Letters to the Editor

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While Russia's invasion of Georgia may have been ham-fisted, I do not believe Nina Sofia Bilynsky [Feedback, "Hypocrisy in Inaction," August 28, 2008] is correct.

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She says, "The Eastern European community in Philadelphia stands in solidarity with the Georgian people," meaning that they are (all) against Russian policy. Aren't Russians and Serbians in America part of the Eastern European community?

Realistically, Georgia, on the Black Sea, is part of Russia's sphere of influence. If the U.S. thinks Russia will allow Georgia and the Ukraine to be part of NATO, they are mistaken.

Russia's victory over fascism and Nazism must be noted. Russia lost 20 million in the "Great Patriotic War," also known as World War II. Many of the East European countries, that today have large Russian populations, were allies with Hitler.

Let's do what is in the best interests of human rights and the United States of America. Most Americans, true, are sympathetic with the rights and welfare of the Georgian people.

Jan Sklaroff
Via e-mail

Philadelphia is a working city [News, "Arts and Shaft," Boyce Upholt, August 28, 2008] and that respect is expressed in legislation. A few years ago, then Mayor Street signed one of the most progressive living-wage ordinances into law. The new law stated that any city-supported business had to pay their workers at least 150 percent of the state or federal minimum wage (whichever was higher) and had to give all full-time workers benefits equal to other full-time employees. This law included subcontractors. In April, Mayor Nutter reaffirmed our moral values on this matter by enhancing this legislation.

Philadelphia loves and is proud of the [Philadelphia Museum of Art]. It serves as a backdrop for important events such as Live 8. We smile when we see tourists jog up its wide stairs, arms raised in the air and beam when it houses world-renowned exhibits such as the Salvador Dali show or the upcoming Cézanne exhibit. City taxpayers have expressed our support for the Philadelphia Museum of Art by contributing more than $10 million as well as millions in donated city facilities in the last decade. The way that security guards that protect some of our city's priceless treasurers are treated, however, pits our moral values against our pride for this institution.

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Despite our support for the museum, the guards at the museum earn only $10.13 per hour (the living wage is $10.67) and get no paid sick days. It is time that the museum leaders live up to the moral values of the rest of the city and the more than 2,000 supporters who prayed for this change from more than 20 churches. Likewise, City Council should withhold funding from the Philadelphia Museum of Art until it meets workers rights' standards.

An old Methodist hymn says, "Let me not be afraid to defend the weak because of the anger of the strong/ Not afraid to defend the poor because of the anger of the rich/ Show me where love and hope and faith are needed/ And use me to bring them to those places."

Bishop Dwayne Royster
Living Water United Church of Christ
Via citypaper.net

I think this is a real problem [Slant, "Xu Sixpack?" Bob Finkelstein, August 28, 2008]. When Bill Clinton visited China a few years ago, he faced hostile questions from students of traditionally liberal universities that before had produced social activists for the likes of Tiananmen Square.

I think what will cause change — though it may come "too late" — is man-induced climate catastrophes. Three Gorges Dam and eternal smogs are just a glimpse into the future where the government can do nothing about widespread suffering due to past neglect.

Tsee Lee
Via citypaper.net