Fellow Citizens, Philly Needs You

The election campaign, and its coverage, underscores the need for something different … you!

By Larry Platt

OMG. I’m A Cultural Elitist.

The election results forced me to look at myself. Now what?

By Larry Platt

Don’t Let Stupid Win

How I almost bought into the media-fueled myth that 10 percent of Americans think Judge Judy sits on the Supreme Court

By Larry Platt

A Congress of Telemarketers

On the eve of the U.S. Senate debate, former upstart candidate John Fetterman says dialing for dollars is killing democracy

By Larry Platt

The Ghosts of Frank Rizzo

We took a few diverse young Philadelphians to see the play about the former mayor. A frank and provocative race discussion followed

By Larry Platt

Let’s Kill All the Moderators

The first presidential debate underscored why we don’t need moderators. Maybe no referee and no rules will finally get us some substance?

By Larry Platt
The Citizen Recommends

Feastival

The premiere foodie event is more than a great party; it’s also a sign that dining out has become a socio-political movement

By Larry Platt

The National Anthem Conundrum

An evening out with Charles Barkley sparks some ruminations on an absurd American ritual

By Larry Platt
Meet the Disruptor

VoteCastr

Finally, a company—with local roots—is set to give voters the same election day play by play the media and political elite have kept hidden from us

By Larry Platt
Ideas We Should Steal

Declaring War on Tax Deadbeats

New York City has had great success collecting back taxes. Why don’t we do what they’ve done?

By Larry Platt