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Letters: Memories of McPherson Square in the Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia

IT IS VERY SAD that the Kensington community no longer has access to McPherson Square. I have so many childhood memories of that park. Even though the park had some activity like that when I was little, it was still a haven for us to have picnics. My best memories are of the times when my friend Bonnie and I coasted down the hills in our sleds. It was the only area in the neighborhood where you could safely sled.

IT IS VERY SAD that the Kensington community no longer has access to McPherson Square. I have so many childhood memories of that park. Even though the park had some activity like that when I was little, it was still a haven for us to have picnics. My best memories are of the times when my friend Bonnie and I coasted down the hills in our sleds. It was the only area in the neighborhood where you could safely sled.

Our parents felt comfortable allowing us to go to the library or to the park. So sad that the children in the neighborhood lost this park as well as the playground that we used to call the Old Cemo. I know that some of my parents' friends are still living in the homes in this neighborhood and have to deal with these problems.

One of the reasons I moved on and out was I walked into my home while a burglar was there. I hope that the community can bring about change because it used to be a nice place to live.

Lynn Kaiser

Philadelphia

Of Segal and 'sullying'

I can understand a reasonable person disagreeing with Mark Segal as far as who may or may not have been gay (and neither position is really provable).

My problem is with Elaine Donnelly. How dare she claim that the allegation of homosexuality - or, it would seem, the mere act of being a gay sympathizer - should "sully" the name of George Washington.

And three cheers for Al Taubenberger for pointing out the irrelevancy of Donnelly's position. With gays and women now serving proudly in the military, perhaps Donnelly could better allocate her limited intellectual resources to fighting for slavery or internment of the Japanese.

Jeff Armstrong

Rehoboth, Del.

Vick and tired of it all

Cassie Lyons and Carol A Piazzo: With all the other mess that's going on in this city, nation, and world, the only thing you can come up with is Michael Vick? I know you're mad because he's making all that money. C'mon, let it go! They weren't your dogs or my dogs, they were his! As far as I'm concerned, what he did with his business.

I don't have to judge Mr. Vick, that's not my place nor yours to ascertain whether he is sorry or not. He will stand before the same judge that you and I stand before and give account.

Give it a rest.

Michael A. Graves

Roslyn, Pa.

An '80s nod to Occupy

One of the reasons I connect so much with the "Occupy" movements is I was born and grew up in the '80s, in the midst of drastic socioeconomic changes in the country. As a kid, I always looked at our society as it was presented to me and thought, "Why is it this way? That doesn't seem logical." I just accepted it, because everyone else was going about their lives, and seemed to be accepting it. But on the inside, I've always just wanted to escape to a better society, away from the class warfare and corporate greed that dominates our society. The Occupy movements may well represent the first time in my 30 years of existence that I realize there are other people out there who feel the same way that I do. They are equally disenchanted and are tired of living in "The Matrix," and are finally enough in numbers and organization to do something about it. The generations of youth are not going to be content with the status quo, and, God willing, will continue to aspire for a more ideal society for the 100 percent.

So to the fellow citizens of the Occupy movements, on behalf of all the Americans who appreciate what you are standing up for, and even for those who are too busy or self-absorbed to appreciate: Thank you. We are standing behind you.

Pat King

Drexel Hill, PA