Editor: I agree with Girard Histed's comments (Your Opinion, Aug. 31) regarding the Lackawanna County commissioners and the Lackawanna County Stadium Authority. His remarks about John McGee, whose passion returned professional baseball to NEPA, is right on as well.

Another "kink in the armor" has surfaced with Luzerne County suing Lackawanna County for breach of contract. It's long past due that the commissioners and stadium authority get their act together so that professional baseball can survive and thrive here.

It's also premature to begin discussing building a new stadium when the SWB Yankees can't fill the existing seats in PNC Field. And it's not because the parent New York Yankees haven't put a winning product on the field. The local Yankees just clinched their fourth consecutive International League North title and they can't get 4,000 people to attend a game, and that includes paid season ticket holders.

I've been a season ticket holder since the Red Barons began in 1989. They had few winning seasons, let alone championships, because of poor Phillies support. However, they were able to attract many more fans than the present team.

Why? They did a better marketing job than the present organization. The local Yankees did very well during their initial season. However, attendance has declined every subsequent year.

The SWB Yankees have to develop a better marketing plan to get fans into the seats. That means being creative in the offseason to attract corporate-sponsored games and provide giveaways to the attendees.

The team's marketing efforts should be focused on how to better attract the daily "walk up" crowd. The season ticket holders will always be there; however, there's a drop in that area as well.

Let's hope they can put fans in the seats to support the winning effort on the field. Only then should discussions proceed regarding a new stadium.

PAUL KOWALSKI

MOSCOW

Be good stewards of farmland

Editor: It was not long ago that NEPA was grievously scarred by the coal barons; we are still living with the results of their greed. We are facing another onslaught, as if these 19th century land-rapists were resurrected, in order to continue their gluttonous feast: they have returned in the form of gas drilling companies.

It was not cruel enough that our once beautiful valley was ravished; now it is the farmland. This is a testament to the asininities of our government that sets punitive taxation and regulations on small farms, putting them out of business.

A friend's cousin held a farm that was the oldest in our commonwealth, farmed by the same family for over 200 years. As a result of taxation this farm was sold and devoured by a "developer." This is why our farmers and land holders are considering leasing to the gas vampires.

This evil cannot be allowed to play out. These latest profits will be blood money indeed.

When the latest cancer-clusters arise, when livers are damaged, what will we do? Our pristine aquifers will be damaged beyond reclamation, the soil poisoned. Consider the destruction of life quality: noise, increased traffic, expansion of roadways.

To be healthy, we need the countryside. One needn't be a "fundamentalist" to see the merit in the Garden of Eden story, where our Lord entrusted us to be stewards of the Earth; this trust doesn't include the wanton use of concrete and asphalt, or "fracking" fluid.

Farmers should consider conserving arable land, place it in a trust. Remember your calling to the soil is holy. To nonfarmers with "profitable" land: consider the ugliness you'll bring onto future generations for your quick "thirty pieces of silver."

CHRIS BILARDI

TRUCKSVILLE, LUZERNE COUNTY

Cut lawmakers, limit terms

Editor: Well folks, we're in hot pursuit of Election Day. We're being bombarded on TV, on radio and in the papers by candidates for state and national office.

It makes you wish you could vote for "all of the above," doesn't it? It doesn't? Well, actually that's good. In fact, it's better then good. On the one hand we keep hearing about the soaring costs of bloated governments, while on the other hand we keep hearing from people who want to be part of those governments.

Wouldn't it make more sense if all those folks who claim to know the secret of reducing government actually practiced what they preach and stop trying to get in on the gravy train. The only real way to start reducing the cost of government, especially at the state level, is to start by reducing the size of the Legislature.

Once they've done that, the job would be done. Well, almost done.

I'm in favor of good government. I'm in favor of effective government. I'm in favor of smaller government. So let's start cutting out all the perks of those who govern. Let's get rid of the professional politicians and start hiring volunteer leaders who serve one or two terms and then get out. Any longer and they get so they hate to give up their seats of power.

We don't need powerful legislators in Harrisburg or Washington. We need people who will do the right thing.

ED COLE

CLARKS SUMMIT

Lack of books tells a story

Editor: With Monday's news of the opening of the school year, an interesting item in George Will's column should bring attention to homework.

One of the factors he points out for proficiency in school is "the number of pages read for homework."

