Elections
In Philadelphia, 2021 is what’s known as an “off-year” election because no mayor or governor candidates are heading the ticket. In Philly, the top lines are D.A., and Controller, as if those offices were not important. It is a shame, a pity and a scandal that off-year elections
ACCT Philly
America elects people to the House of Representatives every two years, and Philadelphia selects a leader for ACCT Philly on about the same schedule. Aurora Velazquez was the fifth executive director of the city animal shelter, at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in the Feltonville section, since 2012. She has
Elections
Claiming a need for “equity,” a committee person is asking for drop boxes in every neighborhood. We already have them. They are called mail boxes. Unguarded drop boxes is just begging for trouble.
Journalism
Wednesday was a great day for the Philadelphia Gay News, publisher Mark Segal, and Philadelphia. It was Wednesday that a blue and gold state historical marker was unveiled in front of 233 S. 13th Street, the first address of the gay weekly. Mark launched it in 1976, at that location,
Racism
[Disclosure: This column contains offensive language, in context, necessary for understanding.] I probably wouldn’t want Jon Gruden as a friend, but would I not hire him as a football coach? I’ll answer that in a minute, but first I’ll bring you up to date with what created
Culture
My friend missed the Eagles game because he had to attend a wedding. He is a member of an minor ethnic minority that sees nothing unusual about a wedding late Sunday afternoon. For obvious reasons, I will not identify the ethnic group. For the purpose of this column I will
Joe Biden
The “Fuck Joe Biden” chant, that began at some college football games, it was reported, has transitioned to the NFL, heard at the Titans-Jets game. Newsweek also reported the chant, adding it has been heard in bars and music venues. It’s also on YouTube. Hmmm. Another problem for NFL
Freedom of Speech
Let’s stop the bullshit. In the past week, right-wing outlets have lied grossly distorted an Oct. 4 order by Attorney General Merrick Garland. The distortion is so widespread it is hardly accidental. The Big Lie Is that the Department of Justice will sic the FBI on parents protesting school
Racism
The Philadelphia Sixers are adding three women — including two lesbians, and four white men — including two paraplegics, to its 18-person roster, said owner and managing partner Josh Harris in a news conference this afternoon. “These changes are being made in the interest of diversity, inclusion and equity,” said the super-woke
Humor
After an undersea oil pipeline burst, several hundred thousand barrels of oil escaped into the Pacific Ocean. At least the ocean doesn’t squeak any more. This joke is a memorial to my best friend, Jim Moran, a longtime spokesman for Sun Oil in Philadelphia. It was his gag. He
Politics
The long-delayed trial of union leader John Dougherty and City Councilman and former Local 98 official Bobby Henon begins Monday, and we should withhold judgment until the jury rules. An Inquirer story lays out the background of the bribery trial, and notes that Dougherty allegedly bought Henon’s allegiance through
Joe Biden
When it comes to his illegal immigration policies -- the chief reason I could not vote for him -- President Joe Biden is either a drooling idiot or a clandestine operative for Open Borders. And while Open Borders may sound good to some, it is a poison pill. Don’t