The Democrats far outpace the GOP regarding diversity
I only have one message for Democrats: "Stay the course." Do not let the conservative hawks do what they do best, divide and conquer.
At a time when I continually see bumper stickers that say, "Our power is in our diversity," the Post-Gazette ran an article headlined, "Diversity Divides Democrats" (May 4). The irony is that I don't see any diversity in the Republican Party, which I imagine is the largest proliferator of the aforementioned bumper stickers.
There will always be divisions within the Democratic Party, but that truly is our power. Unlike the Republican Party, the Democrats can struggle within the party but come together after the primary in a civilized united front to promote social equality and progressive ideals.
The reason the Republican Party does not experience the same type of political demographic is because anyone who offers a dissenting voice is forced to leave. Just ask Paul O'Neill.
In the Democratic Party, our diversity truly is our power. Embrace one another's differences, learn from them and emerge a stronger more culturally educated political party. Continue to disagree with each other, continue to infuse a fresh stream of diverse ideals into the party, but do not be divided. This will only lead to the demise of every one of us.
KIRK B. BURKLEY
Shadyside
Forum for accountability
The April 22 editorial supporting federal legislation prohibiting most lawsuits against gun manufacturers ("Ready, Aim, Sue?: The House Clamps Down on Anti-Gun Civil Suits") is based on a faulty premise: namely, that these lawsuits seek to hold manufacturers responsible for the criminal behavior of others. Rather, they seek to hold manufacturers responsible for their own irresponsible actions.
Industry whistle-blowers and publicized internal industry documents have confirmed what experts in gun violence have known for years: Gun manufacturers know that they design, distribute and market their guns in a manner that allows them to end up in the hands of children, criminals and other unauthorized users. They also know how to change these practices, but refuse to do so.
As a former prosecutor in Pennsylvania, I support holding criminals responsible for their illegal activity. But reducing gun violence will not be achieved solely through stiffer criminal penalties.
Moreover, legislatures cannot be relied upon to pass laws governing reckless corporate behavior when they fear the powerful gun lobby.
Courts have always been a forum for injured parties to seek redress. Lawsuits brought against automobile companies contributed to significant changes in the design of cars, saving thousands of lives. So, far from being a "backdoor way" to redress wrongs, injured parties have always sought justice through the courts.
JULIA SAMIA MAIR
Johns Hopkins Center for Gun Policy and Research
Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Baltimore, Md.
About deportable crimes
The Post-Gazette is to be commended for its editorial criticizing the U.S. Supreme Court for allowing the arbitrary detention of legal aliens while immigration officials determine if they should be deported because of criminal convictions ("Alien Notion: The Court Upholds Blanket Jailing of Foreigners," May 5). Our courts have long protected permanent resident aliens by granting them due process rights even where a criminal conviction may be followed by deportation.
In 1996, Congress expanded the scope of criminal convictions that could subject a permanent resident alien to deportation. While the crimes for which deportation is available include many serious ones, a host of less serious crimes such as gambling, shoplifting, forgery, commercial bribery, domestic violence, tax evasion and fraud were included in the expanded definition of deportable crimes.
Congress should revisit its definition of deportable crimes and consider making only the most serious ones grounds for deportation, as well as give judges the authority to grant relief from deportation on a discretionary basis.
While 9/11 has created a heightened awareness and scrutiny of foreign nationals living here, it also has educated us on the security threat posed by a global network of serious criminals. Deporting permanent resident aliens is a time-consuming task. Our government should re-evaluate who is selected for deportation and turn its attention to deporting only the most serious offenders.
JOEL PFEFFER
Immigration Attorney
Meyer, Unkovic & Scott
Downtown
Know how to react
The April 29 article "Why Lightning Prefers Men" mentioned an aspect of severe weather that is often overlooked: After a warning is issued, it is of utmost importance to know what should be done!
The conflicting advice to abandon your vehicle and scramble for higher ground to escape a thunderstorm's flash flood or stay in the car to avoid lightning is just an example of possible confusion during severe thunderstorms. Many years ago, as duty meteorologist in Kansas City, I issued a severe thunderstorm warning, which was too well-heeded. A family went to a ditch to avoid blowing debris, and a girl was drowned in a flash flood.
