I'd like to take the opportunity to correct the caption in the May 14 editorial cartoon by Jerry Holbert of the Boston Herald in which a battered U.S. economy character is getting his pockets picked by "oil company executives." Rather, he should be shown getting his pockets picked by Congress.
The government takes in far more money in taxes per gallon of gas than the oil companies make. Also, one of the basic laws of economics is that if you increase the supply of something the price goes down.
Two years ago when the Democrats took over the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said they would do something about the high price of gas, which was then about a dollar a gallon less than it is now. They certainly did do something.
If you think the price of gas is too high, then call or e-mail your senators and representatives and tell them to allow drilling for our own oil wherever it is found or in the next election you will vote for someone who will.
JON O'DATA
Rochester
George Yochum came close in his May 15 letter "Judgment Call" but missed the mark. Page One, above-the-fold coverage of a police officer slain in the line of duty is wholly appropriate.
The real tragedy here is not the killing of a young man, but that the community at large always seems to rally behind the young man who disregarded a police order to show his hands, drew a weapon, pointed and fired upon police officers, killing the K-9. If the dog had not been in the equation, one of the other officers would likely be dead, along with Mr. Jackson.
Public safety buildings throughout the city lowered their flags this week to honor an officer, who gave his life in the line of duty. He drew fire away from fellow officers and saved them from being shot. That officer was Ulf.
PETER BALFE
Brookline
The writer is a city of Pittsburgh firefighter.
Regarding letter writer George Yochum's remarks on reserving the front page for pictures of fallen heroes and keeping the death of a "dog" in perspective ("Judgment Call," May 15).
Ulf was a police officer. He is a fallen hero. We'll never know, but Ulf may have saved the life of whomever it was Justin Jackson had in mind when he decided to stop being such a "good boy" and stick that Magnum in his pants.
Mr. Yochum and others who have insisted that our K-9 officers are just dogs should get some perspective on that. God bless all of our police officers, no matter how many legs they use to walk their beats. We appreciate you!
MARIE STAFURA
West Mifflin
As the official issuer of nearly 500 annual licenses, and on behalf of the thousands of people who enjoy playing bingo in Allegheny County, I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank and commend state Rep. Don Walko for leading the charge in helping the charities of our region ("Bingo! Rep. Walko's Bill Will Help Nonprofits," May 9 editorial).
My thanks go to Rep. Walko, as well as all the other area legislators who overwhelmingly supported HB 2204, as they have taken a major step in performing a tremendous service to the charitable community of Allegheny County.
Bingo has been around for quite some time, first coming to our country in 1929. This new legislation amends the current bingo law in Pennsylvania to reflect computer technology and inflation.
Because of Rep. Walko's leadership on this issue, bingo players will be able to now use electronic cards if they choose, play more times a week, play for larger jackpots and even play for progressive jackpots.
With expanded gaming in our state now, these changes are more important than ever. Throughout the county, local fire departments, schools and a variety of nonprofits/charities significantly rely on revenue generated from bingo. Due to the diligent research and work of Rep. Walko, charitable organizations will now have the opportunity to retain existing players as well as potentially attract new ones.
I am asking all bingo organizations and players throughout Allegheny County to join with me in supporting HB 2204 by contacting their respective state senator and asking that he or she consider supporting this important legislation as well when it reaches the state Senate.
JOHN K. WEINSTEIN
Allegheny County Treasurer
Downtown
I have a perfect alternative to the drink tax, and it's not property tax increases: Privatize the Port Authority and get rid of it altogether.
Why should I have to pay close to $500 a month for a car payment, gas and insurance and pay for a bus that I do not ride?
Pittsburgh's answer for everything is to keep taking out of our pockets. Well, what happens when the pocket is empty?
BRIAN JONES
Baldwin Borough
I am a 10th-grade student at Schenley High School. I'm writing this after having just returned from a public hearing at the Pittsburgh Board of Education. At this meeting, citizens voiced their concerns about a variety of things, particularly high school reform. While speaking, they were met with rude behavior, inattention, late arrivals, eating and even inappropriate laughter from board members and staff.
These unseemly behaviors led me to believe that the concerns of the citizens were falling on deaf ears. Perhaps they were not, but if that were the case, I wouldn't know it.
The members of the school board are supposed to be professionals who represent the voters/taxpayers of the city. However, their behavior (along with many of their recent decisions) is not an accurate representation of the community.
It upsets me to see that my only hope for saving my high school from closure lies in the hands of people who cannot bother to conduct themselves professionally at a public hearing. Their behavior is a sad commentary about the way the school board conducts its business.
HANNAH SOMERS
Highland Park
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First Published: May 17, 2008, 4:00 a.m.