Driving past city schools at dismissal times, it is rather shocking to see students leaving without any books in their possession.

Maybe for a good beginning this year students and teachers alike can turn over a new leaf and adhere to the columnist's advice.

MARIAGNES BROWN

SCRANTON

Editor: I write to take a stand on an issue that recently came up regarding a $2.3 million development project that my company, Lapera-Taylor Development, LLC, is undertaking in downtown Carbondale and to tell why I chose to financially invest in the community in which I am also an elected leader.

As the mayor of Carbondale, I support economic growth throughout the city. I understand the importance of revitalizing core communities, like Carbondale. That's why I know my development project at the former J.J. Newberry building will most certainly help with Carbondale's renaissance. After reviewing several buildings, and having no luck finding a suitable space or a willing owner/developer to renovate for a client, I approached the tenant with the possibility of me putting together a package for them. In addition, I fully disclosed this new private venture with the members of Carbondale City Council - who appreciated my ambition to try to retain more than 300 jobs in the city.

One of the most significant hurdles for me to overcome was financing. To get this project funded, I had to personally guarantee the financing through family assets, including home-equity loans on my residence.

Another great project slated for downtown Carbondale is the $14 million Pioneer Plaza hotel/conference/retail center on South Main Street. This monumental venture by Daniel Siniawa & Associates will create another 130 new jobs on Main Street. Pioneer Plaza will be the largest, commercial development on Main Street in the city's history, and it's the first new commercial building constructed on Main Street since the 1970s.

It's clear that both of these projects could have benefited greatly from low-interest loans through Lackawanna County. However they will go on, and in the end, Carbondale, Lackawanna County and Northeast Pennsylvania will be a better place - with a stronger quality of life and an even stronger foundation for future economic growth.

JUSTIN M. TAYLOR

LAPERA-TAYLOR DEVELOPMENT, LLC

CARBONDALE

Wearing helmet common sense

Editor: In response to Thomas Pilosi's letter on Aug. 30 regarding the use of a helmet while riding a motorcycle:

First, I agree that Mr. Pilosi is "not stupid" as he stated in his letter. However, I believe he is not well educated when it comes to motorcycle safety.

As an avid motorcycle rider, I encourage him to meet with some members of Alliance of Bikers Aimed Toward Education and read the annual reports published by the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

NHTSA's studies have proven that helmet use "did not hamper the ability of riders to see traffic or increase the time needed to visually check for nearby traffic" and there were "no significant differences" in the riders' ability to hear the auditory signals regardless of whether they were wearing a helmet or not."

While wearing a helmet may not guarantee survival in an accident, it certainly does lessen the chances of suffering severe brain trauma. Serious head injuries, causing anything from short-term memory loss, inability to concentrate, to coma to death, can severely impact quality of life and not affect just those injured, but their families as well.

With the repeal of the helmet law, both the percentages of non-users and the number of fatalities have grown. Riders need to be made aware of the potential life-saving possibilities of wearing a helmet and make the decision to wear one every time, regardless of what the law requires. It should just be common sense to protect oneself from injury without the legislature having to order it.

Pennsylvania needs to take a stand and amend its helmet law to make helmet use universal for all motorcycle riders. It is not unconstitutional to protect the safety of individuals and society.

MELISSA BENNETT

JESSUP

Have relief wells ready to go

Editor: The New York Times has reported that there are new wells being drilled in the gulf that are 1½-times deeper than the one that caused the disaster. It would seem that a lesson to be learned from the gulf oil spill is to have a contingency plan in place with the proper equipment on hand to shut off any well immediately.

Incredible but true, it took BP nearly 90 days to make one replacement part thatthey installed on the top of the blow-out preventer. Equally incredulous is that the second relief well drilled to bring about a "bottom kill" is still not complete.

I suggest that all wells have a second relief well completed to insure that we do not have to wait three or four months for an oil company to manufacture a part, or to attempt to drill a relief well. Compare the cost of the second relief well to the $20 billion in cleanup expense caused by BP's engineering ineptitude.

EUGENE M. OGOZALEK

SCRANTON

Pleasing enemy

Editor: The Americans who are protesting the building of the Islamic Cultural Center in New York City are handing bin Laden and al-Qaida exactly what they prayed for, a holy war within our own country and the erosion of the freedoms that we cherish and they abhor.

