Violence will cease when communities stop it

I had to voice my opinion on the following statement by Rashad Byrdsong, executive director of the Community Empowerment Association ("Leaders Fed Up, Demand End to Killings: Black Reunion Tackles Tough Issues," Aug. 3). It was in response to events earlier in the week. One of the gunmen in a double homicide on July 31 in Homewood was carrying an AK-47 assault-style rifle.

"That type of weapon, there is no reason for that to be sold. We have to push more efforts for gun control," Mr. Byrdsong said.

I have to wholeheartedly disagree. I have one of those weapons, and I have a lot of fun shooting it. It's easy to clean and the ammo isn't very expensive. The big difference is, I don't shoot people. Doesn't he get it? It's not the guns. We don't need any more gun control. We have enough laws already.

Hypothetically, what are you going to do if guns are removed from the entire city of Pittsburgh and these same people start using bombs? Are you going to outlaw gunpowder or fuses? How about bashing in someone's head with a baseball bat. Are you going to outlaw bats? It's the people doing the shooting.

These communities are in a situation comparable to the early pioneers fighting for their independence. I respect their enthusiasm, but for 20 years now we've been hearing about how bad it is, it's got to stop, the speeches by the politicians, the parades, the Million Man marches, the "we need to get the guns off the street" speeches and a lot more. Unfortunately it's not going to happen just by talking about it. It's not going to stop until the community gets involved and helps the police with witness cooperation. It's time to walk the walk.

TERRY R. MINOR
New Eagle

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Better use for tax

Arguing over whether Allegheny County's drink tax should stay or go should not be the point. It is here to stay. Prices of drinks are not going to go down if the tax is removed. Manufacturers and distributors have raised their prices and are adding fuel surcharges to the invoice. They're not going to pull these back. Therefore, bars and restaurants are not going to go back to the original prices, either.

The point is, the tax should be used for some other purpose. Maybe it should go toward property tax relief. Bar patrons, who are being assessed for mass transit, rarely ride the bus. Ever try to get one when the bars close? Or on weekends? Anyone take his wife to Le Mont on a bus?

The drink tax is going to raise more than expected for mass transit, yet all we hear is more cuts and a strike threat. I think we should get added service from this input of money, instead of less. Where is this tax money going? If the Port Authority goes belly-up, watch how fast private interests move in and provide superior service (if politicians let them).

Finally, putting this on the ballot with only two options ("Make It a Double: 2 Drink Tax Referenda Likely," Aug. 5) is like asking us to "cut off our nose to spite our face." Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato would only be too happy to raise property taxes if the people voted for it. The onus would be off his back.

MIKE SMALLEY
West Mifflin

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A looming crisis

Is it any wonder why someone would want to be a police officer in the city of Pittsburgh these days?

An erosion of benefits under Act 47, strict residency requirements, working in some of the most dangerous areas and harsh public scrutiny await a dwindling applicant pool of prospective recruits.

With hundreds of veteran officers becoming eligible to retire in the next few years, the city must come up with a plan to attract the best and brightest applicants. The citizens of this fine city deserve it.

DUANE SCHICK
Westwood

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Transit dream

Let's see ... On a 40-mile commute from Beaver Falls to Pittsburgh: $25,000 for a good-running car, at least $16 daily for gas and, with traffic congestion, more like $20. Another $20 a day to park. That's $200 a week, not counting the car payment, insurance, inspection, tires, brakes etc. And it's out of commission while you work, waiting for the return trip home. It would be nice to be a one-car family and not have to drive to work.

How about this option? Drive nine miles to Monaca. Either be dropped off or park in a large inexpensive parking lot. Board an express train at 8 a.m. sharp and arrive in Pittsburgh at 8:18. With upgraded buses and trolleys, and with possible moving sidewalks to come, an easy and inexpensive trip to work is accomplished. A return express leaving Pittsburgh at 5:40 p.m. gets you back to Monaca by 6 o'clock, and shortly thereafter, home. The family car is available for local use, and the gas tank gains integrity, as does the wallet. Also, Green Tree Hill is no longer an issue.

With the railway offering round-trip bargains, like the day trippers in London, just imagine the overall savings.

The best scenario is that Monaca could be but one spoke in a wheel circling Pittsburgh. Just a thought.

CHARLES M. KERNS
Beaver Falls

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Trucking free ride

It is no wonder that trucking companies would prefer a hefty increase in the fuel tax to the tolling of Interstate 80 ("Trucking Groups Back Higher Fuel Tax Over Turnpike Lease, I-80 Tolls," Aug. 12). According to the statistics in your article, trucks can carry up to 250 gallons of fuel, and make five to seven miles per gallon. This would give them a range of as much as 1,500 miles -- more than enough for a return trip across the state.

Thus, the trucks could fuel in states where the tax was much lower than in Pennsylvania. Long-distance trucks, which make up a large portion of the traffic on 1-80 and incur much of its maintenance expense, could get a free ride across the state, leaving only local truckers and motorists to carry the burden of the increased fuel tax.

ARTHUR S. ELLIS
Upper St. Clair

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All have self-interest

The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 warned Europe not to interfere in affairs of nations in Latin America. Later, the Roosevelt Corollary allowed the United States to intervene in their affairs. We were willing to go to war over a sovereign nation, Cuba, allowing missile launch sites to be installed as it tipped the understood balance of power with the old Soviet Union. There was a Russian Empire long before communism. They have always liked to control their borders just as we have.

Is it a surprise that Russia would not be hostile to new missile sites on its borders or foreign involvement in its sphere of influence? As despicable as Russian intervention is in Georgia, remember our response to Cuban missiles and our current intervention in Iraq. I guess it all depends upon whose ox is being gored.

HARVEY GOTTSHALL
Connellsville

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Congress fails families affected by postpartum depression

Mackenzie Carpenter's moving article about postpartum depression ("Mothers Who Feel Blue Are Far From Alone," Aug. 6) juxtaposes two sad facts: that a large number of women find the time immediately after giving birth difficult, and that "legislation introduced in Congress for more research on postpartum depression and mood disorders has gone nowhere."

The full story is even sadder.

Legislation to promote screening and education for new mothers, as well as research into postpartum depression, came incredibly close to passage this year. Planned Parenthood is one of a number of organizations supporting the Melanie Blocker-Stokes MOTHERS Act, which would encourage coordinated research into postpartum conditions and treatment and fund an awareness campaign, educating providers and the public about the issue. Finally, the legislation would have encouraged screening of new mothers to catch the illness early and help women and families develop plans for recovery.

This critical legislation (HR 20) passed the U.S. House of Representatives and came close to passage in the U.S. Senate as part of the Advancing America's Priorities package. Unfortunately, supporters were not able to get the 60 votes necessary to beat back the Republican effort to block the bill. They got 52 votes -- more than half of the Senate -- but not enough to bring the bill to a vote.

Postpartum depression is a serious issue for mothers and their families. It's a shame that our Congress doesn't respect the need for real women's health care, including during the critical period after childbirth.

KIMBERLEE EVERT
CEO
Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania
Downtown

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