Without deviating from its long pattern of radical leftist ideology, the Post-Gazette remains true to form in denouncing Erie Bishop Donald W. Trautman's decision to protest presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's visit to Mercyhurst College ("Church and College: A Catholic Campus Should Be a Political Forum, Too," April 5 editorial). The PG editorial page, historically and universally, sides with any cause or event that is in opposition to morality.

The college, which is a Roman Catholic institution, is obligated by its very nature to remain in fidelity with Catholic teachings. It is inspiring to the millions of Catholics (who make up 25 percent of these United States and 40 percent of the PG's demographic region) to witness such moral clarity from our leaders.

Upon landing on the tarmac in Denver, Pope John Paul II unequivocally stated, "America, if you want justice, defend life!" Then President and Mrs. Clinton began to applaud the statement until they realized that they had just been scolded by the great and saintly man who continues as a moral compass for the world. Just as Pope John Paul II was unafraid to defend life openly, so is Bishop Trautman unafraid.

The president of Mercyhurst should reconsider his choices, especially when they reflect complete opposition to church teachings. The students at his college are denied nothing if Mrs. Clinton remains uninvited; they can watch her diatribe on CNN any evening. Roman Catholics, however, are strengthened by leadership that provides sound moral clarity. Thank you, Bishop Trautman.

MARK TROMBETTA
Upper St. Clair

---

Again the Post-Gazette is telling a religious leader, Bishop Donald W. Trautman of Erie, what the truths and teachings of his faith are and how he is to safeguard them and transmit them to the faithful of his flock. The American Catholic bishops have been very clear in the circumstances in which someone who might be in favor of abortion, active euthanasia, ethnic discrimination, etc., might be invited to a Catholic campus in a political forum. This obviously was not the case. This was clearly a political rally for Hillary Clinton held at Mercyhurst College in Erie.

President Bush's commencement address at my alma mater, St. Vincent College, was not a political rally. Mr. Bush's disagreement with the church on the death penalty and the war are not matters of basic dogma. I think this has been made clear many times, but the secular media prefer not to deem it important enough to try to remember.

TERENCE E. MOORE
Kittanning

---

Regarding the April 4 letter "Billboard Deals": Tony Ceoffe and Lawrenceville United have been responsible for bringing our community back from the brink. When others were afraid to step up, Tony and his crew of volunteers came forward and confronted drug dealers, called landlords and worked with police to clean things up around here.

A big part of their success is the ability to make everyone feel included in what they are doing. It used to be that you were from the 6th Ward or the 9th or the 10th; now there is a sense of unity, and when asked where they live, neighbors now say, "I'm from Lawrenceville."

Tony and Lawrenceville United make sure that no matter where you live in Lawrenceville your opinion counts. If they are negotiating on our behalf, rest assured that the outcome will be a favorable one for the residents of Lawrenceville.

CURT GILARDO
Lawrenceville

---

As City Council and local citizens contemplate the visual impact of electronic billboards in our city ("Council Puts Halt to New Billboards," April 2), it could signal a new era of citizens taking responsibility for how Pittsburgh looks. Imagine a city where residents are empowered to make the shared spaces and views of our city the best that they can be.

With that positive spirit, I would like to address the floating billboard (in the form of a barge) of Dick's Sporting Goods moored at the Mon Wharf parking lot. I've always wondered how it could be that a city, which takes such great pride in its riverfronts and the world-class views from Mount Washington and the Fort Pitt Tunnel, would allow such a blight on our river.

Look at any postcard, calendar or newspaper promotional photograph and notice that this rickety boat has been electronically removed. Should we live in a city where our signature views exist only in virtual reality, and not in the real world? I am not sure who was responsible for this decision, but I would like to suggest that those involved in the approval of this floating billboard remove this boat so that our reality matches up with the image we have labored so hard to maintain.

Our riverfronts are extraordinarily beautiful, and we should be working hard every day to better align our reality with our ideals.

DANIEL ROTHSCHILD
Mt. Lebanon

---

Trying to appeal to the average working person in Pennsylvania, Barack Obama is running ads showing him with his white grandparents. But Sen. Obama had no qualms in dishonoring this same white grandmother to the entire nation to justify his association with the black racist Rev. Jeremiah Wright.

Sen. Obama doesn't get it: Loyalty to your family is part of the working-class ethic.

MARIE JONES
Forest Hills

---

Is Hillary Clinton suffering from an inflated degree of self-importance? All the experts agree she has little or no chance of gaining the nomination. Yet she stubbornly persists in fighting a losing cause at the possible cost of losing the main prize in November. The longer the back-biting and name-calling continue, the Republican nominee gets additional fodder and momentum.

For the good of her party, she should concede and help not to impede Barack Obama's chances. It is vital the country gets a reprieve from the current woeful administration in this election -- not the same old, same old. It is time to change the course, not stay the course. Hillary, this is not your time.

BILL SCHWARTZ
Scott

---

I cannot believe that Dr. Cyril Wecht is going to have to go through another trial for the totally ridiculous charges against him ("Many Questions Surround Wecht Retrial, Set for May," April 9). I can only hope and pray the second jury will put an end to the circus by finding him not guilty.

SUE STEIS
Kittanning

---

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.