Letters to the editor
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Sheriff candidate Kress is about service, not politics
I am writing in response to the PG's endorsement of Bill Mullen for sheriff ("Mullen's Moment: An Acting Sheriff's Professionalism Deserves Votes," Oct. 17). I believe Ed Kress is the better candidate. He puts people before politics. He is a man of integrity, honesty and sincerity. I worked with him to help put into action a homeless program for our nation's heroes in Pittsburgh. He was not paid to do this, unless you consider the gratitude of several previously homeless veterans who now have a place to live.
What is wrong with wanting to do something about foreclosures on homes at a time when there is an epidemic in this country? What is wrong with wanting to have task forces of volunteers to help people understand this process and possibly avoid it, especially veterans who have sacrificed so much for our country? Ed Kress has developed a plan to help this county while performing the other duties required of a sheriff.
How can you say he is about politics with all he wants to do to help the people of this county? Today's politicians are more about helping themselves and getting ahead. Not Ed Kress; he simply wants to help others. He is working tirelessly to win this race and still finds time to head a benefit committee for homeless veterans. What is political about that? What is political or self-serving about wanting to help others remain in their homes?
I'm a Democrat, and I will be voting for Ed Kress because he is not your typical politician.
VALERIE CORTAZZO
Penn Hills
Careful is OK
Regarding Charles Krauthammer's Oct. 13 column ("Hillary Clinton: Careful, Calibrated and Devoid of Principles"), I would like to make the following comments. The "ideologues" who are today running this country have created a mess in Iraq, in an effort to create a democratic utopia. I am now ready to vote for a candidate endowed with qualities such as careful, calibrated and a little bit cynical.
Yes, as a voter, it scares me to have a president who claims to follow the advice of a "higher authority." Let's not forget that Hitler was also an ideologue. We need a president who believes in doing what needs to be done, as opposed to trying to prove that he or she is right, no matter what. By the way, I am a registered Republican voter.
BERT H. MANZATO
Butler
Unbelievable Bush
Is President Bush nuts, or what? His veto of the $35 billion State Children's Health Insurance Program bill puts the burden on an already hampered health-care system, not to mention denies health care to many needy children.
Why not cut the energy and highway bills? The Bush administration did plenty to aid Medicare for the oldest generations in this country. Now it's time for it to do something for the up-and-coming generation.
CHRISANNE WHITAKER
Downtown
Valued as much?
How much money does each Blackwater contractor (hired soldier) make in Iraq? How much money does each U.S. soldier make in Iraq? Then, do the math as to how much the U.S. government values its armed forces.
D.L. McMAHON
Mt. Lebanon
Look who benefits
It was quite interesting to read that Sen. Jane Orie, apparently on behalf of the people of Pittsburgh, has taken it upon herself to correct a glaring, grievous wrong done to her constituents ("Orie Wants to Punish City for Freezing Parking Tax," Oct. 11).
City Council refusing to lower the parking tax from 45 percent to 40 percent as mandated by the state is a slap in the face to all of us common working stiffs. I mean we could sure use that money.
However, having read in this newspaper that the owners of the parking lots have no intention of returning the 5 percent parking tax to these very same constituents that Ms. Orie has sworn to represent, one has to wonder just who she is actually concerned about.
MALCOLM CHAMBERS
Indiana Township
Bright spots
I would like to thank you for two features in your paper that give me a lift each time I read them. I am referring to "Random Acts of Kindness" and "Raves," which appear on Page A-2.
In today's world, where most of the news is disheartening and upsetting, it is really refreshing and inspiring to read stories of people who have experienced something happy and uplifting in their lives.
I hope your readers will continue to provide you with more of these heartwarming anecdotes and that you will continue to print them.
Thanks again for these little bright spots that just make my day.
GEORGE L. FREAS JR.
Mt. Lebanon
Positive Penn State
Should the Post-Gazette try a novel approach to the front page? How about a positive spin on the students of Penn State University?
Beginning this weekend, Penn State students will be volunteering their time and energy collecting money to help kids with cancer. There are four weekends throughout the school year when students travel mainly throughout Pennsylvania, while some travel across the country, asking for your contributions to assist in this fight.
This concentrated effort, as well as other solicitations, culminates in what is known as the Penn State Dance Marathon, or to those in the Penn State community, THON.
For this marathon, 700 dancers and thousands of supporters stand on their feet for two straight days, with no sleep, constant music, lots of laughter, and many tears of joy, sadness and hope. The proceeds are given to The Four Diamonds Fund at the Penn State Children's Hospital in Hershey. Last year alone, the student body collected more than $5.2 million and this year the hopes are even higher. Over the past 35 years, the students of Penn State have raised more than $46 million.
This is the true image of Penn State students. So, when you see kids out with cans this weekend, pitch in and help.
DENISE SIEGEL LEDERMAN
Monroeville
We welcome your letters. Please include your name, address and phone number, and send to Letters to the Editor, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. E-mail letters to letters@post-gazette.com or fax to 412-263-2014. Letters should be 250 words or less, original and exclusive to the Post-Gazette. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity and accuracy and will be verified before being published.
First Published October 20, 2007 12:00 am
