Saturday, August 02, 2003

Citizens can blame the state fiscal mess on the GOP majority

With institutions and services across our commonwealth on the verge of collapse due to the fiscal morass in Harrisburg and the citizens who rely on them nearing desperation ("State Warns of Shutdowns," July 30), it's going to be tough for many Pennsylvanians not to cast the blame toward Gov. Ed Rendell. He promised change, yet it likely seems to many that he has delivered only pain.

The new governor arguably made a few missteps in his dealings with the Legislature that have led to the current crisis, but none larger than trusting the Republican majority to respond to the clear will of the state's voters. Rendell was elected because a substantial majority of citizens were weary of the GOP-imposed status quo that had failed Pennsylvania and were inspired by Rendell's clear enthusiasm and vision for improving life for all of our citizens.

However, the Republicans have taken advantage of Rendell's good will and efforts at bipartisanship to achieve their ultimate aim of choking the flow of essential assistance and turning the tide of progress Pennsylvanians voted for in November. Rendell's election has allowed them to take extreme positions that hurt Pennsylvanians, a strategy that was politically impossible during the prior administration. We should not let ourselves be fooled. The deserved wrath of betrayed citizens should be directed toward the true perpetrators.

LOU TAKACS
Squirrel Hill

Off-the-mark plans

In response to "Hays Residents Protest" (July 25): Let me get this straight: Charles Betters is planning to develop a racetrack/retail/residential project in the city's Hays neighborhood. Even if he doesn't get the horse-racing license, he still plans to develop the other projects.

So the neighbors are left to endure 18 months of coal mining next door (which in effect will pay only for itself) to get some new neighbors and some new stores. Now, correct me if I'm wrong, but does Hays really need retail outlets? Is it going to be worth the pollution and traffic for people to have somewhere else to shop?

I don't recall reading much lately about people desperately looking for new retail stores (have we already gotten tired of The Waterfront?). Nor do we need new residential places in Pittsburgh, since our population is decreasing anyway.

Why don't we ever hear about developers investing $500 million in redeveloping already existing neighborhoods? What about trying to make the city a nicer place to live in rather than building places that are meant to draw money from people who live outside the city?

Sure, it'll generate money, but it's doubtful much of that will actually go to the city of Pittsburgh. I also doubt that it will do much to attract young people to live in Pittsburgh. Gambling and the Gap sure won't keep me here.

ABRAHAM NEHRER
Oakland

Video poker: a better bet

Pennsylvania already has legalized gambling throughout the state in the form of on-track gambling and various lotteries. Although opening "Casino on the Mon" may temporarily redirect entertainment dollars to the city, the future of it could easily be imperiled by West Virginia stepping up its facilities, or Ohio commencing gambling of its own.

This pattern is similar to what we see in suburban sprawl development, where municipalities open mega-malls only to divert revenue from neighboring municipalities. The answer: video poker, a ubiquitous form of entertainment in bars, pizza parlors and other establishments, is one that would have absolutely no appeal unless the machines paid out, which, by the way, they almost all do.

So, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Legalize video poker, tax it and, presto, instant revenue. No new casinos or tracks necessary, no more moral deviance than already exists, and I hope, no more "earmarking" for yet another stadium blunder.

ANDREW ELLSWORTH
South Side

Jim Henry's legacy

This week we paid our final respects to yet another great leader of the African-American community and the greater Pittsburgh community, Brother James (Jim) Henry ("Director of Hill House Association for 26 Years," July 30 news obituary). Although I am happy he is no longer suffering, Mr. Henry's passing comes as yet another reminder that we are losing too many of our leaders, such as Bernard Jones and Rob Penny.

As we mourn the loss of another positive role model, we must also look critically at two things. First, what does it truly mean to be a leader and second, what is the legacy our leaders leave behind?

Leadership cannot be measured by academic or professional credentials, nor can it be calculated by charisma. True leadership is measured by empowering others. The qualities that made Bernard Jones, Rob Penny and Jim Henry unique was their gift to make ordinary people feel extraordinary. When you talked with them, they made you feel that you could accomplish anything in life, if you were willing to work hard. Their dedication and hard work created legacies that live on to benefit future generations. The Poise Foundation, Kuntu Repertory Theater and the Hill House exist because of their vision and dedication.

Today, we as African Americans face a crisis of leadership in this country. It is not because we lack individuals in leadership roles, but rather because of the inability to sustain community institutions that have enriched countless lives. Many leaders lack the ability to inspire and empower others to make a difference in their communities.

Jim Henry was never too busy to return a phone call or offer the services of the Hill House for community projects. He was not self-serving but self-sacrificing, giving to others the best of his positive spirit. As we pay our respects to this leader, our friend and mentor, let this be the beginning of taking his vision and dedication to community development to another level. We should always keep in mind that we are the leaders whom we have been waiting for; each of us has the potential to make a difference in our communities, in the world and in ourselves. Bless you, Brother Henry, for sharing your gift with us. Your legacy will live on!

BENITA M. JOHNSON
Homewood

Tasteless cartoon

Editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers' depiction of disgraced Cardinal Bernard Law as the equivalent of the murderous dictator Saddam Hussein ("Boston's 'Most Wanted' Playing Cards" July 26) is an unutterably tasteless cheap shot that must disgust many readers besides myself, no matter what their religious beliefs.

The only redeeming feature of the cartoon is evidence that Mr. Rogers -- mirabile dictu! -- can actually produce something other than an attack on President Bush.

RON HART
Upper St. Clair

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