Mummers
By all accounts, the 2023 Mummers Parade was colorful (as always), loud (as always), and free of controversy (not always). Thanks to nearly balmy temperatures, crowds were large — not compared to the parade’s hey-day in the ‘80s — but compared to Covid-shriveled crowds in recent years (including the cancellation of
Culture
Happy New Year? It’s 2023. 2023? What a nothing number. Like they say in baseball, lots of crooked numbers, but it surely doesn’t roll off the tongue, does it? If we were at a dance, 2023 would be a wallflower. Not fun like 2020, which sounded like a
Helen Gym
Philadelphia’s favorite harridan, City Council member Helen Gym, was arrested Wednesday — according to her plan — in Harrisburg as she put on a show of demanding more money for schools from the Republican-majority legislature. As she knew going in, there would be no more money, and disrupting activities — as she
Police
Anti-cop critics may not have to actually “defund the police.” Philadelphia police are depopulating their own ranks in an unprecedented dash for the doors. More Philadelphia police officers have put in for DROP this past year than in any year in the past decade, except for one, which indicates deep
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,
Looting
There were armed guards on 9th Street, hired by Italian Market merchants. A shotgun-carrying private security guard forced several youths to their bellies outside a big box store they had robbed. The owner of South Philly’s Firing Line shot and killed one of a group of intruders trying to
Coronavirus
The answer came too late for a column in which I questioned where the mayor gets the legal authority to order quarantines, face masks, social distances and the like. But the mayor’s office has now responded and I am going to share this with those of you wondering the
Coronavirus
Does society have a right to institute rules and laws to protect its citizens from preventable harm? Self-evident, isn’t it? Especially in democracies where the laws are written by representatives of the people. Are we on the same page so far? Is this something both liberals and conservatives agree
Coronavirus
Here’s proof that almost every gray cloud has a silver lining. Philadelphia Police Department statistics show that during the first week of restricted movement in the city, crime was down. In an unrelated development, no NBA games were played. That’s another causal effect. A study of city stats
Coronavirus
More than a week into turning your home into a jail rather than a castle, I am (happily) surprised by the docility of the American people. As far as I can tell, aside from the thin edge of chuckleheads, most Americans are doing what is asked of them, and with
Drugs
The argument in favor of so-called safe injection sites, which are not safe, can be reduced to two words: Saves lives. That is true, although the number to be saved is very small, 24-76, the city estimates. There are two arguments against: 1- It is illegal. 2- It enables addiction.
Culture
Using blackface is a sin, in a secular sense, but should it be a crime? City Councilwoman Cindy Bass thinks so, and has introduced a bill to make wearing blackface a crime, with a $75 fine. She thus reduces something really hateful to something like a parking ticket. This issue