The Downtown fruit stand saga shows the city's sclerosis
If someone asks why this city doesn't have an economically vibrant Downtown core, you need only look as far as the recent Market Square fruit stand episode ("Back in Season: Fruit, Produce Stand Clears City Bureaucracy to Open Again in Market Square," May 7 Business) to see why.

Why do three different departments have their say over this matter? Why was this man's fruit stand measured by public officials? What were they going to save the population from, economic activity?

Given the plight of this city, the mayor and city Councilman Sala Udin should be out there helping the vendor hawk his wares. Instead, we have to make sure Smitty the Chicken Inspector gets his say as well.

If you are telling yourself this ridiculous display of red tape is necessary to protect the health and welfare of Pittsburghers, you are part of the problem. Much more of this and there won't be anything left to this city but public employees obstinately forcing one another to fill out forms in triplicate.

GEOFFREY C. GRABOWSKI
North Side

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Special day slighted
Today is "Armed Forces Day." Calls to military sites in the Tri-State area to find out plans for celebrations and/or support for our military heroes brought disappointing results. Despite Allegheny County having the second-largest veteran population in the country after Los Angeles, no plans have been advertised through any of the local media for the recognition of our brave armed forces past and present.

The Tri-State area is represented by thousands of young men and women in all branches of the military services as well as reserve troops and national guardsmen and women. As in the past, these men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and liberties here at home.

In years gone by, parades and rallies were held to show the support that we have for these brave men and women. Yet this year, in order to appear politically correct, we Americans appear to be afraid to show how very much we honor our heroes' sacrifices and commitment to serve our great nation.

In lieu of formalized celebrations, we ask that this Saturday when you pass an American flag you stop and, holding your hand over your heart, say the words of our nation's pledge of allegiance. Our young men and women need to know that we appreciate them and a silent prayer voiced by many will carry a sincere impact.

Whether past veterans or current active duty service persons, each and every one of them deserves our respect and admiration. God bless America and may peace reside throughout the world!

MONICA NARR
Crafton

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Vatican reminder
The Vatican fired a volley across the bow recently, a reminder that the church defines "Catholic" ("Catholic Politicians Become Church Issue," April 24). Under siege because some are guilty of serious crimes, the church is not defined by them. Neither is it defined by "cafeteria choices" of the willful. Catholic doctrine has not changed.

Abortion is a billion-dollar business that preys on distressed women. In the age of women's liberation, many think they have been freed. Actually they have been enslaved. If money was not involved you would rarely hear about abortion. Compassion is not on the side of the abortionist. Compassion comes from a caring friend and a teaching church.

The Vatican admonishes those who refuse to hear. Some public figures by their access to the media lead others astray by their bad example. Public figures who insist on being called Catholic must respect what that means. The Vatican has firmly reminded all Catholics of what it means to be a genuine believer.

LAURETTE CRIBBINS
Ross

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Fun for all
Something to cheer about in Pittsburgh: The squeals of children's laughter as they revelled in last Saturday's brilliant sunshine at the PACT (Police And Community Together) free picnic at Heinz Field was reward enough for the dedicated men and women in law enforcement. All federal, state and local agencies in cooperation with the political and corporate communities combined to bring about this annual event.

The purpose is to provide a fun opportunity for kids (and their parents) to learn how the various police agencies carry out their jobs. Kids' safety issues, gun locks, car safety, fire prevention as well as kits containing DNA and fingerprinting were presented in an informative and child-friendly way. This, in addition to the Ferris wheel, rides and petting zoo that were all free for the kids.

As an Irish expatriate, I couldn't help musing wistfully on what can be achieved when the entire community supports the goal of educating young people in what it takes to maintain good orderly society. It was my privilege to spend time with the extraordinary men and women of the PACT committee as they worked so hard to make the event the smashing success it turned out to be.

SEAN J. McCLOREY
Crafton

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Aggression and logic
I would respectfully disagree with Professor Lincoln Wolfenstein's letter ("The Lesson of These Wars Is Aggression Equals Disaster," April 17) in which he concludes that aggression is indefensible morally and leads to disaster.

By his reasoning, the Allies should have pushed the Nazis back to prewar borders then stopped. The Japanese imperialists would have remained in power, perhaps to lash out again in the future.

America would be a very different country today if President Lincoln had not called for volunteers to march south in 1861.

JIM WILSON
Bethel Park

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Time not wasted
While we often hear talk of becoming a "disposable society," the May 1 household hazardous waste collection at North Park served as a tremendous testament to local residents' commitment to protecting the environment. The Southwestern Pennsylvania Household Hazardous Waste Task Force successfully disposed of 165,000 pounds of household hazardous waste from more than 1,500 households.

To those who patiently waited in line on a beautiful spring day to drop off pesticides, pool chemicals, paints, automotive fluids and other chemicals, we say a sincere thank you for your commitment to the cause.

To those who missed the first collection, we extend an invitation to join us at one of the upcoming household hazardous waste collections throughout the summer (June 12 in Armstrong County; July 24 in Lawrence County; Aug. 28 in Butler County; Sept. 18 in Westmoreland County). For more information about these upcoming collections or how to become a volunteer call 412-488-7452 or visit www.swpahhw.org.

BARRY STUTTS
ANDREW PATZ
Southwestern PA Household Hazardous Waste Task Force
South Side