Politics
Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSanctis came swinging against Democratic California Gov. Gaven Newsom, but did not muss his well-lubricated hair. It was called the Red State-Blue State debate, and it pretty much was that. Moderator Sean Hannity was generally fair, but his choice of topics — hammering abortion, for instance — reflected
Homelessness
Update: A few days after this appeared, Thomas Lepera denied he had any intention of busing homeless people to Villanova. To me, it sounds like he caved to pressure. This is what used to be called a hot ghetto mess before some people decided “ghetto” was racist. It is not,
Homelessness
Nothing. Imagine having nothing. Imagine being a survivor of the Surfside, FL., condo collapse. You have been out of your home for 11 days, and have just learned Champlain Towers South must be demolished. That happened Sunday night. This is not to diminish the immense loss of life, which is
Homelessness
Not to sprain my arm patting myself on the back, but I thought yesterday’s satire on the “gated community” on the Parkway came off pretty well. It made a serious point, using humor. Just hours later though, I was topped by an Inquirer story. My satire seemed tame when
Homelessness
Memo from Seizem & Squat, Realtor Since its opening on June 10, what we call Camp JTD has been a jewel in one of Philadelphia's most desirable neighborhoods. Our exclusive gated community now is announcing expanded, tent-optional rental space for new residents. What are the benefits to you,
Homelessness
No reporter can ever cover every angle of a story, even when they know them. When I wrote a few days ago about the homeless encampment at 22nd and the Parkway, I missed something important, something brought to me by a Facebook friend. First, an update. As far as I
Homelessness
Remember Rachel Canning? She was the New Jersey 18-year-old who moved out of her parents home in 2014, then sued them for $654 a week in expenses, and demanded they pay her private high school and college tuition. She did not win. Rachel came to mind as I read the
Homelessness
Homelessness is not just a Philadelphia problem, it’s a national problem and worse where 1) the weather is mild and 2) there is little political will to do anything about it — looking at you L.A. and San Francisco. At the outset, the homeless are citizens and they do
Culture
I call this guy the Barber of Broad Street, giving free haircuts to the homeless on the center island, conveniently just across from the Wawa that is a magnet for homeless people. He asks for no proof that anyone who wants a cut is actually homeless. Philadelphia has relatively low