I am grateful that The Philadelphia Inquirer gave life to my submission. It speaks for itself.

To the editor:

America's ongoing master class in bullying serves an essential purpose of enlightenment. It has now been clearly demonstrated that inside every bully is a baby, forever parroting: "I want, I want. Me, me, me." The bullying babies are everywhere — in homes, work settings, and, as we have clearly seen, in elected office. Prone to tantrums, they bluster constantly but often do not follow through. They merely adore reading and hearing about themselves, putting their names wherever they can, and complaining that all of their genius has not been lauded fully enough. A sure sign of a bullying baby is how much they love toys and games, such as a new private plane, with all kinds of bells and whistles, gifted by those we must be wary of.

Some have found a way to ignore the bullying baby in the White House. As to the baby's rants and threats, Brando Benifei, the chair of the European Parliament's delegation for relations with the United States, said, "We don't take them so seriously anymore." Still, there are dangers inherent in these bullying babies. When their bluff is called, they can act out to prove to the world - and themselves — that they are strong. So far, the U.S. has kidnapped the president of Venezuela and his wife, killed dozens in illegal strikes against alleged drug boats, and started an ill-conceived war that has claimed thousands of lives, including those of 18 Americans. At home, National Guard troops needlessly patrol Washington, and his immigration agents have brought terror and misery across The nation.

An all-consuming trait shared by bullying babies is the inordinate need for control - over everyone and everything. Would that extend to seeking control over our upcoming midterm elections? As incredible as that threat may seem, who could have imagined our bullying baby in chief's refusal to accept a legitimate 2020 electoral defeat, his undermining of the rule of law. his desertion of America's friends. his stomach wrenching adoration of dictators. or his violations of the people's White House? This inconceivable threat cannot be ruled out.

SaraKay Smullens
Philadelphia

Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, September 2, 2026

I welcome the opportunity to point to life threatening parallels in our personal and political worlds.

To the editor:

The longer I live the more I see how family difficulties and those that must be confronted in our society have parallels. One mutual theme is denial — in therapist lingo it is far, far more than a river in Egypt. It is the inability or refusal to see glaring truth. For example, when a daughter speaks up about sexual abuse — most often by a close family member — her mother often refuses to believe her for myriad reasons, usually supported by other family members, including siblings. In time, with support, a violated young person can move on with their own life, even if rejected by blood relatives. Let’s use this lens to look at the sneaky removal of the truth about the people enslaved by George Washington at the President’s House.

It is not coincidental that it was done in the cover of darkness by those who refuse to face the truth. The panels depict violations endured by human beings treated like chattel. They were ugly things to consider, but they were things America must face. Regardless of the stony path of reality, a country, like a family, must face the truth to move forward together with any semblance of health. Once we find the courage to confront reality together, there is no problem that we cannot solve.

Of course, a young, abused woman whose family does not face the truth of her hell can move on. But a split on the truth is something America cannot survive. Tragically, this split is being fed by leadership in Congress and the White House. There is only one way to address this cancer in our midst. There is only one way for America to survive. I ask all who support Donald Trump to face the truth: We no longer have a president leading and inspiring America. We have only a dictator, committed to denying us the opportunity to come together and heal.

SaraKay Smullens
Philadelphia

Published in The Philadelphia Inquirer, August 2, 2026

Dear friends and colleagues,

I appreciate your taking time to read this, as I know your time is limited.  What follows is an “ask” for a contribution to an upcoming vital Philly offering at a crucial time.  I well realize that solicitations are endless. What follows frames this request and describes why I'm reaching out to you.  Please know, any amount, such as 20 or 25 dollars will be deeply appreciated. Please read on.  I will be as brief as possible….

In 2005 veteran journalist Dan Rottenberg acted with prescience.  Dan founded the Broad Street Review (https://www.broadstreetreview.com), a nonprofit, online outlet dedicated to arts coverage and cultural criticism at a time when very few digital publications were investing seriously in the arts, and print journalism was entering the struggle for survival you know so well.  Dan Rottenberg's innovation was met with great appreciation and gratitude.  Before his launch it was next to impossible for information about the epidemic of sexual abuse of women to be placed in major newspapers. Dan accepted these submissions, giving them life in a special section devoted to societal issues.  BSR has evolved into a major relied upon media ecosystem, publishing in-depth reporting, reviews, and essays as arts coverage has largely disappeared from many local and national outlets.

We are now approaching this year’s Philadelphia Fringe Festival, which will run from September 8-27.  Our extraordinary world recognized Philly Fringe, which began in 1997, offers over one thousand creative gifts by new and seasoned artists.  We attract an audience from vastly different backgrounds and cultures, some from far away destinations, who relish the opportunity to bond through this unique experience. Can you think of a more important time in our lifetimes for this to happen!

The BSR, which has always operated on a shoe-string budget, offers modest payment to the devoted, talented journalists who review Philly art all year. (In full disclosure, although not a journalist, I sometimes cover productions that speak to my profession and am honored when these opportunities are offered.) This year, led by our deeply respected, widely recognized editor Alaina Johns, BSR hopes to cover as many of the Fringe productions as possible.  But without your input, this cannot happen.

We currently have 257 Friends and 62 Local Media Champions.  If we can add at least 30 new Friends and five new Champions, our 2026 Fringe coverage will move forward.  Please consider an online gift. To become a Friend, make a one-time donation of $72, or commit to an automatic monthly gift of $5. Local Media Champions step up even more, with a one-time gift of $240 or a monthly gift of $20. https://donorbox.org/fringe-coverage-2026-friends-drive

This said, please know: Any amount you can offer will help enormously and be very deeply appreciated.   Checks can be mailed to Broad Street Review, Box 9475, 700 S. 7th St. Philadelphia, PA, 19147.  Perhaps you will consider a donation in honor of a good friend or relative who is devoted to the arts.   (When sending a check for security purposes place paper around it before putting it in an envelope.)  
Please reach out to BSR executive director Neil Bardhan (nbardhan@broadstreetreview.com) with any questions.

My deepest thanks for giving time and thought to this outreach.

SaraKay Smullens