For 'sustainable agriculture,' help farms at the front end
I would like to thank columnist Clarke Thomas for showcasing the issues associated with attaining and maintaining a robust local food system ("Bringing Local Bounty to Your Table," Jan. 4 Midweek Perspectives).

As co-owner of a small-scale and certified organic CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), having worked professionally with two of the organizations referenced by Mr. Thomas, and as a former vendor at several of the Pittsburgh-area farmers' markets, I would like to add my voice to this ongoing discussion and offer suggestions to address the "varied, interlocking challenges" that he cites.

As Mr. Thomas rightly notes, farmland preservation is an important part of the equation, but it should be noted that small-scale production is not only possible but also financially viable, provided the producer offers a high-quality, diverse product line and is sufficiently creative to move his or her product. To cite one example from my own experience, we launched our CSA in 2001 on one-quarter acre in Crafton, and, thanks to a dedicated cadre of customers in the West End, Mt. Lebanon and other nearby communities, we continue to maintain a weekly delivery site in Crafton, despite expanding onto several acres near Burgettstown in 2003.

In light of the spate of local organizations rallying around the banner of "sustainable agriculture" in recent years, I remain unconvinced of the efficacy of projects and programs that seek to create a "buzz" about the issues, rather than directing assistance (read: manpower and funding) where it is needed most: on the front-end of agricultural production, be it large- or small-scale.

To that end, I submit that the most effective means of "preserving" a farm is to work to increase the efficiency of that farm's production and distribution methods, and leave the marketing to the combined will and imagination of the producer.

EVAN VERBANIC
Bulger

Editor's note: The writer is co-owner of Cherry Valley Community Farm in Washington County. It is a certified organic cut flower, berry, herb and vegetable farm.

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Farm stand access
I want to thank you for publishing Clarke Thomas' Jan. 4 column about farmers' markets ("Bringing Local Bounty to Your Table") and to let readers know that there is another source for fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

The Farm Stand Project of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank seeks to make fresh, affordable produce available in low-income neighborhoods with limited access to grocery stores. By establishing farm stands in these neighborhoods, we aim to:

Improve low-income people's access to fresh fruits and vegetables in underserved communities in Allegheny County.

Support the local economy through the preferential purchase of locally grown produce.

Provide markets where Farmers' Market Nutrition Program checks can be redeemed.

Promote the consumption of produce through nutrition education.

The farm stands are sponsored by nonprofit organizations such as social service agencies, churches and tenant councils. Each farm stand is open once a week from June through November and can accept payment in cash, WIC and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program checks, and food stamps/EBT.

During 2005 there were nine farm stands in low-income communities in Pittsburgh and the Mon Valley. The farm stand market schedule is available online at the state Department of Agriculture's Web site. We are planning on adding three additional farm stands in 2006 and are currently looking for new sponsors.

VICKI LISH
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

Duquesne

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A vote against Roe
The Senate's Supreme Court confirmation hearings made it clear that Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. is a decent and intelligent man. They also made it clear that he will vote to overturn Roe v. Wade. He refused to repudiate his written intentions to do exactly that, and he refused to agree that Roe v. Wade was "settled law," while at the same time agreeing that other issues likely to come before the Supreme Court are settled.

For some, this is a good thing. That is a respectable point of view, with which I happen to disagree. Also claiming to disagree with it is Sen. Arlen Specter. But he says he will vote for Mr. Alito's confirmation. I don't see how a former prosecutor like Sen. Specter can fail to see through Judge Alito's claim to have "an open mind" on Roe v. Wade.

Sen. Specter has caved in, as he always does when under pressure from the Republican right. His vote to confirm Mr. Alito will be a vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, just as surely as if he were sitting on the Supreme Court himself. He should not be allowed to pretend anything else.

JON WEBB
Squirrel Hill

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Questions remain
The Senate confirmation hearings for Judge Samuel A. Alito Jr. failed to adequately assess the fundamental convictions of the man being considered for such a responsible lifetime appointment. For example, Judge Alito said the president must comply with all laws that are "constitutional" ("Alito: President Can Very Rarely Break Law," Jan. 13).

Follow-up questions that I think were needed include:

May the president simply refuse to obey a law he believes is unconstitutional, or does that law first have to be declared unconstitutional by a court? Or must he at least seek to have it declared unconstitutional by a court if he chooses to disobey it? Can the president fulfill his duty to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution" by signing into law legislation that he believes is unconstitutional? Would it take a constitutional amendment to create a Code of Ethics that is binding on the president and vice president?

Most of us are familiar with the concept of civil disobedience, but from all accounts it seems like the president is claiming this same right for himself and his administration. But this creates an ethics conflict since his office is also responsible for enforcing the law. The practical effect is that the president is above the law since there is no other equivalent office to counteract his disobedience to the law. This is a matter of highest public concern.

In merely stating that the president must comply with all laws that are constitutional, Judge Alito has placed no greater burden on the president than lies on every American citizen, although he has a sworn oath that gives him a much greater responsibility. The Judiciary Committee allowed Judge Alito to sidestep one of the major issues facing American society and one that is of crucial concern at the level of the Supreme Court.

JAMES R. JOHNSON
Brentwood

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Exciting candidate
As members of the Republican Committee of Allegheny County, we proudly support the candidacy of Lynn Swann.

Lynn Swann brings a much-needed breath of fresh air to Republican politics in Pennsylvania. We're excited that he can't be tied to the old political guard, and he will bring an outsider's perspective to Harrisburg.

His business leadership off the gridiron, strong community service and independent voice are all positive attributes sorely needed in politics today.

As Republican committee members, we have not had an opportunity to endorse a gubernatorial candidate, but given the chance our vote goes to Lynn Swann.

STANLEY DOUGLAS
Vice Chair
Elizabeth Township Republican Committee
Elizabeth Township
Editor's note: The letter also was signed by Linda Douglas and Joe Rupert of Elizabeth Township and Rose Rupert of Elizabeth Borough.

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Overeating is a more serious issue here than smoking
Banning smoking is the least of Pennsylvania's problems. With one of the fattest populations in the United States, you guys should be more alarmed about overeating than puffing in public ("The Butt Stops Here: Pennsylvania Is a Desert Amid Smoke-Free Progress," Jan. 15 editorial).

From Gov. Ed Rendell on down, far too many residents are carrying around enough extra baggage (read fat) to mold a new pre-school student. The long-term effects are greater than any so-called secondary effects from smoking, including heart disease, diabetes and joint problems. You'll note that the doctors at UPMC aren't complaining too hard about fat people. The business in surgical joint replacement is far too good for them to complain.

Compounding the problem is that so many of our dopey legislators (of whom we have far too many) and editors (who are far too arrogant) think all problems can be solved by legislating against them, and that somehow that's good for us, which strikes me as blatantly hypocritical. They refuse to acknowledge the problems they see in the mirror every morning whilst trying to tell us what's good for us. Most are too busy thinking "boy, my hair looks great" to recognize that they are the twofold cause of our problems: fat and intrusive.

The slow and inexorable impact of overeating and not exercising will degrade more people's health than smoking ever could. Look at the people around you and take note: massive, flabby, slow-moving and being pulled toward the earth by gravity. It's much easier to buy the next larger size of clothing than to control what you eat.

It's also much easier to make stupid laws and publish stupid editorials calling Pittsburgh a desert among smoke-free progress. There are many other more important issues that Pittsburghers face than banning smoking. Take a lap and drop and give me 50 push-ups ... and no more seconds on the pierogies with butter.

SCOTT SMITH
Sewickley Heights

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