As long as they are revved up and bursting with anger, protest the erection of a church or military recruiting center in Oklahoma City. After all, Timothy McVeigh, a Christian Marine and home-grown terrorist, blew up hundreds of U.S. citizens there and referred to the children who died as "collateral damage."

As an American I won't allow myself to be seduced once again by the same narcissistic, zealous, idiotic politicians who out of revenge and misplaced aggression led us into a needless war with "shock and awe," "mission accomplished," and the weapons of mass destruction farce.

No religion is without its share of murderers and lunatics, and not one faith is blameless in committing atrocities.

Before we prove how stupid we really are by bashing Islam and attempting to link the good Muslims of this country to the scum who actually attacked us on 9/11, we should look in the mirror and ask do we really want to play this anti-American game and embarrass ourselves around the world again?

SUE HAAS

DALLAS

Retain U.S. jobs

Editor: I commend U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski for chastising a national insurance company for exporting many of its back office jobs to India. I agree with him because that insurance company derives much of its income from American customers. As a result, I believe we should buy insurance from companies that primarily employ American workers.

I feel the same way about the Cinram situation. This Canadian company will have removed many hundreds of jobs from our area by the end of the year and this will affect our local economy severely. Therefore, we should buy products formerly made in this area by Cinram and now made in Mexico from companies that make these same products in the USA. We must stop importing much more than we are exporting as our people must have jobs.

WALTER SCHAUTZ

SCRANTON

Editor: The Lackawanna County Adult Education Coalition is a professional organization for adult-education providers, which supports more than 1,000 students, 125 volunteers and 20 staff. Adult and family literacy programs under the umbrella of the Bureau of Adult Basic and Literacy Education work hand-in-hand with local Pennsylvania CareerLinks and Workforce Investment boards to ensure that the needs of the local economy and individual employers are met.

Approximately 18 percent of Lackawanna County residents do not hold a high school diploma, which makes them ineligible for most employment and job-training opportunities. Adult-education programs consistently have demonstrated success in helping Pennsylvanians qualify for a retraining program, or a high school diploma or equivalent, and then transition them to job training, employment, or other post secondary education opportunities.

In the past two years, the adult-education providers in Lackawanna County have experienced reductions approaching 55 percent due to state budget cuts. This has put Lackawanna County adult-education providers in the position to only serve approximately 450 students this year, and has caused our waiting lists to increase.

There also has been much talk about a double-dip recession. In partnership with local Pennsylvania CareerLinks and workforce investment boards, adult and family literacy programs are uniquely poised to address this concern by playing a key role in helping county residents with the skills they need to obtain employment.

The Adult Education Coalition of Lackawanna County urges state legislators to maintain level funding for adult literacy programs at least at their current levels. Local residents in need of these services should contact state representatives to request that these programs be maintained.

DIANE STATSMAN

SCOLA VOLUNTEERS FOR LITERACY

ANITA COLA

LACKAWANNA COLLEGE

ANN JANOWICZ

MARYWOOD UNIVERSITY

Singer chided for off-key remark

Editor: Regarding the Aug. 25 letter regarding the Bobby Rydell performance at the SS. Anthony and Rocco Festival: I also saw Mr. Rydell's show and yes, it would be better suited for Las Vegas.

However, in defense of my pastor:

First, Mr. Rydell did not pick a winning ticket. He performed on Saturday night; the winners were not drawn until Sunday night.

Second, in response to Mr. Rydell's profanity, Rev. David Cappeloni slapped Mr. Rydell across the shoulder. Mr. Rydell then made the sign of the cross in an apologetic manner.

If any "shame on you" should be doled out, it should be directed to Mr. Rydell, who should have known better.

MARIA TILBERRY

DUNMORE

Probe oil prices

Editor: It is very frustrating for three years to get no response from our lawmakers, Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter and Rep. Chris Carney, to my questions about the fluctuating oil prices and the need for Congress to investigate.

When the price of a barrel goes up, the oil companies most always add to the increases, and when the price of a barrel goes down, they generally keep part of the decrease, which affects everyone in this country.

For years heating oil has always been cheaper than gasoline, which needs additives. Why is heating oil now more expensive than gasoline?

