Letters to the editor
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In response to Tony Norman's Sept. 23 column, "Democrats and Race: They've Come a Long Way, Folks":
The fact that there are actually white Democrats voting for John McCain because Barack Obama is black, or female Democrats voting for John McCain because of Sarah Palin is extremely disheartening. Our country has a long way to go with both racial and gender issues.
It is actually a disgrace to our country that bigotry and prejudice come into play when voters are making their decisions.
What will it say for America if Barack Obama almost became the first black president of the United States?
It is time for Americans to prove that we are beyond racial discrimination. If you are a white Democrat and you plan on voting Republican because of Mr. Obama's skin color, you are disgracing not only yourself, but also the Democratic Party and your country. Americans are better than that, and it's time we show the world that.
Our country cannot afford to go through four more years of a Republican presidency because one-third of so-called Democrats refuse to vote for a black president. If you are one of these 33 percent, forget about race for one day, and on Nov. 4 vote for the person who you think will help make our country a better place.
ERIC REICHBAUM
O'Hara
Why I like McCain
Here's why I must vote for John McCain (by the way, I'm a registered independent):
1. He is not a lawyer. Washington is awash in them already, and their casuistry and self-absorption have crippled the people's government. I have no doubt that he'll vacuum out the excesses and inefficiencies in the government from the Clinton and Bush decades.
2. He is not pro-abortion because he realizes that foundational to all rights is the right to life.
3. He is not a mere politician but rather a seasoned, able, dependable, focused warrior for America's economy and its safety.
4. He is not venal, devious or selfish. Rather, he's fully trustworthy.
5. He is not a Democrat. The Senate and House almost certainly will remain Democratic. I don't want the president to be of the same stripe as Congress.
6. Barack Obama is a canny, rhetorically adroit, lawyerly fellow whom I do not trust for the job he so passionately seeks. With hard work he may in a few years become a leading senator of the liberals, something like Ted Kennedy. Today, to my view, Mr. Obama is too radically left of center to be an effective president. Should he win the job, I quake to envision what his Cabinet appointees might be or the cut of the jib of his Supreme Court nominees. Ouch.
RICHARD C. FRUSHELL
Brentwood
Treadmill safety
With the Sept. 17 Health and Science section article "Surge Training Promises to Work Off the Weight," there was a photograph of Ann Caldwell running on a treadmill. Anyone thinking of buying a treadmill and placing it in a small area should know that it is extremely dangerous to have it positioned with the back of it against a wall. In case of a sudden problem resulting in a loss of leg speed turnover, a person can be thrown into the wall. The back of the treadmill should always be facing the open end of a room.
MARC KAPLAN
North Fayette
Truly spectacular
The fabulous fireworks extravaganza commemorating the city of Pittsburgh's 250th birthday was comparable to the world-renowned fireworks festivals held every summer in Japan. My only regret in watching this spectacular Pittsburgh celebration from my Downtown vantage point was that I don't have eyes in the sides and back of my head.
Congratulations to the mayor and everyone responsible for producing this stunning event, giving all proud Pittsburghers an unforgettable experience.
CARLINO GIAMPOLO
Oakland
Illogical way to save
I am writing to discuss my concern with the airport authority's recent decision to disable one of the train shuttles to save electricity ("At Airport, Even the People Mover Has Fewer Flights," Aug. 30). This is illogical because (a) the amount of savings is probably relatively small, and (b) in a time-sensitive atmosphere (such as at the airport), every minute of unnecessary waiting is a setback for the customers.
Recently, the shuttle was so full that there was no room for all the passengers to even fit into the shuttle. This appears to be a classic case of shortsightedness. Perhaps further savings can be realized by shutting down the airport altogether.
I would urge the authority to rethink this bad decision.
DAVID M. LIPKIN
Ross
Keep people moving
Have you noticed that despite the cutback in US Airways flights, the parking lots at Pittsburgh International Airport are always close to full and that most planes seem to be full to capacity, even more so than in the past? However, the airport authority has decided to take one of the two people-mover trains out of service, even during peak weekday travel periods, for economic reasons, namely to save on electricity costs.
I could understand cutbacks late at night but certainly not during the busy mornings and late afternoons. When I questioned this practice, the authority's public affairs manager advised that the authority considers passenger experience a top priority but cost savings was also an issue.
I submit that keeping the people traffic moving as fast as possible between the terminal and the gates is an essential component of enhancing the passenger experience at the airport and that the cost due to increased electricity usage is money well spent. We have a first-class airport -- let's keep it that way.
MIKE HUDAK
Pleasant Hills
Don't let others decide for you: Get out and vote
Many times in the past, Tony Norman has done an excellent job getting a point across, but his column asking blacks to vote is as good as they come ("How Could a Black Person Not Vote?" Oct. 3). I'm proud to be of the same race as Mr. Norman -- that is, the human race.
Yes, he's black and I'm white, but so what? We both know the importance of this election, so shout it from the housetops, tell it in the streets -- hey, all you guys and gals, whatever your skin color, get out and vote. You'll never have a better chance to make a difference.
And don't tell me each person's vote isn't important. If enough people had turned out in Tennessee eight years ago to swing the state to Al Gore, what a different world we'd live in right now. Politicians win because of a lot of individual votes. Your vote counts. Never think otherwise. Especially you disillusioned blacks, your vote counts just as much (but no more) than mine.
Why let a white guy like me and a whole lot of people like me decide who'll be your president? Do what Mr. Norman asks: Get out and vote!
EDWIN J. BORREBACH
Bradford Woods
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First Published October 8, 2008 12:00 am
