Letters to the editor
Readers respond
Fetterman serves all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats
I respectfully disagree with most of the points raised in Naomi Weisberg Siegal’s letter to the editor published in the Chronicle’s June 6, 2025, edition (“Fetterman should do the job for which he was elected — or step aside”).
To address one: Ms. Siegel somehow believes that because Sen. Fetterman is a Democrat he should unthinkingly cleave to his party’s platform on all matters, apparently most especially when it comes to anything that aligns “him with the Trump coalition.”
Sen. Fetterman won the election with just over 51% of the vote; I am happy he did. He understands, however, that his duty is to all Pennsylvanians, and that he must exercise his judgment accordingly. Does Ms. Siegel think that Sen. Fetterman should ignore all views that deviate from his party’s position and simply follow predetermined written directives? I hope not. A legislator should, with due regard to his or her party’s positions (and not a slavish adherence to strict party dogma, whether Democratic or Republican), be guided by what he or she believes is in the best interests of those who live in his or her state (and depending on the issue, our country), have an open mind, weigh the issues, and engage in thoughtful negotiation and compromise. Sen. Fetterman does.
There is at least one matter on which Ms. Siegel and I do agree: Sen. Fetterman should dress in a manner more appropriate for a United States senator.
Jonathan Schmerling
Mt. Lebanon
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