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Print"This is no country for old men," wrote William Butler Yeats.
I read about the new arena for the Penguins and plans to make it as high-tech as possible so that fans, who don't get enough stimulation from the rough and tumble of the game, can see and hear the action on instant replay ("The Future Is Now for Technology at Penguins' New Arena," May 13).
High-tech capabilities will also enable fans to use their cell phones to order drinks and food from their seats. Imagine being in the center of blaring television sets and listening to hundreds of people placing orders on their cell phones.
I also have read about the "all you can eat" section at PNC Park. Imagine sitting next to that, being overcome by the smells of all those food odors, and watching people stuff themselves.
"What are we waiting for, assembled in the forum?" asked poet Constantine Cavafy. "The barbarians are due here today." Wrong, my friend, they are here.
AURELIA SMELTZ
Mount Washington
I read regularly about the problems existing at Woodland Hills High School ("Woodland Hills Teachers Speak Out," May 2). Recently, my family and I attended the high school musical "Beauty and the Beast." The students presented a wonderful show. There were many hard-working, responsible and self-disciplined students involved in the production. These students deserve recognition for their efforts.
I believe there are many students at Woodland Hills High School who are working to obtain a quality education. It is a shame that we do not read about them in the local paper or hear about them on the local news broadcasts.
Perhaps more recognition of the good things that are happening at Woodland Hills High School would improve the image that the school has received in past months.
E. MAHONEY
Forest Hills
How indebted we are to Harry Faulk for his long, productive career in public education as teacher, administrator and role model ("Harry R. Faulk: Innovative Visionary Spent Life in Education," May 9 news obituary). He mentored many aspiring men and women in the profession; his life's work had a significant impact on society in general and on the public schools of Western Pennsylvania in particular.
As friend, father-figure and inspiration to me, Harry was simply the greatest man I have ever known. His courage, wisdom, energy and humor made working with him the most rewarding experience of my professional life.
JOHN C. BLACK JR.
Mt. Lebanon
The writer was Dr. Faulk's assistant superintendent at Keystone Oaks School District and his successor as superintendent.
Pittsburgh's litter problem, as highlighted by columnists like PG Associate Editor Dan Simpson ("Downtown's Makeover," May 14) and letter writers like Jerry Pompa ("We Can Do Better," April 30), is far from solved. But unlike the intractable issues of the day, such as global warming, high gas prices and the Pirates, litter on our streets is something that can be tackled by the average Joe.
While the city's Public Works Department has done a fine job of responding to 311 requests in a timely manner, it's not enough. Increased citizen involvement, as Mr. Pompa suggests, is needed. Citizens Against Litter shares that opinion. Through close contact with the Clean Pittsburgh Commission and other community groups, we have built a large network of litter fighters throughout the city and beyond.
We encourage concerned citizens to visit our Web site, citizensagainstlitter.org, to learn more about us and to sign up as a volunteer.
JAKE KROHN
Volunteer
Citizens Against Litter
Shadyside
As one of the few Pittsburghers lucky enough to return home after a five-year hiatus from the city, I was thrilled to see the possibility of the return of the marathon ("Marathon on Track to Resume Its Run in Pittsburgh," May 12).
I learned to run on the trails of Schenley Park, and The Great Race was my first road race. I look forward to calling Pittsburgh my first marathon.
The purpose of this letter is to plead with the large corporations that are a part of the Pittsburgh community. Dick's, American Eagle, Heinz ... sponsor this race. Take pride in your city.
BRIDGET T. FERRIS
Penn Hills
A prerequisite for entry into the U.S. Congress should be a basic course in economics, since most of the recent rants by our esteemed lawmakers reveal either a complete lack of what makes markets work, or, most probably, outrageous pandering to their constituencies. Oil prices are high because the supply isn't keeping up with the demand. When commodities are in short supply, the price that one is willing to pay goes up; when there's more supply than demand, prices fall.
Why is supply not keeping up with demand? Because the same lawmakers who are screaming about those vile oil companies are the same folks who have stood in the way of our drilling here in the United States. And, they've put the lid on building any new refineries for about 30 years!
While conservation will help, and while alternative energy sources may reduce the demand for oil, the only near-term solution is to produce more here at home. The mere announcement from Washington that we have unshackled the bonds of U.S. oil producers will send a strong message to the Middle East and should alleviate the upward spiral.
Oh, and everybody cutting back on their driving by 15 to 20 percent would also be an immediate aid. It's not that difficult, and it will make a difference!
HARRY CHODER
Squirrel Hill
Bravo to Gov. Ed Rendell for taking a tough stand against cigarette smoking in Pennsylvania ("Rendell: Will Veto Weakened Ban on Smoking," May 13). It is long past time for Pennsylvania to catch up with other states that have taken measures to protect their residents from the deadly side-effects of cigarette smoke.
The primary job of a state -- or any nation -- is to protect its citizens.
LEANN SHERMAN
Squirrel Hill
Sadly, the residents of this commonwealth wait and wait for a comprehensive smoking ban, much like we waited for "right turn on red" and as we'll have to wait for a direct connection to the Pennsylvania Turnpike from Route 28.
Why is it that Pennsylvania is so nearsighted?
For 15 years, the Centers for Disease Control has told us that secondhand smoke is a known carcinogen and we are at risk by exposing ourselves to it. Yet the legislators continue to drag their feet.
They didn't seem to care that we have to exit Route 28 and go through Harmarville to continue on to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Think of the amount of gas wasted doing this. Now something so simple as a Clean Indoor Air bill can't get traction due to political bickering.
Please wake up and do the right thing. Look at our neighboring states -- they get it! The world doesn't stop spinning when you can't smoke in a restaurant or bar. Most times, profits increase and, guess what, so do tax revenues.
DAVID C. CHRISTOPHER
Tarentum
Congratulations to Sen. Hillary Clinton and also to the West Virginia Democrats who ignored the propaganda against Sen. Clinton ("Clinton Wins Big in W.Va.," May 14).
The Republican Party and the Republican-owned media, television, newspapers and so-called news magazines, have attacked Hillary Clinton from the beginning of her campaign. Why? They are afraid of her because she knows the way they operate, she knows who pulls the strings, but most of all, she knows how to fight back.
The Republicans would like to see Barack Obama win the Democratic nomination. He will be easier to beat than Sen. Clinton.
Sen. Obama seems like a decent man from what we have heard about him. So was Jimmy Carter. President Carter was blocked at every turn during his term. Sen. Obama won't know how to handle the wily Washington crowd. Sen. Clinton is well aware of the way they operate.
News reporters such as the PG's James O'Toole should just report the news. Sen. Clinton won West Virginia by 67 percent of the votes. We are not interested in Mr. O'Toole's opinion. We the people can make our own decisions. Stay in the race, Hillary! You've earned it!
N.M. BUETTNER
Hampton
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.
