Invitation for a Letter to the Editor of the Philadelphia Inquirer

From: Ferris, Kevin [mailto:kferris@phillynews.com] Sent: Friday, December 07, 2007 12:19 PM To: inquirer.letters@phillynews.com Subject: Letters needed

The Inquirer is putting together a few advance letters packages for the weeks during the holiday, and as a former letter writer we wanted to invite you to participate.

You have four chances to write, in response to the four questions below. You’re welcome to submit replies to as many of the questions as you like, though I’ll warn you in advance that we won’t be able to publish all the replies that we receive.

You’ll see that two of the questions are on the feature-y side, but the other two pertain to issues in the news. Responses to any should be no more than 200 words and they should be sent to inquirer.letters@phillynews.com by Friday, Dec. 14. In the subject line, use the header for the appropriate question.

If you have any questions, give me a shout back. Thanks for your time and consideration.

What is the most meaningful or memorable holiday tradition for you or your family? Why is it important?

Violence has invaded our communities – our homes, workplaces and malls. Even our minds. What can you as an individual do in your family or your community to minimize the influence of violence, whether from guns, television, video games, the printed word or personal interactions?

What are your hopes for the new year, for you individually, for your community, for the nation (pick one)? Why?

Mayor-elect Michael Nutter is calling upon citizens to give more to their community. Whether you live in Philadelphia or surrounding suburbs in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, what type of community service do you plan to do in your community this year, and why is it important to you?

Question No. 2: Violence Solutions:

Dear Editor,

We have taken the traditional Judeo-Christian family and replaced it with government socialism. Honest work is shunned, the government will always provide. There is now no stigma or shame for any type behavior or choice (hey, if it feels good - just do it). Half of our government promotes class and racial divisions and the other half promises something for nothing.

We have replaced God in our hearts with the state. This is the violent result.

These same areas of Philadelphia (where my grandmother once lived) were poor by any of today's material standards. Yet, they were safe. People worked for what they had and helped in each other because it was what a God loving people did. And, guess what? You could also buy guns (including evil "assault weapons" and handguns) through the mail with no paperwork what-so-ever back then. Yet, gun crimes were rare. Criminals feared the cops and the armed law abiding citizen.

So what changed? Gun laws have only gotten "tougher." We have regulations piled on top of regulations. We have government programs and initiatives for everything.

But,

Taxes have went through the roof and the government now rewards poor behavior. God was kicked out of schools and Jesus Christ is practically banned outside of church.

Humans, without a moral compass, can only control other humans through fear and greed. What good are all the “feel good” government programs if people’s heart are as cold as stone?

This is Philadelphia in a nutshell.

Best Regards,

2banana

I can minimize the affect of violence against my family by purchasing a gun and learning how to use it. I can minimize our exposure to violence by controlling what channels we watch, what video games we purchase, and what books we read. You may notice that none of these measures are government programs. They are all within the grasp of any law abiding citizen should always be the first choice of responsible adults.

or other words to that effect...

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