Letters to the Editor

What You Say

Back of the class

In "Policy Is Policy," Isaiah Thompson [Naked City, Man Overboard, Jan. 21] offers engaging counterpoint in which understatement prevails: a government that criminalizes desperate Haitian refugees, including children, [and] provides Cubans with plush doormats. Charitable, empathetic Americans vs. a draconian government that rejects gravely wounded Haitians. Again beckoning Cubans.

Evidently the government is under sway of pragmatism akin to nature. If so, an educated class fleeing an undemocratic government will be viewed more favorably than a group with minimal skills. Possibly there is alarm at having failed to consider demographics, prior to exporting heavy industry.

Far-sighted now, the antique postal system is clung to with a viselike grip. This, amid a service economy that barely contributes to the public coffers.

Curiously in the interest of public safety, the government must curb democracy even further, like reject dangerous elements — psychopathy, atavism — from advanced societies, as well. Must a leaky boat take on more baggage?

That black individualism is a casualty of Great Society Programs can lend black insight into this pragmatism. Black farmers are denied loans, while others meet nepotism-over-merit hiring in subjective pursuits. Additionally the voice of black individualism is routinely ignored in black art and humanities.

Finally with media coverage there is awareness of Haitian-Americans who arrived in the U.S., like other immigrants. For example, Samuel Dalembert, center for the 76ers; Jimmy Jean-Louis, U.S. TV star; and PADF's Goodwill Ambassador. And Haitian-American professionals concerned about relatives back home. Might it be class rooted in the harsh immigration policy?

Good job to the City Paper and Stalberg for covering this issue [Naked City, "Two Minutes With Zack Stalberg," Andrew Thompson, Jan. 27]. The [Clerk of Quarter Sessions Office] is about as corrupt as any that exists outside the third world. What city would allow itself to be owed $1 billion in forfeit bail from court no shows, but close libraries? None in America but Philly, and the corrupt ersatz machine hacks who call themselves Democrats, maligning actual Democrats everywhere.