Middle class needs school scholarships
Recently, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed HB 2632, a bill affecting the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs.
The EITC and OSTC programs encourage businesses and individuals to direct state tax dollars toward need-based scholarships for private, Catholic and alternative schools. These scholarships help low- and middle-income families access educational options that may otherwise be out of reach.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17 strongly supports Catholic school education and the families who depend on scholarship assistance.
We are concerned that HB 2632 would reduce scholarship opportunities for Pennsylvania students by limiting eligibility for middle-class families, adding unnecessary bureaucracy and making it harder for families in Northeast Philadelphia to choose the school that best meets their children’s needs.
David Lee, President
Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17
History will not judge Trump kindly
Excerpt from Michelle Obama’s recent speech about her husband at the opening of the Barack Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. It accurately reflects how history will judge Trump:
“You were unflappable at every turn, always focused, always calm, always looking at the long view,” the former first lady said to her husband. “How absurd it is to even imagine that you might have buckled under the pressure even once, lashed out in frustration, lost your temper. How absurd it is to imagine that you might have done anything but make our family and this entire country proud.”
We can think of another president who regularly loses his temper, buckles under pressure the moment that difficulties arise and lashes out in frustration on Truth Social daily. There is an infuriating double standard at play. Obama had to always keep his cool to avoid getting labeled with the “angry black man” racist trope. As an entitled white man, Trump can blow his top whenever he wants and nobody bats an eyelash.
“No, you were too busy. I’m not done, y’all. Not done,” Mrs. Obama continued as the crowd roared with approval. “So much to say. You were doing the people’s work, rescuing our economy, expanding healthcare, ending a war, ordering the Bin Laden raid, saving an auto industry, winning a peace prize.”
Patricia A. Lowe
Rhawnhurst
Democrats bow down for teachers union money
It must be election time. The Democrats are pushing school choice. They talk a good game. Just like Shapiro did before he was elected governor. As soon as he was elected he kissed the arse of the teachers union and passed on school choice. Don’t believe the lying Democrats. They will bend over for the teachers unions and their money. They won’t pass school choice and Shapiro won’t accept the $1,700 federal scholarship money. As soon as you elect them they weasel out of school choice. We have been there too many times before.
Richard Donofry
East Torresdale
Keep heat safety top of mind this summer
As the Philadelphia region welcomes thousands of visitors for a summer filled with historic events, matches and celebrations, it’s important to remember that extreme heat poses serious health risks.
Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. Forecasts suggest above-average temperatures this summer, and the combination of heat, humidity and dense crowds can quickly lead to heat-related illnesses.
There are three simple but critical steps everyone should follow:
- Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
- Stay cool: Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces. If your home is too warm, visit public places such as libraries, malls or designated cooling centers.
- Stay connected: Check in on friends, family and neighbors, especially those at higher risk. Make sure pets also have access to water and shade.
Philadelphia’s historic summer events should be a time of celebration. By taking a few simple precautions and looking out for one another, we can ensure that this season is not only memorable but safe for all.
Jennifer Graham, CEO
American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Region
Will anyone ever take on Krasner?
Suppose you went in front of a judge and misstated facts, withheld evidence and undermined a criminal conviction. Would you be punished? You’d be in jail.
Well, the PA Supreme Court found DA Larry Krasner guilty of these behaviors in roughly 100 murder cases where he was trying to get the killer a new trial.
Read online law professor Jonathan Turley’s June 22 essay. It is damning.
We have been told Krasner kept a list of blackballed cops whom he did not want to testify in cases, gave illegal alien criminals special protections and even failed to pay property taxes. (Ralph Cipriano, former Inquirer reporter.)
The interesting thing is the response — nada, nothing.
Gov. Shapiro has never had the guts to stand up to Krasner, even when he was attorney general. The last two mayors have been silent. The local media is in Krasner’s back pocket.
The state Legislature did hold hearings on Krasner, then famously folded.
I ask — does anyone have any guts in this city? Any morals? Our top law enforcer is basically a crook. And your answer is silence?
Richard Iaconelli
Rhawnhurst
