Ending this roadway racism would be no shame

It saddens me greatly that the same paper that has consistently demonstrated a sincere interest to showcase the positive facets of Braddock would endorse the completion of a project that will absolutely destroy it ("Highway Turn: The Turnpike Gives a Boost and Hope to Major Plans," Aug. 22 editorial).

The Post-Gazette deems it a "shame" if the Mon-Fayette Expressway isn't completed because of the "quick access" around the Squirrel Hill Tunnel. Braddock's children already suffer from asthma at the highest rate in the region. Thus, in the name of harried, white, suburban commuters, it would inflict additional respiratory trauma on the weakest among us.

The Mon-Fayette Expressway is perhaps the most prominent example of environmental racism that exists in our county today. Only through distressed African-American communities where most residents cannot afford a car and have been harmed by deep cuts in public transportation could an organization run a four-lane, multibillion-dollar interstate.

There is not a single urban or civil planner in this nation who advocates this type of grotesque, Robert Moses-style urban renewal and revitalization. This absurd, 35-year-old dialogue has carved out a corridor of intense abandonment and dilapidation for its legacy.

It is a financial, practical and moral imperative that this project and discussion end and that a truly progressive, effective and equitable transportation solution be developed for the entire region, not only for the Mon Valley.

MAYOR JOHN FETTERMAN
Braddock

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Act on both fronts

An article on the diabetes crisis ("Out of Control/The Diabetes Crisis," Aug. 19) mentions that "what will stem the tide is unclear, though experts believe that health promotion or revamping the health-care payment system might help." How about both?

It is indisputable that our health-care "system," which prioritizes the financial health of the insurance industry over the health of the people, is a major contributor to the crisis. Millions of people are uninsured and underinsured and lack access to the health-care services that are essential for prevention, early detection and long-term control of the disease. Revamping the health-care system so that everybody has full access with no financial or geographical barriers is paramount.

Health promotion is essential and should include education on a healthy lifestyle at an early age, when habits are formed. All these ingredients are present in state Senate Bill 300, Family and Business Healthcare Security Act, which promotes a single-payer health-care system with comprehensive coverage for all Pennsylvania citizens. The bill also includes a K-12 health and physical fitness curriculum and a process for distribution of health-care resources (see www.just-healthcare.net).

The bill has been introduced in both the state Senate and the House. All that is needed for it to pass is public support and political courage from our legislators. What are we waiting for?

GUNILLA NORDHAMMAR
Point Breeze

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What he didn't say

In "Why CHAMP Is a Chump" (Aug. 22 Perspectives), U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy is playing your readers (and his constituents) for chumps. He shamefully uses deceptive scare tactics to pit the elderly against health care for uninsured children.

He says the proposed CHAMP Act "severely cuts medical benefits for seniors." What he is not telling you is that CHAMP cuts government subsidies for Medicare Advantage, the program that helps private insurers compete with traditional Medicare.

Yes, you read that right. While Republicans have been going around telling us for years about the wondrous efficiencies of private enterprise when compared to government programs, they also created a program under which private insurers are paid more to provide health coverage than the government would pay if it provided the coverage itself. Your extra tax dollars are paying for insurance company profits, advertising costs and additional administrative overhead.

All CHAMP does is level the playing field by getting rid of those subsidies. Insurers (and their friends, like Rep. Murphy) don't like that.

The AARP endorses CHAMP and hailed its passage by the House, so don't let Rep. Murphy make a chump out of you.

DENNIS DOUBLEDAY
McCandless

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Realtor standards

Many thanks to the Post-Gazette and reporter Dennis Roddy for exposing the conduct of James C. Platts and his company, Easy Realty Solutions ("The Impossible Loan," July 29; "Easy Realty Deals Netted Millions," Aug. 5; "Easy Realty Loan No Solution for Mother of 6," Aug. 12; and "Company Under Investigation in Pa. Seems to Have a Twin in Florida," Aug. 23). Mr. Platts' alleged behavior is supremely disturbing to the thousands of honest Western Pennsylvania professionals who are proud to work in real estate.

Mr. Platts was operating with a revoked real estate license, and he is not a Realtor. If he were, he could have been subject to multiple fines and penalties under the 17-page Realtor code of ethics,

That's one reason why consumers are encouraged to "always ask if your agent is a Realtor -- a member of the National Association of Realtors." Through our voluntary professional association, we are accountable to a higher standard of conduct with real consequences for non-compliance.

In the rare instances of misconduct by a real estate salesperson, we welcome public scrutiny that helps to safeguard our professional values. Simply by visiting www.realtorspgh.com, dissatisfied consumers can learn about the multiple recourses available to them and, if desired, may file a formal ethics complaint against a Realtor.

In a court-sanctioned hearing, our professional standards and arbitration committee reviews the facts behind every complaint and punishes Realtors in the wrong.

I am pleased to report that only three of our 2,819 members faced ethics complaints last year (and two of those were withdrawn). Just like doctors, teachers and police officers, real estate professionals are occasionally disheartened to discover a rogue in their midst.

ANTHONY J. CIMINO
President
Realtors Association of Metropolitan Pittsburgh
Brookline

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PHEAA's earnings?

Regarding "Student-Loan Agency Awards More Than $500,000 in Bonuses" (Aug. 23): Can you explain the statement of PHEAA spokesman Keith New that the agency had business earnings of at least $200 million? Did it really profit $200 million and, if so, how? And isn't that taxpayers' money? Nonprofit agencies amaze me, particularly the compensation paid to the executives.

R.G. HASLEY
Oakmont

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Can I work there?

Today I am announcing my candidacy for any state government post available. After reading the articles about PHEAA ("PHEAA Bonuses Enrage Rendell," Aug. 24): I can think of nothing better than to work for the people of Pennsylvania! Free health care, pensions larger than your salary when you were working, car expense accounts, no accountability to the taxpayers and don't forget the bonuses for just doing your job. (No wonder I can't get any money for my son's education, it's all going to bonuses.)

I wouldn't even have to retire in my position; all I would have to do is work there maybe five years, get my bonus, quit and be retained as a consultant while I collect my pension.

It's a miracle this state has any money at all. Thank God we are getting gambling to pay our bills.

IAN R. FRANKEL
Overbrook

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Why has airline thrust travelers into Philly chaos?

I believe it is time for US Airways to (finally) explain its perplexing decision to make Filthadelphia a "hub" airport, while removing the same distinction from Pittsburgh.

As Pittsburgh has well under half the direct flights it once had, it is now necessary for Pittsburgh travelers to "connect" through Philly to reach most of their East Coast destinations. I know I speak for all Pittsburgh travelers when I echo the anxiety and nausea that comes with flying in and out of the Philly airport.

Is there a worse-run airport in the country? I seriously doubt it. The flights are rarely on time, the staff is uneducated and rude, and there is a general sense of confusion running amok in the airport. I found it ironic that Philadelphia's own paper has finally begun to report how poorly run the airport is (Philadelphia Inquirer story "Frustration Takes Off Among Air Travelers," Aug. 20).

I challenge US Airways to explain why it has abandoned Pittsburgh for the nightmare that is Philly. In contrast to Philly, every time you fly into Pittsburgh you have wide-open runways and generally fast-moving service. In short, instead of using what was once (and still is close to) the best airport in America, US Airways crams its entire East Coast operations into what has to be one of the worst.

DEAN FALAVOLITO
Carnegie

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