Metcalfe's remarks about vets are astounding

State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe's ignorance is astounding, his intolerance disturbing and embarrassing ("Metcalfe Defends Harsh Talk About Vets on Climate," Oct. 21).

I am a retired Naval officer and Gulf War veteran who lost a shipmate to terrorist bombing while stationed off the coast of Beirut in 1983. I took the same oath Mr. Metcalfe did to "preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic." I also used to teach U.S. history and American government at the high school level before I joined the Navy.

Mr. Metcalfe seems to have missed the lesson that political opponents in our beloved democracy are not enemies, but rather members of a loyal opposition, always. That's what my Naval career was all about -- fighting to preserve such freedom for all of us. To impugn someone's integrity because you disagree with them (as Mr. Metcalfe has done to the vets associated with Operation Free) is what is un-American.

Since he holds office as a state representative, he should set a far better example for his constituents, both young and old.

LT. CMDR. MICHAEL SHEPPERD
U.S. Navy (Ret.)
Cranberry

Resignation in order

Ashamed. That is the one word that describes how state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe should feel about his comments suggesting that veterans who believe that climate change exists are somehow "traitors" ("Metcalfe Defends Harsh Talk About Vets on Climate," Oct. 21). Mr. Metcalfe owes it to all veterans to resign.

In addition to a resignation, a logical explanation is in order. He has given an explanation but it is hardly logical. I think most people would agree that if you want to compare service members, past and present, to American villains such as Benedict Arnold, you had better explain it well. Mr. Metcalfe has failed miserably in that effort.

One of the reasons I served in the Army (including a combat tour in Iraq) was to earn my right to have an opinion. While Mr. Metcalfe has done the same, he must be accountable for his words, and as a veteran, I believe the only way he can truly express his regret to his brothers and sisters in arms (many of whom have sacrificed much more than he has and whom he has labeled as "traitors") is by resigning his post.

JESSE SHAFFER
Shadyside

Unworthy of office

I have to say that Rep. Daryl Metcalfe has crossed the line ("Metcalfe Defends Harsh Talk About Vets on Climate," Oct. 21). I am a veteran of the U.S. Navy and the view that he expressed calling members of the U.S. armed forces traitors shows he is unworthy of a seat in public office.

I am not a constituent of his (fortunately), but if I were, I would fight with every breath to have a man like him unseated. To call a veteran whose opinion differs from his "a traitor" is a disgrace. From what I have read of his military record, he was a "paper" soldier. That fact does not surprise me.

But after his most recent comments, I looked into past votes and discovered that he also voted against an anti-domestic violence resolution because he was concerned that it might apply to homosexual couples. He is what is wrong with this country and state. He is an individual who bases his opinions on idiocy and a state representative who does not appreciate all of what this country is about -- freedom of religion, freedom of choice, freedom period.

God forbid the day that men like Mr. Metcalfe have actual power in this country. Down with bigotry!

DANIEL REARICK
Braddock Hills

Earth to Metcalfe

To paraphrase Barney Frank, "What planet does Rep. Daryl Metcalfe live on?" How is it that the good citizens of Cranberry can send this clown to the state House? Who in the world does he represent?

His view that somehow talking about climate change as a national security issue is a leftist plot is so far outside the realm of reason that it would make rational people question his mental health ("Metcalfe Defends Harsh Talk About Vets on Climate," Oct. 21). To call war veterans who take the time to discuss the climate issue with the public "traitors" goes beyond words.

Climate change has been the subject of studies by planners in the Pentagon for years because it does represent a threat to national security. James Woolsey, former head of the CIA and certainly no leftist, has been speaking out that climate change will impact us all at the level of national and international security and stability. Apparently, Rep. Metcalfe gets all his information while wearing a tin foil hat and channeling Flat Earth Society broadcasts.

JOSEPH BUTE
Pine

His latest fallacy

There's a section in logic textbooks in which Rep. Daryl Metcalfe's picture should appear. It's called "logical fallacies." When he took the logic course, Mr. Metcalfe evidently skated past chapters on valid reasoning and chose instead to focus on the use of emotional triggers to obscure fallacious reasoning. His latest fallacy: He called a group of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans "traitors" because of their educational campaign linking energy policy, global warming and national security. The veterans expressed objection to Mr. Metcalfe's hateful tone. His conclusion? Because they objected to his name-calling, they are really traitors and their educational endeavor is really just "leftist propaganda."

Uh ... no, the veterans objected because his use of the term "traitor" is simply another example of his festering hatred of anything that doesn't match his warped worldview -- and because it has nothing to do with their educational campaign.

Although Mr. Metcalfe's scientific credentials have never been revealed, he stridently disagrees with the world's best scientific minds about the dangers of global warming. He's certainly allowed to take the uninformed view -- even in public. Yet he feels that his Army combat experience -- in Kansas -- earned him the right to call the Operation Free veterans "traitors." Wrong again, Mr. Metcalfe.

It's the Constitution that gives you the right to spew ignorant hate in public -- the same Constitution that allows intelligent patriots like those Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to work toward an America that's clean, free and safe, and in which, alas, even unpatriotic bigots can find their way into public office.

REID JOYCE
Middlesex

A must-read

PG columnist Brian O'Neill has written a wonderful book called "The Paris of Appalachia: Pittsburgh in the Twenty-first Century." It should be mentioned in these pages.

It is a gentle book crafted with wit and affection. For anyone who cares about the 'Burgh, you will learn new things even if you thought you knew quite a bit already. Brian captures the essence of the place and the people: the fabulous geography interwoven with a deep-rooted social fabric that is rare, if not unique. A lot of things that America at large needs to get back to, in terms of sustainable infrastructure and community, are right here under our noses in the heart and soul of the city: our neighborhoods.

