I must respond to the four letters in the Dec. 4 PG about taxes. The letter writers seem to have a problem with taxes and fiscal spending by our local government. What they need is a refresher course in "civics," which teaches that citizens of a community have certain rights and responsibilities. The rights are spelled out in the U.S. Constitution -- I suggest that they read it; they may learn a thing or two.

A community is a shared responsibility. We need a police force, firefighters. education of children, maintenance of roads, a legal system, water and sewerage and fairness in weights and measures, etc. I could go on and on about the duties and responsibilities of government -- all which cost money.

Once upon a time, about 37 years ago, the tax base was mostly provided by local large corporations here in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, and things worked very well. But then there came some snake oil salesmen who preached, mostly on the national scene, that "the government that governs least governs best." What that means precisely, I am not exactly sure. What it seems to translate into for most people is cheaper government. Unfortunately the corporations that supported our community are long gone to countries with "less" and cheaper government.

We live in a community, and it must be financially supported by its citizens. I don't mind paying fair taxes -- it's a civic duty.

FREDERICK J. ROKASKY
Banksville

I'm a city of Pittsburgh resident who is pleased the county has enacted a drink tax ("County Adopts Drink and Car Rental Taxes," Dec. 5). In fact, if the county is feeling generous enough to punitively tax county restaurant and tavern owners because the Port Authority has mismanaged itself into a gluttonous coma, I say let's go all the way!

Remember, it's not just the Port Authority that is hurting. The entire city of Pittsburgh needs a little suburbanite bailout too! We've mismanaged ourselves just as poorly as the Port Authority, so can we have some of the county's restaurant profits too?

Our city firefighters and teachers want more money and we don't have any to give them. So whaddaya say? Think some county car rental tax money can come our way?

I sure hope so. The state has hampered our ability to bolster our local economy by prohibiting us from raising our own taxes. So the way I figure, as long as the county is sticking it to its tavern owners, it could just as easily smack down a few plumbers on our behalf. Or maybe the florists. Florists have never been singled out to my knowledge, so I say it's about time.

Think about it. I'm sure once they do, they'll see how much sense this all makes.

CHARLENE HAISLIP
Point Breeze

While back in the 'Burgh visiting the in-laws for the "holidaze," the editorial "Nature's Alarm" (Nov. 23) caught my attention and raised some questions.

Since moving to Cleveland from Pittsburgh several years ago, my wife and I have been slowly investing in our home, in part to save some greenbacks. We installed an energy-efficient furnace (with extra money from our mortgage), twisted in some compact fluorescent bulbs and had insulation blown into our walls. The insulation was half the cost of the energy-efficient furnace and worth two times the investment because our home is now so much more comfortable.

Little did we know improving our comfort level, increasing the value of our home and saving some money all at the same time would qualify as saving the planet from global warming carbon emissions (if only back then it had qualified for tax credits).

Pittsburgh's sister city Cleveland also has energy and greenback savings on the top of its to-do list. It hired an energy czar a few years ago who has saved the city some serious dollars.

I understand Pittsburgh's convention center is energy efficient, and the city has taken some steps. My question for the Post-Gazette, after reading your commendable call to action, is: What's your plan? What steps have you taken to reduce your carbon "footprint"? What other deeds or accomplishments keep you from being just another pot calling the kettle black? Your courageous words require bold deeds for all to see.

DAVID KRISKA
Bay Village, Ohio

As a high school student I have a strong opinion about the Nov. 11 article "Colleges Add Extra Twists to Common Application." This article discussed the benefits and controversy over the "extra twists" that colleges add to the Common Application. I agree that the Common Application is an excellent tool for admissions departments in colleges to use; however, I believe that if a school has adopted the Common Application, supplemental essays and questions should not be required in addition to the Common Application.

I am applying to seven different schools, and each one requires its own individual essay and questions answered. The time it would take to prepare each school's unique applications would be overwhelming and very time consuming. If I were the head of a prestigious college I would rather have my applicants take that time to focus on their secondary studies, do college research and make visits to the campus.

The Common Application allows you to answer standard essay questions and submit them to the school of your choice. This system is available online, making the tedious job of applying to college that much more convenient.

Applying to college shouldn't be a horrible experience filled with stress and frustration. Requiring supplementary essays and paperwork to the Common Application contradicts the entire reason for using the widely accepted application. If schools have adopted the Common Application, supplementary essays should not be required.

SARAH BORING
Franklin Park

In response to the Dec. 1 article about Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical ("Benedict's Encyclical Warns Against Atheism"), in which the pope said that attempts to create a just world without God will fail: With eyes being wide open, I have seen God and religion create more wars and atrocities than my eyes have tears.

"Atheism" means skeptical, with a free mind!

CLAIR J. REPPER JR.
South Park

We welcome your letters. Please include your name, address and phone number, and send to Letters to the Editor, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. E-mail letters to letters@post-gazette.com or fax to 412-263-2014. Letters should be 250 words or less, original and exclusive to the Post-Gazette. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity and accuracy and will be verified before being published.