I have been after our representatives for three-plus years to hold congressional hearings so that the nation is better informed of what's going on. I testified in 1979 at the request of then-Rep. Joe McDade.

I am more than anxious to testify now. I have a wealth of information that deals with the oil companies' pricing policies.

Our legislators are elected and should answer to all of their constituents. If I don't get answers, it's time to vote them out of office.

BERNARD LAPERA

CARBONDALE

Worthy of award

Editor: In an Aug. 11 story, it was reported that U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski would not sign a letter endorsing Penn State coach Joe Paterno for the Presidential Medal of Freedom, saying he wanted to concentrate on passing the Education, Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act.

What Mr. Paterno has done for education, Mr. Kanjorski and the entire Congress would not accomplish in a lifetime.

Mr. Paterno's accomplishments on and off the football field are too many to share. Through his efforts on the field and in the classroom, he has produced in his students and players leadership and professionalism. Many have become All-Americans and Hall-of-Famers (college and pro). They include Mike Munchak, Franco Harris, Lenny Moore, Lydell Mitchell, Ted Kwalick and many more throughout the country.

And he has taught and produced many successful college coaches during his time at Penn State.

Coach Paterno not only instills discipline in his players, he molds them to become the best they can be in the classroom and in their future professions. He coaches his players not only to do their best on the field, but constantly lectures them on the importance of striving to do their best with their academic studies.

His tremendous accomplishments make Mr. Paterno well-deserving of this award.

ED ZITTERMAN JR.

EYNON

PHIL D'ARIENZO

DUNMORE

Beck a uniter

Editor: John Cole's Aug. 28 editorial cartoon referencing Glenn Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally on that date leads me to two possible conclusions: Mr. Cole decided to make fun of Mr. Beck based solely on his opinion of him, or worse, knowing the purpose of the rally he decided to mock Mr. Beck and our values anyway.

To gather together hundreds of thousands, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s niece, Dr. Alveda King, and various denominations of clergy to speak about bringing our nation back together through the core values of faith, hope and charity, does not seem quite so sinister to me. Thanks to Mr. Beck, I have acquired a recent voracious appetite for re-learning our nation's history. As expected, instead of joining together with Ms. King and Beck, Al Sharpton felt compelled to install his predictable wedge, holding an alternate rally nearby, and Leonard Pitts can be read in the Aug. 30 Times-Tribune whining about how Beck has no business discussing civil rights. Ms. King must not have gotten that memo.

If Mr. Cole would watch or listen to Mr. Beck, he would see that Beck deals only in facts, and exposes people using their own words.

It is a shame that the citizens of our area are forced to read such one-sided "journalism" and that we do not have the option to read opinions from the other side, then search for the truth in between.

I apologize for thinking that we can rebuild our once-great nation by using the tools and mind-set of our founders, and in the apparently nonexistent chance that we could put aside our miniscule differences and work things out as one people, Americans.

RICH MILEWSKI

MADISON TWP.

Editor: As another school year begins, parents are rushing to buy supplies and worrying about whether their kids will make friends. But should they also be worried about school cafeterias?

As a dietitian working to improve school nutrition, I know schools are working hard to serve healthier meals to fight obesity. In a recent School Nutrition Association survey, more than half of schools surveyed are increasing vegetarian options.

Congress is reauthorizing child nutrition legislation and raising standards for school meals. Soon, schools will be asked to serve more fruits, vegetables and other healthful plant foods, and less sodium and saturated fat.

Schools should have access to vegetarian center-of-the-plate commodity foods, in addition to fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes. Studies show that low-fat vegetarian foods can help lower the risk of obesity, Type 2 diabetes and other health problems plaguing children. Children who are introduced to healthful foods early on have a greater chance of developing lifelong good eating habits - and good health.

KATHRYN STRONG

PHYSICIANS COMMITTEE FOR RESPONSIBLE MEDICINE, WASHINGTON

Inconsistently riled

Editor: Regarding Vince Morabito's Aug. 27 letter, let me see if I have this right - it's wrong to impugn an entire religion for the actions of it's most radical "few" across the globe. On the other hand, it's fine to take the actions of one young man in Manhattan (of whom you know nothing about) and assume he was all riled up by the evil Fox News, and that he represents anyone else but himself. The hypocrisy is astounding.

RAYMOND TOLERICO Peckville

Vehicle fees ripple

Editor: How economically clueless can one PennDOT spokesman be?