But with so much going for it, why can't Pittsburgh and Allegheny County get their acts together, politically and financially? In the last several chapters of the book Brian provides the most concise and insightful analysis and conclusions I have encountered on this subject. Forget all the million-dollar studies that have been commissioned over the last three decades. Just read this book. It should be required reading for all who are tasked with, yet fail to implement, helpful public policy and/or meaningful reforms.

The lad has done his homework. In addition to being very enjoyable, the book has a lot of valuable insight.

JIM LAWRENCE
North Side

Brian O'Neill's book is available at the PG Store (post-gazette.com/pgstore) or from parisofappalachia.com.

What have you done for your library lately?

We who use the library more could be contributing more.

Beyond the availability of books and other library materials, many of us are able to request that systemwide books be brought to our branch; borrow audio-books, CDs and videos; and have access to computers and all the other improved services that cost more to deliver than just checking out/in existing books. Late-return fines per day for adults are still 25 cents for books.

It's important that the taxpayers support an uncensored library system for our democracy. Rather than looking solely to the public tax revenues, it's up to each individual to think about also volunteering his or her time, talents or some cash.

NANCY FLAHERTY BECK
Mt. Lebanon

Obama's Nobel makes no sense

Barack Obama did not deserve to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He has done nothing but waffle and punt on Iraq, Afghanistan and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The award has grown increasingly political, but this latest stunt steps far over the line.

There are individuals and organizations in Israel, both Israeli and Palestinian, who have worked tirelessly for peace at great risk to their lives. Why not reward the truly deserving? I expect to hear any day now that Mr. Obama has won the American League MVP for throwing out the first ball at a White Sox game. That makes as much sense as his Nobel Prize.

PAUL KENNEDY
Greensburg

Libraries are a good investment

The Carnegie Library system's decision to close facilities in some neighborhoods needs to be a wake-up call for all of us. We managed to find money -- not all of which was matched at the federal level -- for hosting the recent G-20 summit. We need to be equally creative in closing this financial gap. At a time when Pittsburgh's stock seems to be rising, not acting on the library funding shortfall sends a message of indifference that runs counter to our being viewed (finally) as an enlightened city.

We also need to put aside the posturing. Calling for audits of the library system is more about politics than problem solving. The Carnegie Library already undergoes strict auditing as part of receiving funding from the Regional Asset District and the foundation community.

In our current economic situation, hard-hit neighborhoods simply can't afford to lose one of their most important resources. Libraries are more than stacks of books, card catalogues and Dewey Decimal Systems. They are economic and intellectual drivers. They connect people to opportunities. They're essential in ensuring that there is not a digital divide by ensuring access to computers for those who can't afford to have one of their own.

In 1895, Andrew Carnegie saw the importance of investing in the region's work force and established his library system as a means of meeting that goal. City leaders at the time agreed that it was a priority, pledging $40,000 annually toward operations of the libraries. Shamefully, that $40,000 has not changed in more than 100 years and certainly has not even come close to keeping up with inflation. If my math is correct, today's equivalent of $40,000 is $1,021,959.60, meaning the city isn't living up to the spirit of the agreement.

A better-prepared work force is even more important today than it was for Andrew Carnegie. If we're to meet the personnel demands of companies willing to invest in post-G-20 Pittsburgh, we need to strengthen rather than close our libraries. That investment, in library terms, is overdue.

CHRIS FLETCHER
Forest Hills

Savings that are too costly

This is in response to Bob Hoover's Oct. 13 article "Bad Year for Pittsburgh's Libraries With Cuts and Closings." When it comes to the recent closings in branches of Pittsburgh's Carnegie Library, emotions take control of many arguments, especially for those who hold their local libraries dear. However, it is necessary to take a more logical, economic look at these closings to truly understand their effects on the area.

A seemingly minuscule $1.2 million cut in funding will halt library service to thousands of citizens. Library cuts symbolize a growing trend that places less emphasis on education in return for short-term gains that will have long-term consequences. The best way to tackle a recession is through education and training that will allow a society to pull through. Saving a couple of million bucks here and there at the expense of education will come back to bite us in the years to come.

MARK SILVESTER
Franklin Park

The line-drying difference

I loved the article about line-drying ("Fresh Air, Fresh Perspective," Oct. 7). I, too, am a college graduate with a demanding job that requires travel. I watch the weather forecast with the hope that I will be able to hang my laundry at least one day over the weekend. Most of my neighbors probably prefer that I don't line-dry, but as of yet, no one has said anything to me and I have been line-drying for two years.

While it is extra work and sometimes I barely have the energy to carry the clothes up from the basement to the backyard I love how the clothes feel and smell after they have been "hung out to dry."

I figure it is a win-win. I conserve energy, save money, get a little extra exercise and my whites are whiter!

SALLY A. MALONEY
Osborne

Laundry laurels, please

Regarding "Fresh Air, Fresh Perspective" (Oct. 7) about line-drying clothes: Sixteen years ago I started my own sports facility consulting firm in my house, so I took on the task of washing/drying our laundry. When the weather turned nicer I placed the wet laundry on our back deck railing.

My wife, Susie, complained that certain items like bath towels were "hard." So ever since, I tossed the laundry in our electric dryer when the items were still a bit damp to get rid of the hardness. It seems to work, but I still get, from time to time, some complaints and never any remarks about how I'm helping with the "greening of America" or reducing our electric bills!

Margi Shrum's article might make Susie a bit more appreciative of my laundry methods. I hope so. Thanks for the article.

JIMMY GOLDMAN
Squirrel Hill

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