Letters to the editor
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UPMC, what's wrong with this picture?
On Nov. 13, we learned that the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center plans to open 25 foreign cancer centers. Nov. 14 brought the news that its successful House of Hope (the only program of its kind in Allegheny County) at UPMC Braddock is closing to save money ("Lamenting the Loss of House of Hope: UPMC Cites Costs in Cutting Program That Helps Troubled Moms").
UPMC consistently posts impressive profits though it's a nonprofit, owns hospitals, retirement communities and other property throughout the city of Pittsburgh and the region yet pays no property taxes, is a self-described "global health enterprise" and then abandons local women and children in need.
I really hope UPMC reconsiders its decision.
SUZANNE STEIDL
Mount Washington
Poor decision
I am outraged by the decision to close House of Hope. I understand that these are difficult economic times, but House of Hope is unique. It exists to serve chemically dependent, homeless pregnant women and new mothers -- a population that is not effectively served by other institutions.
It is easy to write off the women who need these services. For those of us who live in the world of the middle and upper classes, those of us with jobs and health insurance, addiction often seems like a personal failing. When members of our communities suffer with addiction, they are more likely to have the resources to deal with their problems. Sadly, it seems that UPMC is more concerned with those of us who have the resources. I am reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 25:40, "as you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me."
I realize that UPMC is not a religious institution, but it operates in the public interest. It is supposed to be concerned with all members of the community, not just those with health insurance. Even in these uncertain times, I have no doubt that there are groups that would gladly provide financial support for House of Hope. However, UPMC is unwilling to disclose the budget of House of Hope. Weighing the costs of programs like House of Hope against the costs of other recent expenditures (a $250 million cancer center in Monroeville or $750,000 to place a logo on the Steel Building) may prove embarrassing to top management.
Perhaps if UPMC bought fewer ads on television or reduced executive pay just a bit, it could afford to continue programs at House of Hope.
ALAN OLSON
Carnegie
GOP disconnect
In recent letters to the editor, words like hypocrisy and outrage have been used to describe President-elect Barack Obama's supposed intent to spread out U.S. tax dollars to those who might need the financial assistance the most. Yet interestingly enough, I have yet to hear those same words used to describe the Republican Party's and the current administration's active intent and practice of spreading the wealth to the top tier of income earners over the last long eight years (and before that, during the dark ages of the Reagan era).
The latest example of this largesse is exemplified by the pending bonuses for the executives of some of the rescued Wall Street and other banking institutions. Trash a company, get bailed out, receive a nice (taxpayer-paid) bonus for malfeasance.
As for liberals being cheap, classless and hypocrites, guess those with closed minds can easily forget a president lying to the American people to start an unjustified war, the limiting of individual liberties, the same president projecting himself above the law of the land (guess what, he isn't the decider, we are!), the largest federal deficit in this country's history, Karl Rove and, lest we forget, Darth Cheney. (Unfortunately and sadly the list goes on and on). And there are always the classics like Watergate, Irangate and the all-time great presidential quote uttered by none other than Ronnie Reagan, "I don't remember." Oh, I forgot, when you are a Republican and/or conservative, it's different.
Unfortunately, most of us cannot afford the same disconnect from reality.
RICHARD E. ZIMMER JR.
Monroeville
Time to say it
The letter from Joyce Faynor disparaging Barack Obama ("He's Earned Nada," Nov. 14) is another typical example of Republican mean-spirited closed-mindedness so prevalent on talk radio or in the Tribune-Review. My question is, what respect has the arrogant, smirking cowboy who's currently in the White House earned?
I cannot understand how some voters can somehow disavow any responsibility for having helped install the corrupt and incompetent Bush administration and for its resultant disastrous failures. The Republican Party's well-deserved electoral rejection is a repudiation that should engender expressions of shame and humility, not petulant contempt.
I've waited eight long years, but now I finally get to say what I heard so often back in 2000 and 2004: "Get over it."
DON FINCH
Harrison
Tragic attitude
In response to Joyce Faynor's letter regarding President-elect Barack Obama ("He's Earned Nada," Nov. 14 letters), it is obvious that Ms. Faynor does not understand the real meaning of respect. Obviously, her head must have been deeply buried in the sand during the last 18 to 20 months, or she would have witnessed a spectacular Democratic victory.
Ms. Faynor, perhaps you should move to a country where you can comfortably use the term "president." We certainly have a whole world where "president" is used for that country's leader. As for me, I pray that President-elect Obama will not only complete the next four years successfully, but also four more years!
It's very tragic that attitudes such as those expressed by Ms. Faynor are still prevalent in 2008, especially when this country has had to endure eight years of a failed Republican administration.
ARDELLE HOPSON
Shadyside
Simply weird
I, too, was a patient of one of the doctors locked out by West Penn Hospital recently ("West Penn Forces Out Group of 4 Doctors," Nov. 8).
I attended the office in Squirrel Hill, and when I called there the person who answered the phone grudgingly said, "There are other doctors here now," refused to give me a phone number to call and hung up on me.
I understand that the group will now have offices in Monroeville, Harmar and Green Tree. None of those places are what I consider in town. I have so far not received any communication about the change and am seriously looking for another doctor. I will, however, not go to anyone who took over the premises.
The whole affair is so weird as to make one feel uncomfortable.
ANITA FELLNER
Squirrel Hill
Hill residents eagerly await a grocery store
The Hill District has been without a grocery store for too many years and thus this community has been noticeably underserved. The decision by the Urban Redevelopment Authority last week is one that has been long awaited ("Kuhn's Picked to Develop Hill District Grocery," Nov. 14). However, while Hill residents may be pleased, this is just one hurdle that has been overcome.
The selection of Kuhn's full-service grocery store will take longer to become reality, and time is precious. A grocery store is critically important to a community's health and wellness. The availability of fresh food in a community of elderly and young citizens makes the difference between a healthy diet and one that is filled with high caloric and non-nutritious foods. Quality foods are also essential because of the prevalence of health conditions that are often found among African Americans.
This grocery store is also important to the health of our community. Once the store is built and open, other economic investments will follow. With such activity, the Hill District can again see more vibrant activity that is reminiscent of bygone years. In addition, and as important, is the turnover of Hill residents' dollars in their own community.
Hill residents will be even more pleased and will experience true joy the day the first Hill District resident shops in the new Kuhn's grocery store after having walked to the store as opposed to having to cross a bridge to shop. Let's hope that joyous day is here sooner rather than later. Let the grocery scanners buzz!
EMMA T. LUCAS-DARBY
Hill District
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 November 21, 2008 12:00 am