Of course higher state vehicle fees affect everyone, not just drivers. Every dollar spent by drivers on vehicle fees is one less dollar that will be spent on goods or services, or saved or invested, all of which sustain or create jobs.

Increased vehicle fees on trucks likewise get passed to the consumers of the products being transported, or reduce the wages of the driver, thereby giving the driver less money to spend.

Time for change in Harrisburg.

MARIE A. SCHUMACHER

Scranton

Dollar diminished

Editor: The federal government disrespects the Constitution and ignores the rule of law. Congress' egregious deficit spending and the Federal Reserve's continuous printing of fiat money are marching us toward disaster.

Proponents of fiat money often propagate the terse explanation that commodity-based currency limits the opportunity for economic growth by lacking elasticity.

This is true; the "elastic" boom-bust cycles of the last few decades are not possible with real money. However, steady growth and true prosperity are achievable.

Any tangible commodity, or multiple commodities, can suffice as the reserve for the dollar. Gold and silver tend, throughout history, to serve in this capacity and did in America until 1971.

In addition to restoring a legitimate dollar, the U.S. must allow and enforce contracts between consenting parties that exchange goods or services for a legal commodity other than the dollar.

Despite the trillions of dollars borrowed and printed over the past two years, the economy continually moves into a deflationary decline. With defense and entitlement costs raging, the Congress deficit-spends rather than lowering the standard of living to pay the bills.

Eventually, borrowing reaches the point that our creditors will demand exponentially higher interest rates on our treasury bonds. Exacerbated by the extreme artificial infusion of fiat money into the economy, a complete loss of confidence in the dollar will occur, resulting in hyper-inflation.

When the dollar crashes, the international banking establishment will replace the dollar with an electronic transnational fiat currency

If the U.S. doesn't return to real money, the sovereignty of the American people will be lost because all monetary transactions will occur on a biometric card that can be shut off when a person voices dissent.

VINCE CRUCIANI

Clarks Summit

Drunk on monopoly

Editor: I could not let PLCB union President Wendell Young's Aug. 17 letter go unchallenged.

I have lived in several states that sell alcoholic beverages without direct bureaucratic encumbrances. None experienced drunkenness or minors purchasing alcohol, any more than in Pennsylvania. And when license violations occur, large fines are imposed and repeat offenders lose their licenses.

The article refers to "a Prohibition-era system as if it were 1960;" 1960 was the era of Prohibition?

He says the PLCB uses its buying power to deliver (or does he mean "buy" at) competitive prices. Competitive pricing is in the sales end as much, or more, than in the buying end. It is called efficiency/productivity. How does the PLCB weigh its competitiveness with other states' business models?

Mr. Young cites Sunday operating hours as a plus. If licenses were sold to retail stores, would they close on Sunday? Normally they are open many hours more than PLCB stores.

PLCB stores generate $500 million a year. Please explain how this would be lost if retail stores were licensed.

There would be many more businesses licensed than there now are PLCB stores. Retailers normally operate longer hours and in more areas, therefore more sales taxes would be collected. As for the guarantee of sales taxes not being paid by retailers, is he saying that the state should run all businesses so they are assured sales tax payment?

Destruction of a "nationally recognized system to prevent sales to minors" is a red herring.

Mr. Young says that "the Wine and Spirit Shop system is an asset held in trust for all Pennsylvanians" and should not be destroyed so that a few can profit.

Are there fewer grocery stores/retailers than PLCB outlets?

As for profit, what was he implying in the $500 million figure?

BUD POEHLMAN

Clarks Summit

Now batting

Editor: The time has arrived for the Lackawanna County commissioners and the full membership of the Lackawanna County Stadium Authority board to step into the batter's box.

Yes, it's time to step to home plate and sanction the action to return our Triple-A baseball affiliation to its rightful owners, the people of Lackawanna County.

Attorney John McGee, Mr. Baseball, has worked long and hard to advance the legal case for reclaiming our franchise. He has found the legal grounds - a federal anti-trust lawsuit - to nullify the egregious political decision that placed public ownership of our franchise in perilous straits.

To ensure that the winning run will score, he has added to the roster the best player he could find, Eric Cramer, a highly qualified member of the law firm of Berger and Montague, which specializes in such legal actions.

