The obstructionist Riverlife Task Force is so typical of the small-town, backward mentality that has been one of the primary reasons Pittsburgh has fallen behind so many other cities ("Riverlife Takes Casino to Court," Feb. 13). This attempt to usurp the government's planning function is indeed sad.

OK, so we delay some more. We delay the economic benefits that are sorely needed. Why? Because some self-appointed arbiters of taste and design aesthetics don't like the garage. Give me a break.

Where were they when Heinz Field was built? Doesn't it stand higher than the garage they don't like? So we move forward on an underground subway tunnel from Downtown to the North Side. Never mind you can walk across any one of several bridges from Downtown to the North Shore in minutes. Gee, that makes sense, but on top of this, let's delay one of the attractions that the subway riders would be going to.

I am a native of this area, and after living in the New York area and San Francisco for more than 10 years, I moved back to Pittsburgh. In my job I travel extensively. I see the potential for this area. But it won't ever be fulfilled unless economic development moves forward. Oversight, yes, absolutely, but Don Barden has jumped through every hoop thrown in front of him, including the silly ones thrown by the Steelers and Pirates.

I am not accusing racism, but gosh it sure makes you wonder what's going on here -- especially since African Americans have less major business ownership or political clout in Pittsburgh than any other major city that I am aware of in the United States.

DAVID HUNTER
Forest Hills

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I hope the Pennsylvania Supreme Court tosses out the case against the casino garage. Where was this group when the North Shore garage was being built? This new garage will not look any worse. Is this just another money grab off the casino?

I see also there is a group headed to court regarding the new arena ("Hill Group Goes to Court Against Arena," Feb. 14). No longer can we say this is a great place to do business; expect a lawsuit if you try to build anything in this town.

PATRICK E. CONNORS
Carnegie

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In the editorial "Freer Speech" (Jan. 29) regarding Turkey's possible acceptance of less stringent rules relating to the debate of Turkish complicity in the Armenian massacre, the Post-Gazette did a good job of supporting this improvement in freedom of speech in that strategic country.

The editorial states that this change may remove "the biggest obstacle to the Muslim's country's inclusion in the European Union." This statement appears to indicate that "democratic" European countries have freedom of speech. This is not true.

There are a great many European citizens currently in prison for questioning certain aspects of the Holocaust. Where better to debate this event than where it occurred? Yet these outspoken European citizens languish in jail because their beliefs are different than their governments' dictatorial edict on this volatile subject.

A quote from George F. Will's Jan. 21 column ("Faux Straight Talker") is relevant to this injustice even though the quote is about global warming. "Concerning whether human activity is causing catastrophic warming, they [Sens. John McCain and Joseph Lieberman] said, 'the debate has ended.' People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues."

All historical events should be scrutinized and always open to public debate. This is what freedom of speech is all about in Turkey and everywhere.

TOM McINTYRE SR.
Lawrenceville

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I couldn't buy into Judy McAuley's paean to the defeated populist John Edwards ("Crushed My Hope," Feb. 8 letters).

Many would say phony populist, as he separated large corporations from their money, without doubt, but not with the little people in mind. He had John Edwards in mind and his dreams of million-dollar mansions and $400 haircuts.

If Ms. McAuley wants to worship a true and wealthy populist, I recommend Warren Buffett.

ALAN WILLE
Penn Hills

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When I look at the field of candidates to be the next president, I say to myself, "Is this the best we can do?"

It is a pitiful decision the voters must make. But foremost, it's our responsibility to vote.

I will cast my vote, but not with enthusiasm.

EDMUND M. POPIDEN
Stowe

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Your Feb. 2 article hinting at political maneuverings over historical designation for August Wilson's boyhood home ("Intrigue Deepens Over Playwright's Home") hit a chord. While it is conceivable that there may be a legitimate debate to be had as to the advisability of historic landmark designation for Mr. Wilson's boyhood home, such discussion cannot be relegated to backroom e-shenanigans and intramural finger-pointing.

As a (Caucasian) theatergoer and longtime performing arts practitioner, I have repeatedly been struck by Mr. Wilson's ability to transcend ethnicity and elevate the quotidian life of his native Hill District to the level of universal truths that resonate in all of us, black or white. Though this talent was Mr. Wilson's alone, it was formed in the streets of our own hometown and his achievements are part of our collective heritage.

It is greatly to our shame as citizens of Pittsburgh if we cannot set petty politics aside to honor one of our own, and in so doing honor our city and its literary history. Hold the fireworks over the Point -- a quiet, dignified and lasting acknowledgment of August Wilson's contribution to human understanding and to the lore of our city is arguably the most significant birthday present we can give ourselves on the occasion of Pittsburgh 250.

ROBERT NEU
Mt. Lebanon

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I would like to send a great big thank you to the alert motorist who notified the proper authorities about the condition of the Birmingham Bridge. Who knows what may have happened if this person had not taken the time to call and voice their concern.

To this person I say thank you for not waiting around and assuming someone else would take care of it. I'm sure the many motorists who drive the Birmingham Bridge feel the same way.

JANET L. HASER
Franklin Park

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It's amazing that since the advent of the cell phone, there are so very many self-designated important people out there behind the wheels of 4,000-pound SUVs.

One recent Friday morning, Kennedy Township, Forest Grove Road: An SUV driver was doing who knows what -- playing with a cell phone, text messaging, tuning the satellite radio or reaching for a Starbucks coffee. Well, I'm the purple pickup truck you ran off the road to avoid a head-on collision. You shook me up real bad, thinking of what could have been. Hope you had a nice day, or more important, a wake-up call to the reality that we could both be dead today!

C'mon people, you're not that important. Paying attention to the highway is the top priority of your morning commute. Give a few moments of thought to the people who would be here without you, or me, if the worst had happened.

ROBERT SWIDER
Robinson

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I was so glad to see the Feb. 5 column "Invest in America" by Bob Herbert. He is recommending what I have been hoping for: rebuilding the infrastructure and putting people to work.

The money being given to stimulate the economy will be valuable for a week or two, but when Franklin D. Roosevelt began the Works Progress Administration, Civilian Conservation Corps and National Recovery Administration, the stimulus was far more effective. The infrastructure was rebuilt -- roads, highways, bridges, etc. -- giving employment to lots of people. The CCC got the unemployed young men off the streets and into worthwhile jobs and skills.

It is time to address the problem of unemployed youth who, with easy access to guns, are forming gangs and causing so much grief and needless murders. When people of all ages are unemployed and hopeless, they get desperate. For us, the richest nation in the world, to be spending billions in Iraq and allowing our countrymen to be so poor is inexcusable.

EUGENIA N. DEVENS
Sewickley

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