together - Republicans and Democrats - to protect our Earth. A strong, comprehensive climate and energy bill must be passed this session.
Mary Kane
Chester Springs