John has the fans rooting for the home team, as evidenced by the money he had raised to initiate the action.

Now the responsibility rests with the majority commissioners and all five of the board members, to give the green light to Mr. Cramer to initiate the suit and drive the winning run home.

Yes, send that winning run home and place uncontested ownership of the Triple-A franchise where it originally and rightfully belongs - into the hands of the people of Lackawanna County.

John Fogerty, in "Centerfield," about the joys of baseball sings "Put me in coach, I'm ready to play today…"

Are the commissioners and board members "ready to play" for the joy of their constituents? Time will tell.

GIRARD HISTED

Archbald

Editor: When George W. Bush was still president, the Congressional Budget Office proved conclusively that the largest contributor to the national debt was the Bush tax cuts, accounting for 48 percent of the debt. Domestic spending contributed 15 percent.

Only 32 cents of every dollar of tax reduction in the highest bracket makes its way back into the economy. That's because people who have all the money they will ever need, don't spend or invest, they put it in savings. Most of the other 68 cents gets tacked on the debt. For every dollar paid out for unemployment benefits, $1.60 goes into the economy. That's because people out of work have to spend every dollar.

The Bush tax cuts are up for renewal. The CBO now says allowing the tax cuts to expire for incomes over $250,000 will reduce the deficit by 30 percent overnight. Eliminating all domestic discretionary and entitlement spending, aside from turning the United States into Haiti, would reduce the deficit by, at best, 15 percent.

Some say that would place an unfair burden on the rich. But the IRS reports that the richest 400 families in the U.S. pay a 16.6 percent income tax rate on an average annual income of $352 million. That's less than a third of what they paid in the 1950s. If the Bush tax cuts expire, the rate will revert to what it was under President Clinton.

Over the next 10 years, the Bush tax cuts would contribute more to the U.S. budget deficit than the Obama stimulus, the TARP program, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and revenue lost to the recession - combined. Now a TV ad says it's the Democrats' fault because of a "spending crisis." Facts don't seem to matter any more.

WAYNE WARNER

CLARKS GREEN

Helmet provides no guarantee

Editor: Regarding Edward Gavin's Aug. 15 letter: I don't think any old-time motorcycle rider like myself thinks that putting on a helmet is going to save your life.

I've been riding motorcycles for more than 50 years. I am not stupid. I wore a helmet for 40 years and most riders you see without a helmet are most likely not driving far or on the highway. Anyone with common sense is going to put on a helmet when driving on the highway because bugs don't taste good and beetles hurt.

Vision and hearing often are impaired with a helmet on. I buried a lot of brothers who all wore helmets.

Instead of thinking you're only safe on a bike if you have a helmet on, be prepared for inexperienced and stupid drivers. You need to be prepared for the worst scenarios. With or without a helmet your life can be jeopardized.

It took years and a lot of rides to Harrisburg for us to finally get this law; let's not let it get reversed.

Let those who ride decide. If you don't like the law, put on a helmet.

THOMAS PILOSI

TAYLOR

Nonhunters due more consideration

Editor: This time of year we hear complaints about overpopulation of deer causing crop and landscaping damage, vehicle accidents, etc. We can thank the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Wildlife agencies, as well as hunters who are only a one-digit minority.

These agencies exert absolute control over our wildlife and exploit it for their own benefit. They intentionally create the overpopulation of deer for targets and waste millions of dollars annually propagating game species for sport/trophy killing. Regular hunting seasons are scheduled after the breeding period is over, thereby guaranteeing an overabundance of deer to kill next year. Hunters do their part by killing more males than females after mating season is over, leaving more fawns born for next year for recreational zealots to kill.

The Supreme Court declared: "Wildlife is held in trust for all citizens." To me, this means government would be responsible for the protection of wildlife for the benefit of all citizens. It would also indicate that wildlife could not be exploited by any segment of the population at the expense of the rights of other citizens for whom it was held in trust. In fact, wildlife management has been operating with utter disregard to anything resembling this declaration.

Wildlife agencies need to begin representing the overwhelming nonhunting majority, and benefit all species, not just species for trophy hunters. All nonhunters, including hikers, bikers, joggers, nature lovers, nature photographers, bird watchers, etc., should have a say on how our wildlife is protected and managed.

