Letters to the Editor

by the Readers

Cops and Pleas

I just wanted to know why your paper felt it was necessary to mention my name in the article [Cover Story, "Damaged Goods," Brian Hickey, Feb. 10, 2004]. The statement made by Mr. [Bradley] Bridge makes it seem that I'm under some sort of investigation. I was found not guilty of all charges by a jury in about 20 minutes. These people perjured themselves and admitted [that] at the trial. Nobody has contacted me about [any corruption cases] pending. I've been back on the street since July 1998. I testify in court with no problems and have been promoted to sergeant. I love my job and do it well.
Sgt. John O'Hanlon
Philadelphia Police Department

Ed: Sgt. O'Hanlon's name was mentioned as a prime example of the future that awaits Officers Marcellus Robinson and John Thompson. While O'Hanlon says his credibility isn't an issue when he testifies in court, police officers who have been reinstated after beating criminal charges are often suspect. As evidence, Bridge told City Paper that he was currently preparing to make O'Hanlon's credibility an issue in a case involving an arrest the sergeant made.

I was one of the subjects in [Cover Story, "The Dominican Connection," Howard Altman and Jim Barry, July 27, 2000], and I feel as Officers Robinson and Thompson do. I have direct evidence concerning the district attorney's office and their concern for politics over prosecution. After nine years of dealing with unfounded accusations, I have found, as these officers do, that the only way to start to clear up your reputation is to fight back. The only recourse is a federal lawsuit. I would amend their suit to include a name-clearing under the 14th Amendment because they have a liberty interest in their name and even though my partner and I won a civil-rights lawsuit for retaliation to the tune of $1.5 million, the district attorney's office is still abusing its discretion by refusing to prosecute our cases. For the record, we just passed our two-year anniversary of our jury award and it hasn't even left the judge's chambers yet. Also, for the record, I am speaking as a private citizen, not as a representative of my agency. These officers have a long road ahead of them and all police should support the falsely accused among them.
John R. "Sparky" McLaughlin
Formerly of Southwest Philadelphia

Serving the King

A recent statement published in [Cover Story, "Jesus Geek Superstar," Doron Taussig, Feb. 3, 2005], in a tabloid-like fashion, quoted me in suggesting that my desire is to have homosexuals and other sinners put to death. In regards to the accuracy of the quotation, it is clear that it was not published in its entirety and was my response to a theological question, which was off the record. Sadly, this has led others to promote the quotation in a false light. So, on the record, I want to make it clear, as it was even included in that printed quotation, that I do not desire that homosexuals be put to death but rather proclaim what the Scripture says in Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

I believe that homosexual behavior is sin and cannot force any person to accept this message, but can only warn. I confessed in the City Paper quotation, as I do so now, that I am guilty of violating God's law but have repented and accepted the payment for sin, Jesus Christ. Furthermore, I do not act in hatred toward any person, including the homosexual, but I go to those willing to listen with the same love that was extended to me. If I did not love, I would stay in a church building.
Michael Marcavage

Director, Repent America

Ed: City Paper stands by the veracity of Taussig's article and reporting.

Sell SEPTA

I thought for sure that someone would have mentioned the obvious (and probably necessary) solution to SEPTA's woes: privatization [Cover Story, "Let's Go," Jan. 27, 2005]. Is there a reason nobody's talking about this?
Eva Zeller
Center City

Per a sign posted at my local grocery store, SEPTA is limiting over-the-counter-token sales to 20 per transaction until the resolution of the fare hike "issue." Their message is simple: We will not only threaten to raise fares almost overnight by as much as 40 percent, but we will also attempt to restrict an otherwise legal means of relieving the burden of those new fares for any length of time. This policy not only smacks of abject desperation but shows more utter disdain for the average Philadelphian that relies on SEPTA for transportation to get where they have to go. SEPTA has forced itself into ever more sleazy and unfair policies due to poor management and an inferior operational philosophy that waits for municipal bailouts instead of restructuring its own management and operations to become profitable.

The English, under King George, in their desperation to make money off the American colonists to pay for their lavish spending habits, passed all manner of taxes and tariffs on the staples of their daily lives. It is ironic that in 21st-century Philadelphia, our own public transportation system has succumbed to the same kind of organizational weakness based largely on inbred, self-important leadership.
Josh Nims
Fishtown

Love Story

The Marvils, or whatever we should call them, make a nice family photo [Naked City, "Love the Ones You're With," A.D. Amorosi, Feb. 17, 2005]. We males become nearly invisible to the younger chicks when the pheromone tap runs dry and Liam still had mojo. I couldn't help but notice how George appeared to be in the background of the photo.
Bill Faust
Philadelphia