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4 SOUTH PHILLY REVIEW I December 23, 2010
Word on the Street
Letters
What do you hope to get for Christmas this year?
No Vicktory for protestors
“I could really use a new kitchen television, but they always run out of them at the store so we’ll see.” Rose DiSevastiano, South Hicks Street
“I want more peace in this world. Simple as that.” Rose Patterson, 12th Street and Snyder Avenue
“When I get up every morning, it’s Christmas, so when the day actually comes, it will be just another day that I am grateful for.” Sam Aiello, 12th and Durfor streets
“I don’t think I need anything. Everbody these days has everything already. They get it before Christmastime. I already have everything I need.” Peter Iannelli Jr., 10th and Wolf streets Interviews by Alvaro Balderas Photos by Ilana Bagel
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SOUTH PHILADELPHIA’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER 12th & Porter streets Philadelphia, Pa. 19148 (215) 336-2500 Fax (215) 336-1112 Web site: www.southphillyreview.com Editorial e-mail: editor@southphillyreview.com EDITOR Bill Gelman-ext. 121 bgelman@southphillyreview.com
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To the Editor: Despite the current outpouring of support for Michael Vick, a large contingent of Philadelphians still oppose the Eagles’ decision to sign him. Many of us have chosen to convey our disgust and dismay by boycotting Eagles sponsors, writing letters and e-mails to media outlets and the Eagles organization, as well as protesting at home games. Protests have been our most visible activity, where we endured slurs, insults and obscenities from those fans who apparently believe winning football games is more important than anything else, including morals and ethics. As peaceful protestors, we tolerated the verbal abuse largely in silence, as we recognize that everyone has an opinion and the right to express it. However, as Vick’s time on the field and in the sports media has increased, so has the threatening behavior of some fans. Throughout the 2009 and ’10 seasons, we became the targets of more than just verbal abuse. Many of us were elbowed and shoved, and had our signs slapped out of our hands or into our faces. Some protestors no longer felt safe participating. Those of us who continued to protest experienced progressively severe threats, culminating at the Nov. 21 game when a large plastic cup was forcefully thrown at a protestor. Fortunately no one was severely or permanently injured and the Philadelphia Police Department Civil Affairs’ officers on duty apprehended the thrower. In the eyes of some Eagles fans, no opinion can be stated if it is different from theirs or speaks against their beloved team. We recognize their right to free speech, but we have the same right to express ourselves without injury. Clearly the behavior of some Vick fans has reached a dangerous new low and we, animal welfare supporters, must restructure our activities to avoid physical harm. We will continue to conduct campaigns to educate the public and sway sponsors and we will never let Vick-supporting Eagles fans or the city of Philadelphia forget the innocent animals who suffered and died at Vick’s hands. Romy Nocera and 20 others Animal Activists of Philly
No more yelling and screaming To the Editor: While the telephone interview done by [Managing Editor] Amanda Snyder is basically factual (“Making their point,” Dec. 9), I must take exception to other comments made by another person interviewed. Mr. Andrew Haneiko stated that during a zoning meeting, the residents “yelled and screamed” and he is right. This does happen sometimes at this meeting. But he would yell and scream too if people moved into his block, totally ignored him — a long-term resident — built threestory houses with decks and garages, which only add to the horrendous parking problems, on a two-story house block, and then had the audacity to want to change our name to that of a merchant — whose only claim to fame I could find was he got rich and lived on a small street that in some sections of the city would be considered an alley. How dare you. Despite all of the yelling and screaming, we have managed to make some improvements to Point Breeze over the years. Remember some of us were doing this when you were still peeing in your diapers and being fed pablum. Instead of trying to change everything to your way, why not come together with us. You might find that our concerns are not so different after all. Talk to us, but not at us. We are willing to work with you, but not for you. We will walk beside you, not behind you. Yes, there are many seniors in Point Breeze, but these seniors have a vast amount of expertise and experience that can be taped. Together maybe we can bring Point Breeze back to — and surpass — the old glory days. Alice H. Shockley Vice President Neighbors In Action Association South Philadelphia
son,” Dec. 16), he obviously doesn’t know Christmas is a federal holiday and that it is because of the birth of Christ. Of course Dec. 25 is a date that was picked without exact knowledge of the actual birth. I think we all know that. It is very clear that the original intent of this federal holiday was to celebrate Jesus’ birth and nothing else. It’s not the winter solstice, it’s not Festivus, nor is it any other madeup holiday by non-Christians who enjoy mocking Christian traditions. Our government, which at one time always mentioned God, founded this country on Christian principles and part of this was making Jesus’ birth a federal holiday. Mr. White can celebrate whatever he wants. However when he’s not in work that day and getting paid, he can thank Jesus for being born on or about Dec. 25. Merry Christmas, Henry. Ron Mento Sr. South Philadelphia Comment on these letters or topics at www.southphillyreview.com/opinion/letters.
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• Regular mail: 12th and Porter streets Philadelphia, PA 19148 • E-mail: editor@southphilly To the Editor: review.com In response to the letter by Henry White (“The man behind the sea- • Fax: 215-336-1112
Celebrating his day