Letters to the editor
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Cure the ailment of cell-phone-talking drivers
The article "Cell Phone Ban While Driving Is Controversial" (Jan. 19) goes far to highlight the serious dangers of this irresponsible practice. The point made by Vernon Betkey Jr., chairman of the Governors Highway Safety Association, is that our minds cannot focus on two issues simultaneously; it doesn't matter if we are holding a cell phone or listening through an ear set.
If the proposal to prohibit the use of cell phones while driving can be characterized as governmental interference, it's a reasonable and necessary interference just as traffic lights, stop signs and no-passing zones are.
I'm bitterly disappointed by the space given to KDKA radio talk show host Mike Pintek's opinion; his reasoning, while often expressed, is shallow and badly flawed. He has never understood that any distraction such as eating, changing radio stations or brushing one's hair is dangerous, yet what can be improved (as with this proposed legislation) should be improved. Even though your physician cannot cure all ailments, he or she is expected to cure what can be cured.
The prudent and appropriate restriction of public freedom in one area almost always results in increased freedom in other ways.
THOMAS J. BURNS
New Castle
Ever-present danger
What is the difference between drunken drivers and talking-on-phone drivers?
The cell phoners are a menace 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
JOE NAGY
Derry
Profitable politics
A few years ago, I wrote a registered letter to Gov. Ed Rendell explaining why I opposed his new Pennsylvania Wilds program to stimulate an economic boom in tourism throughout the pristine northcentral counties of the commonwealth. Proceeding with such a program without first establishing comprehensive preservation policies and development guidelines would eventually destroy the same natural resources that indeed make this region uniquely "wild."
I've been a professional open space planner for many years and co-authored Pennsylvania's 1970 comprehensive outdoor recreation plan (see Outdoor Recreation Horizons, 1970, Pennsylvania Department of Forests and Waters). This was the first study to identify and recommend preliminary preservation guidelines for what was then called the "North Central High Mountain Area."
Because of this work and many similar open space studies, I'm very aware of the many incompatibilities inherent in all such recreation/outdoor resource preservation scenarios. So I was not at all convinced by the two-page response letter of "assurances" I later received from Michael DiBerardinis, the governor's secretary of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
But that was then. I feel much better now, since reading that the governor has just appointed Dan Surra, an out-of-work Democratic state representative from Elk County, to fill a new $95,000 per year position in the DCNR (see "Voodoo Economics: Rendell Freezes Jobs Until a Loyal Soldier Needs One," Jan. 17 editorial). And since it's actually two jobs, he'll be wearing two hats, both very environmentally sensitive: 1.) helping where needed in the Pennsylvania Wilds program, and 2.) being the "go-to guy" on the Marcellus Shale/gas drilling efforts. Eighteen years of loyal party politics sure is rewarding!
By the way, what's Mr. Surra's environmental experience or geotechnical know-how, Gov. Rendell? Does he have any of either? Any?
RICHARD M. VOELKER
North Side
Cleaner-air rewards
Cleaner air, longer life -- is there a better reward?
The study conducted by Brigham Young University and the Harvard School of Public Health described in Don Hopey's article "Cleaner Air Is Giving Longer Life to Region" (Jan. 22) confirms that efforts to improve air quality are allowing us to live longer, healthier lives. Pittsburghers' life expectancy rose by more than two years from 1980 through 2000.
We've made great progress in recent decades, but as current regional air monitoring data make abundantly clear, work remains to be done. One straightforward way to achieve further reductions is by targeting particulate matter from diesel vehicles. Diesel particulate matter is a toxic air contaminant and a significant source of fine particulates in our region. Once emitted, diesel exhaust is inescapable -- it is emitted at ground level where it can be readily inhaled by commuters, pedestrians and children riding diesel-powered school buses. The good news is that existing technology can reduce diesel exhaust particulates by more than 90 percent.
The Allegheny County Partnership to Reduce Diesel Pollution, led by the Group Against Smog and Pollution and Clean Water Action, is tackling diesel pollution through several local initiatives that will result in diesel emission reductions from school buses, waste haulers and construction equipment. Trucks, transit buses, school buses, waste haulers, construction equipment, locomotives and marine vessels all contribute to the diesel pollution problem in Pittsburgh.
Each must be addressed in any effective cleanup solution. Learn more about the important work being done by the local diesel campaign and how you can get involved at pghdieselcleanup.wordpress.com.
RACHEL FILIPPINI
Executive Director
Group Against Smog and Pollution
Squirrel Hill
Eric Holder deserves to be confirmed as attorney general
On Jan. 20, Americans celebrated the inauguration of our 44th president. However, the associated tide of unity quickly ebbed as the Senate Judiciary Committee delayed voting on the confirmation of attorney general nominee Eric Holder at the insistence of committee Republicans ("Clinton Is Confirmed, But Holder Hits a Roadblock," Jan. 22).
Mr. Holder fielded challenging questions throughout the hearing and responded to written questions presented afterward, adding this information to what the committee gleaned from his three prior appearances. Certainly a lack of information about Mr. Holder cannot be behind the delay in his confirmation.
In his statement welcoming Mr. Holder to the committee hearing, ranking member Sen. Arlen Specter asserted the public had "understandable disdain for Washington's political bickering." Now is the time to lay that sentiment to rest by promptly confirming Mr. Holder.
It is no secret that, over the past eight years, the Justice Department has been infiltrated with ideologues with inadequate regard for sound legal judgment. For example, the Office on Violence Against Women was not allocated sufficient resources to adequately fund programs addressing victim confidentiality or to investigate the legality of charging victims for rape kits.
And this is but a sample of indicators that illustrate the poor state of today's Justice Department.
Mr. Holder's record speaks for itself. Throughout his 25 years as a public servant, he has combated violence against women, enforced civil rights protections and advocated for diversity in the legal profession. Eric Holder has the experience needed to expertly return the Justice Department to its proper role as the public's ally.
CHRISTINE STONE
State Public Affairs Chair of Pennsylvania
National Council of Jewish Women Inc.
Squirrel Hill
The letter also was signed by Susan Frietsche, senior staff attorney, Women's Law Project, and Erika Fricke, vice president for public affairs, Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania.
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First Published January 28, 2009 12:00 am
