Scrap metal theft affects everybody

I am writing in response to the Oct. 8 article, "Legislature Passes Bill Aimed at Scrap Metal Thieves." The bill is an important step in regulating the sale of scrap metal and in preventing public safety problems from the theft of water infrastructure.

Every day, utilities such as Pennsylvania American Water deal with the ramifications of infrastructure theft. In addition to manhole covers, thieves have focused on resale of metals from items such as meters or hydrants that aid in the delivery of clean, reliable water and fire service. Such tampering can compromise safety.

Broken or stolen fire hydrants hamper the ability of fire departments to respond in the event of a fire, making thieves indirectly responsible for property loss if hydrants malfunction. Tampering with hydrants also presents a danger to the thieves themselves since pressurized parts can fly off and cause severe injuries.

Such theft affects us all; it contributes to higher water rates as reinvestments must be made to replace stolen or damaged infrastructure. Thieves also should remember that the theft of utility service in our commonwealth is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment.

Pennsylvania American Water asks our customers to be vigilant. If you see any unauthorized individuals tampering with a hydrant, please call your local police department.

DEBORAH P. LIPPERT
Senior Director Field Operations for Western Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania American Water
North Strabane

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Not a 'little boy'

It has become almost a daily occurrence: another shooting in the city of Pittsburgh -- most recently Antwann Jackson of Homewood ("Man Killed in Hail of Gunfire in Homewood," Oct. 14). The obligatory comments of concerned neighbors included the remark, "It's crazy just to shoot a little boy like that ... he's young."

The following sentences tell it all: "Last December, Mr. Jackson and two others crashed their car trying to flee police after a hit-and-run in the Strip District. They were arrested after police recovered $30,000 worth of cocaine and two Glock pistols."

Sorry, but I'm not buying the "little boy" bit. The obvious question is, what was he doing on our streets less than a year after that serious offense?

CAL KANE
Butler

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GOP puzzlers

This is for Steve Burns of Upper St. Clair ("Hold the Conceit," Oct. 11 letters), who listed an impressive set of credentials to show that he's not just another of Sarah Palin's "Joe Six-Packs." As an intellectual Republican, perhaps Mr. Burns can explain some things that have baffled me.

I understand opposing abortion on demand, but I'd like to know why "pro-life" for many Republicans seems to begin and end with the unborn. Protecting the lives of those already born does not seem to be a priority, whether we're talking about health care for children, the death penalty or civilian deaths in Iraq.

The idea that America is safer under Republicans is another puzzler. America was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. Since then, a needless war has been conducted in Iraq while those actually responsible for the attacks regrouped. Now, with our military stretched thin, terrorists are resurgent in Afghanistan. Under any objective analysis, Americans are not safer than they were before 9/11.

Remember that all this transpired under Republican "leadership." (I know, I know, everything is really Bill Clinton's fault, including the financial crisis, the sinking of the Titanic and the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby.) While Osama bin Laden remains free, people forget that when terrorism did hit America while Mr. Clinton was president, the FBI and Justice Department caught, convicted and executed the perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing.

So, Mr. Burns, tell us, how do Republicans keep America safer?

ROBERT A. VRABEL
Churchill

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About skewed vote

In the Oct. 15 letter "It Works Both Ways," the writer said racism works both ways and then cites figures on how the white and black vote breaks down between Barack Obama and John McCain. Racism does work both ways in the United States, but there are valid reasons for the skewed figures on the breakdown of the black vote in the current election cycle.

If the United States had 43 black presidents who ruled over a white minority that had worked its way from slavery to equality, that white minority vote would be as skewed toward their candidate as the black vote is today for Barack Obama. But more important, when individuals vote, they choose the candidate who best represents them and who they believe can lead the country through its problems.

In this election, regardless of a person's race, Barack Obama is the best choice. Eight years of Republican rule have brought us to the brink of a second Great Depression, two endless wars (Iraq and Afghanistan), with the threat of a third (Iran), and a crumbling infrastructure. If you ask me, the white vote for Mr. Obama should be just as skewed as the black vote is.

JOSEPH KOWALSKI
North Huntingdon

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Time to remember

Nov. 4 will be called Election Day, but we should also regard it as "Remembrance Day." Let us remember those in the House and Senate, Democrats and Republicans, who for at least the last five years have refused to deal with banking and mortgage regulations that could have averted our current economic crisis out of fear of offending their friends and contributors on Wall Street.

Let us remember those in our government who refuse to protect our borders so as not to offend certain voting groups and who have gotten us into two wars, decimating our military, with no clear plan for victory or exit.

Let us remember those who preach the politics of change but only offer solutions based on socialism and radical doctrine.

Let us remember them with our votes and send them away to do something other than represent the good, hard-working people of the United States who deserve better than what the current incompetent crop of representatives and candidates can offer.

BOB DATTILO
Brookline

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Any consequences?

Your endorsement of Jack Wagner for the auditor general post is only semi-informative ("Re-Elect Wagner," Sept. 28). You point out his audits of PHEAA, the Port Authority of Allegheny County and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program as worthy accomplishments. Not revealed was whether anyone was indicted, arrested or convicted involving any of these audits. Please enlighten us.

GEORGE H. THOMPSON
Oakmont

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PICKING SIDES: Barack Obama

I am voting for Barack Obama, and though it sounds like I am rehashing political rhetoric, it is because he represents change -- not just politically, but culturally. His policy of aggressive government counteraction to the failed dogma of trickle-down economics is precisely the change we need. A perfect companion is the type of cultural change that electing the first African-American president may bring to our collective perceptions of what it means to be American. Our leaders should reflect on who we are -- a country of great diversity which aspires to live up to its promise that "all men are created equal."

MAROON DAVID III
Bridgeville

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PICKING SIDES: John McCain

Human rights concern me. Barack Obama's only regret in the Senate was voting to prevent Terri Schiavo being starved and dehydrated because of her disability. John McCain can't raise his arms above his shoulders from being tortured. Sarah Palin delivered a baby she knew had a disability rather than abort him. McCain has voted 100 percent pro-life.

How can I trust someone with my pocketbook, security, children's education, environment, etc., if he doesn't respect life? Respect for human life is the foundation for all presidential decisions. I'll vote McCain/Palin.

KATHY IREY
White Oak

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