Much more should be done to explain severe weather and what to do. After a warning is given, it is too late to explain exactly what actions should follow.
WILLIAM C. FRANCE
Uptown
War and compassion
Regarding the May 2 article "Ride Through Impoverished Iraq Convinced Soldier War Was Worth It": I would like to thank Army Pfc. Jeff Coyne, his wife and family for their patriotism, love of fellow man and humanitarian outlook. This comes from a man who not only faced Saddam Hussein's evil, ended up being injured by friendly fire and lost good friends and comrades, but also found the love in his heart to feel compassion for a people starving and living in hovels.
We have so much in this wonderful country of ours, but we are all God's children. He asked us to love one another, and that is a very difficult task in the context of war. My prayers and sincerest thanks to Jeff Coyne, and my sympathies to the families of those who died: Spc. Donald Oaks Jr., Sgt. 1st Class Randy Rehn and Sgt. Todd J. Robbins. May they rest in everlasting peace, for they are all heroes.
DONNA MERSING
Dormont
A Public Works triumph
Recently Allegheny County Chief Executive Jim Roddey began implementation of a multifaceted plan to improve the county's park system and enhance the quality and diversity of services.
Parks professional Andy Baechle was chosen to lead the county's newly established Parks Department, and seven qualified nominees were named by the executive to advise the director on parks operations. In addition, a nonprofit entity will soon take on the challenge of raising funds and each of the nine parks will have its own Friends of the Parks committee, with members appointed by County Council. Further, our efforts will be guided by a comprehensive master plan, which offers a clear, long-term strategy for maintaining and improving the parks, including capital improvements and the upgrade of recreational facilities.
The administration is pleased that the Post-Gazette agrees that these enhancements signal bright days ahead for the county's 12,000-acre park system ("A Walk in the Park," May 4). However, we are not pleased nor do we agree with the PG's characterization that since 1997 the county parks have been "the stepchild of Public Works." Rather, the outstanding performance of Public Works Director Tom Donatelli, Parks Manager Clarence Hopson and the employees of our Public Works Department in improving the quality and standard of maintenance at our parks has allowed the county to recognize and appreciate the potential of this tremendous asset.
Over the past several years, significant progress has been made toward improving parks facilities, maintenance and service. The Public Works management and employees have helped position the parks to realize their full potential, and they should be so recognized.
NANCY CARROLL
Deputy Allegheny County Manager
Downtown
Muslims have not been silent about terrorism
The April 27 letter "The True Outrage," claiming that American Muslims have been "silent" in the face of terrorism, exemplifies how extremists like evangelist Franklin Graham are tearing our nation apart.
After the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, there was a resounding cry of outrage and condemnation from Muslim communities both here and abroad. Islamic authorities from all facets of society (political, religious and educational), all across the globe spoke out against the tragic loss of almost 3,000 innocents. Their message to the world was clear: this was not Islam.
Among the political voices raised against the 9/11 attacks were: the League of Arab States, President Muhammad Khatami of Iran, Jamaat-e-Islami (the Islamic Party) in both Pakistan and Bangladesh, the head of the directorate of religious affairs of Turkey as well as the Organization of Islamic Conference of Foreign Ministers, which donated $5 million to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.
Religious and educational leaders also joined the chorus, with voices including the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt, the chief mufti of Saudi Arabia, the Council of Senior Religious Scholars in Saudi Arabia and the Islamic Research Academy in Cairo, Egypt.
Here, in the United States, every major American Muslim organization (such as the Council on American Islamic Relations, the Islamic Society of North America and the Muslim Student Association) has categorically condemned the attacks. Locally, the Islamic Council of Pittsburgh held a press conference on Sept. 14, 2001, to express outrage and condemnation of the horrific acts of 9/11. On Sept. 11, 2002, local mosques had open houses inviting all to remember the victims of terror all over the world.
The Muslim global response to the attacks of Sept. 11 has been single-voiced and clear. It's amazing how extremist rhetoric can blind some of us to concrete facts.
DALIA MOGAHED
Outreach Program Director
Islamic Center of Pittsburgh
Oakland
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