Put Americans first
President Donald Trump ran on a platform of “America First” and “Make America Great Again.”
Less fortunate Americans risk losing healthcare or higher premiums, and 20 million will go hungry with the loss of SNAP benefits. When ordered by the court to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, President Trump said there would be only $5 billion to cover the program, enough for half a month.
Recently, President Trump said he would give Argentina $20 billion because a candidate he favored won the presidential election in that country.
How can he give away taxpayers’ money when Americans need help? What happened to “America First”? Get involved, Mr. President, and help to end the shutdown.
Ken Biles, Douglassville
. . .
The Trump administration is notifying staff that it might not pay federal workers furloughed during the shutdown, despite a 2019 law that guarantees back pay to furloughed federal workers.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the administration will negotiate over back pay as part of a potential deal with Democrats to end the government shutdown.
Since when is following the law optional?
This president and his enablers act as though it’s perfectly normal to obey the law only if they get what they want in exchange. The rest of us get in trouble if we violate laws. For this president, the law is a mere bargaining chip.
If you find this outrageous and unacceptable, call your senators and representatives, and tell them so.
Shobhana Kanal, Bala Cynwyd
End-of-life care
Unfortunately, Mike West, the former CEO of Rothman Orthopaedics, who died by suicide after receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, had no option for compassionate aid in dying because he resides in Pennsylvania. There are 11 states where he would have qualified for a peaceful passing and would not have had to choose to take his own life violently. There are many families who can attest to the horror of watching their loved ones suffer from an incurable illness.
Having a terminal disease is devastating, but having no other options for a compassionate ending is the worst kind of terror.
Pat Khan, Philadelphia
A reliable investment?
Billionaire Jeff Yass has decided to donate $2.5 million to the Trump ballroom construction at the White House. Apparently, he’s trying to buy favor with the Trump regime’s decision when it comes to Yass’ Susquehanna International Group and its sizable holdings in TikTok. This is occurring while people are going hungry because their SNAP benefits are at risk of being cut, and countless government employees are going without pay. That same $2.5 million spent on the ballroom happens to buy five million meals through Philabundance, one of the city’s largest food banks. Perhaps Mr. Yass would consider this a more reliable investment than depending on Donald Trump’s unpredictable decisions.
Greg Nowell, Narberth
Exercise congestion toll
As someone who relies on SEPTA on a regular basis, I feel inclined to share an idea I have with you to get SEPTA funding. I propose a plan to implement congestion pricing on Philadelphia’s highways. With a congestion toll of at least $5, SEPTA would have a fixed funding method, and automobile users would be forced to pay their own freight.
Dante Medori, Jenkintown
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