SILVIE POMICTER

CHINCHILLA

Spay 'game'

Editor: A recent front-page article concerned the successful rehabilitation of six black bear cubs, from different areas, that had been orphaned and are being returned to the wild.

Yet there is no mention as to whether these cubs were spayed and neutered while in captivity so that they will not add to the growing population of bears statewide. It would have been easy to have these cubs fixed and it would not have interfered with their lives if they never reproduced.

All captured bears should be sterilized as a standard procedure in order to control and reduce their population.

Of course the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which is operated by and for hunters, would never allow such an action. After all, it is due to the agency's use of game management (which is based on sport/trophy hunting), not true wildlife management (which works with, not against, Mother Nature) that has contributed to the explosion in the bear population and the increased number of "nuisance" bears as well as bear-vehicle collisions in recent years.

No, according to the PGC biologists the only way to control bears is to trap and relocate them, preferably to a game land or other hunter-intense area where they can be shot in the name of sport, excuse me, I mean management.

More bears equal more hunting licenses sold and hence more money, and that is what the game is all about when it comes to the PGC and other hunting-based public agencies.

DAVID KVERAGAS

NEWTON TWP.

Need key details

Editor: After reading "Stroud Police Shoot Two Dogs" on page A10 of the Aug. 25 edition I have a few questions that were not answered in the article.

If, as reported, the dogs were shot and then transferred to Creature Comforts to be euthanized, why were they not killed at the site of the shooting? The article stated that the dogs had killed cats, mauled a deer and charged an officer. Did these dogs have owners, and if so are the owners being held legally responsible for their animals' behavior?

I certainly understand the need to have these dogs euthanized but I do not understand the officers' decision to not put the dogs down immediately at the site. Shooting anything, and then leaving it in pain while it is being transported to be euthanized, should simply not be an option regardless of the circumstances, especially by a police officer.

If there is a viable reason for the decision the officers made - rabies testing, etc. - I do think that information should have been provided in the article.

Leaving an animal to suffer needlessly is not worthy of a human being. Partial content and "blurb" reporting is not worthy of The Times-Tribune.

CHRISTINE STARKWEATHER

MILANVILLE, WAYNE COUNTY

Editor: I have been following with interest the discussion in The Times-Tribune regarding the payment of PILOTS (payments in lieu of taxes) by not-for-profits.

This problem exists in many cities that house the preponderance of not-for-profits in their respective counties. Asking for voluntary PILOTS generally has proved less than satisfactory. A few not-for-profits respond but many more do not, some because they are fiscally unable.

A better long-term solution is the creation of "not-for-profit" office parks where agencies can rent space from for-profit realty companies, avoid costly building maintenance and repairs and concentrate 100 percent on their mission. The property then remains on the tax rolls and it encourages private investment and development. Many larger not-for-profits have created for-profit realty companies that manage many of their properties and thus limit the amount of properties that are off the tax rolls.

However, one has to also commend the University of Scranton solution, which has been to fund beautification projects in Scranton, such as the Mulberry Street project. These types of projects, if municipal projects, would be funded through the capital budget and would add to the long-term debt of the city.

In today's economy, most cities would be unable to afford such projects despite the fact that beautification projects attract businesses and development to a city. This type of project has a huge positive impact on the city, far more so than the payment of a PILOT to the operating budget.

The fact that this newspaper has sponsored such a meaningful dialogue on this topic is also to be commended. Getting everyone at the table is the first step to meaningful, long-term solutions.

BARBARA LEE STRANGFELD

CLARKS SUMMIT

Use county staff for planning

Editor: If the Scranton City Council had agreed to approve the Scranton-Abington Planning Association, it would have been making government larger with a duplication of services. Subsequently, it would be costly to the all city and county taxpayers.

The Lackawanna Regional Planning Commission is designated by the state Municipality Planning Code to be responsible for policy decisions concerning a county-wide planning program and recommendations on subdivision and land development proposals and local land-use regulations. The commission oversees economic development and infrastructure planning, via the county's annual Community Development Block Grant program funding.

The commission has nine board members appointed to four-year terms by the county commissioners. The commission is headed by the director of the Department of Planning and Economic Development and has six full-time paid staff members to carry out the various state-mandated planning activities and numerous additional activities throughout the county.

The commission could become more proactive by developing a countywide comprehensive (master) plan in collaboration with county municipalities.

