To the Editor:

The senseless attacks on Asian students at South Philly High School is but a symptom of an ever-growing problem: Young people being raised with no sense of right and wrong, no sense of respect for others (“Better safe than sorry,” Dec. 10).

I am glad these brave Asian students are not caving in to the banter of empty promises and too-late apologies. The problem has been festering for years. The school has simply turned a blind eye too long and now has to be held accountable.

How to handle the problem?

First, the parents of the students committing criminal assault need to be called into account for their lack of parenting.

Secondly, these attacks most certainly are criminal, no matter where they occurred. Charge the students with assault and run them through the justice system as adults.

Thirdly, transfer the students to schools where they are in the minority. Let them get a sense of the fear and pain they have dished out.

As for the school officials, it is obvious they are totally inept and ill-equipped to provide a safe environment for all students. Replace them with those who care.

Most importantly, to the Asian community: My heart goes out to each and every one. Your entire community has been singled out for vicious attacks stemming from blatant ignorance. You deserve better. Your children deserve better. The school system failed you and should be ashamed both as a system and as individuals.

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Forever man’s best friend

An Open Letter to Tom Cardella:

I just finished your story (“Tuddy,” Dec. 10). I cannot tell you how much it touched me. I cried like a baby to the point I had to set aside the paper three times before I finished. If you do not have a pet, you may not be able to understand the sorrow you feel when your pet is longer there.

My wife Maria and I have two Yorkshire terriers, one will be 11, the other is 9 months. We have lost four in the past. We tend to remember the good and the sad times. They are part of the family, they are a part of our lives.

My wife and I will say a prayer for Tuddy and for you and your family. The love you had and still keep in your heart can be seen through your words.

I, too, believe in an afterlife where we all will be reunited with loved ones and, of course, our pets. How would it be heaven if our little pals were not there?

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Money where your mouth is

To the Editor:

I live at Juniper Street and Passyunk Avenue and what they have done to the island on the east side of Broad and McKean streets is incredibly stupid and a huge waste of money.

Many residents have been complaining because of the lack of parking due to the onslaught of new restaurants that have opened on Passyunk and their patrons taking up all the spots. I have spent many a night driving around, often for 40 minutes or more, to find a spot.

I guess by removing the turn from McKean on to Passyunk means they wanted to stop that source of a shortcut when one is driving around looking for parking. But to enlarge the island? They could have made a way to park at least four more cars — two on Passyunk, two on McKean — instead they’ve made it worse.

I have been told the turn from McKean on to Passyunk was eliminated because people would fly around that corner and there have been accidents. Why not a speed bump then, instead of wasting a lot of money on what they made, complete with landscaping and trees (but curiously missing a handicap ramp)? If one is in a wheelchair and on Passyunk going towards Broad from 13th, you can get on but you can’t get off if you are trying to get to Broad.

Surely, the money could have been better spent. Or at least better planned with some consideration of the people that have to live around here. I was born and raised here, but with the crime, lack of parking and insane things this City does sometimes, I can’t wait to leave.

You know what would be nice? If the restaurants had a ticket night. If a resident gets a parking ticket (the Parking Authority slobbers around until 9 p.m. or so) then you can go to the restaurant, show them your ticket or tickets and get a free meal.

After all, the money I put out in tickets is taking away from what I can spend at the supermarket.

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Earth angels

To the Editor:

My husband was in a car accident on Sept. 13 at Seventh and Federal streets. His car was totaled and he was taken to the Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Trauma Unit by ambulance after firemen cut him out of the car.

I just wanted to thank the very kind people who came out and sat with him and made sure he was OK until the firemen got there. I want to especially thank them for sitting with my husband and getting a towel for his head.

Without the help of these people, my husband would have had an even more traumatic situation than he already did.