Voice: Larry Platt

Why Did I Send a Book to the Mayor and City Council?
Because, as this budget season reminds us, Democrats had better stop celebrating what they spend — and instead focus on what they actually build and deliver for real people
By Larry Platt
Josh Shapiro and Moral Clarity
Wouldn’t the Governor’s principled call for it in the New York Times and elsewhere best be served by retiring the phrase “antisemitism?"
By Larry Platt
For Sale — Your State Legislature
Democratic Rep. Solomon, Republican Rep. Rigby and activist Rabbi Michael Pollock are all pushing for a ban on egregious gifts to legislators — as in most other states. It is the 38th attempt at a gift ban in the last quarter century
By Larry Platt
John Fry’s Call to Arms
While others cower, the new Temple prez doubled down last week on Enlightenment values — and just may be modeling a new course for would-be leaders in the age of autocracy
By Larry Platt
Krasner Versus … Trump?
The DA says he’s a “Democracy Advocate” and his real opponent is Donald Trump. Is there something to that, or is it just campaign spin?
By Larry Platt
Peter Wolf at The Free Library
The legendary rock and roll frontman’s memoir, Waiting On The Moon: Artists, Poets, Drifters, Grifters and Goddesses, is a Zelig-like ride through 50 years of American creative genius. He’ll be in conversation with Citizen Co-founder Larry Platt next week.
By Larry Platt
Three Philly Profiles in Courage
Congressmembers Chrissy Houlahan, Brendan Boyle and Brian Fitzpatrick all recently exhibited a quality voters rarely reward anymore: Integrity
By Larry Platt
A Tax Reform Plan Even Progressives Can Love?
Jefferson Health is the latest to eye leaving the city. Can the Tax Reform Commission’s recommendations deviate from past ones and jumpstart job growth?
By Larry Platt
Hey Philly, Let’s Tell Bezos to Suck It
The Citizen is intensely hyperlocal. But attacks on Enlightenment values know no borders. Here, a way to stand against media surrender and get clearer on national affairs without regard to ideology
By Larry Platt
Does Philly Need Our Own (Gulp!) DOGE?
While Oligarch-in-Chief Musk wages culture war on the so-called deep state, what’s the way forward for local and national Democrats? Actually showing they can make government work better for you
By Larry Platt