Castor Avenue isn’t broken
Project Zero is a multimillion-dollar nationwide program that is theoretically designed to increase safety by diminishing and slowing down traffic on accident-prone streets. Their latest triumph in the Northeast is Tabor Road along the Naval depot. A normal road, reengineered and narrowed down with a bike lane on the depot side, parking in the middle and two lanes of traffic running pressed against the residential curb, with pillars in the road, all the way down to mark out the confusing mess because no knows where to park, so they park everywhere. Traffic stops dead during deliveries and trash pickups, and at no point did they consider concerns like what happens when an elderly person needs to bring in their groceries, an ice cream truck stops by, a pet – or a kid’s ball – runs into the street. Safety.
Now Castor Ave., a road with a safety record that the police are quite happy with, is to be the next target of their unique flavor of safety enhancement. Could Castor use enhancements? Yes. Some street lamps and beautification would be appreciated, but this is the very definition of doing nothing to look like you’re doing something. The community has voiced intense opposition to this. The homeowners don’t want it, the businesses don’t want it. Who wants this and why do our politicians insist on fixing something that isn’t broken?
Diane Vilsmeier
Castor Gardens
Bashir wants debate with Boyle
I am running for Congress. I hope Congressman Bendan Boyle can agree to join me in a debate prior to the Nov. 5 general election. I believe our constituents need to know where we stand on various issues, and what our positions are. I strongly believe that our constituents should be given an opportunity and the respect they deserve, to know our positions on issues. I hope Mr. Boyle would accept my invitation.
No doubt, America is in crisis. We really need God back in our country. It is time to pray and act. America is falling down the hill faster than I thought. If you don’t believe me just look at some facts. Our economy is in a big struggle and trouble right now. With $36 trillion of debt upon America, we are paying $100,000 only in interest every second. Our budget deficit is reaching almost $2 trillion every year. Right now, inflation is skyrocketing. Please look at the gas prices, grocery prices, high interest rates on mortgages and other loans. Skyrocketing crimes, failing public schools and crimes are very serious concerns. In the last 3½ years, more than 10 million people poured into our borders illegally without any accountability and responsibility. No doubt, these are red flags that America is falling.
Regardless of the crisis, there is great hope. We can save America together. We need God back in our nation. And we need to get back to the commonsense policies to put American people first. It is time for a change. This is not my battle alone. It is about our survival and the American dream of our children and grandchildren’s future. This is our struggle together for a better, stronger and safer America. It is time to realize that we must turn back to God as a nation for stronger, safer and better America. Please vote for me by pushing button 206, and spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors. Also, if you can, please contribute financially to my campaign on the website www.BashirforCongress.com. You can reach me on my personal cell 215-954-7836 if you have any questions or concerns. I am so honored to have your support and help to win your ward.
Thank you and God bless America.
Aaron Bashir
God bless schoolchildren
I leave for work earlier now and during my commute, I am inspired by the countless Philly kids of every race, creed and nationality waiting for the bus to take them to school each day. Despite the challenges these kids face (which may include concern about being targets of violence, challenging family lives and social media rivalry), they’re out there waiting. I like to focus on these kids and lift them up, encourage and support their hope.
So what does staying in education do? It broadens the student’s reality, empowers individuals and liberates minds. It challenges our kids to confront negativity and hate, to welcome the stranger. They learn that WE are all in this together, that we can’t afford an “us vs them” mentality. Time is short.
I am blessed to work in higher education for 39 years now and still counting. What do we teach in college? That violence and guns get us nowhere and have no place here but that a pen and informed conscience can change the world for the better a little at a time.
I’m lucky to work with the first kids in the family who go to college. They are resilient, strong, flexible, appreciative, smart and I see that Philly grit I know so well – why? ‘Cause I’m one of them – we get up early and show up for life daily despite the challenges and belly aches.
Admissions is not my role, but once in college, I do my damndest to keep these students through until graduation. Removing obstacles and offering resources is what they need to get through. Because in the end, they are our future and our hope. God bless them.
Nancy Komada
Bustleton
