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
The Fix

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
The Citizen Recommends

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
The Fix

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