Why create a SAPA with taxpayers' money, when the taxpayers are presently paying for the county's professional planning staff? It would be a waste of taxpayer's money.

OZZIE QUINN

SCRANTON

Selective outrage on environment

Editor: I live in Susquehanna County, where gas wells are presently being drilled around me. I don't have a well and won't, because I don't have enough land, so royalty checks aren't influencing my opinion.

When the Pennsylvania Constitution regarding "right to clean air, pure water, etc., for generations to come" is quoted and used, I'm a little confused why the furor is only directed at gas well drilling. Where is the outrage at billions of gallons of raw sewage going down the river, expanding landfills and what goes in them, or quarry/crushing operations? Are these are all healthy, positive experiences for us? Why isn't someone keeping a daily record of each and every infraction, minor or otherwise, and reporting it?

Where is the objection to building shopping malls, office buildings, apartment complexes, schools, factories, housing developments, etc., that will forever change the landscape and impact the environment? Shouldn't we put a moratorium on all future construction because of the negative influence it will have?

Green grass is already growing where wells have been completed and pipelines have been put through which will never happen for many of the above. Of course, there are problems that need to be addressed, as there are with any project, but the "Chicken Little - the sky is falling" mentality is really getting tiresome.

CAROL GRIFFITHS

HOP BOTTOM,

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Bad timing for disruptive change

Editor: With all due respect for Bishop Joseph Bambera, the new translation of the Roman Missal is not a "great blessing." (Diocese preps to use new missal translation, Times-Tribune, Aug. 27.)

The last thing the faithful need as they continue to make sense of the worldwide sex scandal, the merging of parishes, and the closing of churches and schools is a clumsy, grammatically poor new wording of the Mass that was muscled through in spite of much controversy.

This new translation is not just a few words here and there. It is a complete reworking that is going to entail not only the relearning of prayers but also the learning of new musical settings to fit the new words - not to mention the expense parishes are going to endure as they purchase new worship aids.

The faithful have had enough, and they don't need this further disruption to what they have grown to know and love over the last 40 years.

If any are interested in finding out more about what people are saying about this, they can log onto whatifwejustsaidwait.org.

MARION EAGEN

CLARKS GREEN

Editor: Enlisted sons and daughters who put their lives on the line to protect us are entitled to 30 days of paid vacation every year. There is no additional vacation time for their families.

The commander in chief's vacation time should be the same as the troops he commands.

The present holder of this office has far exceeded vacation time and needs to be reined in.

Further, I am unaware of seeing his wife's name on an election ballot. Separate vacations for her and her family should be paid for out of the husband's salary.

This 30-day vacation time should also be applied to our Congress. Family-and-friend trips overseas, taken under the guise to investigate conditions, should also be paid out of their salaries.

We have consulates with ambassadors and their large staffs in almost every country in the world who are to provide all necessary information required. If Congress cannot get required information we have the wrong people in charge and they should be replaced.

Our elected employees act like they are royalty and continually abuse the public trust. At the upcoming elections vote out all incumbents as a message that we are again a government of and by the people.

CHARLES MYSKOWSKI

Lake Ariel

Conserve first

Editor: I am writing to respond to the Aug. 20 story, "N.J. power official warns of overloads if line not built."

There was never any non-transmission alternatives analysis undertaken by any party before the Susquehanna-Roseland transmission line expansion was approved by the utility boards. How can this be so, when the proposed expansion would have a large, permanent, negative environmental impact on public lands?

Privately preserved parks and wetlands, forests and migratory birds would be harmed forever if this is allowed to go forward.

The great majority of people commenting at the Aug. 19 meeting were against the power lines and for good reason. Not only would the much taller towers and many more wires be a permanent eyesore, just the construction would negatively impact soils, forests and threatened and endangered animal and plant species.

It is time to innovate, to power our nation and New Jersey in a way that causes the least amount of harm.

By increasing energy efficiency measures, energy conservation and demand side management, we can cut down our energy usage. Conservation is the energy of first choice.

By installing smart meters, performing smaller upgrades of existing lines and constructing more local and renewable generation, we can forge the power system of the future.

And that's just the beginning. There are many new technologies being developed to help us achieve a cleaner and healthier energy supply.

AMY HANSEN

Asbury, N.J.

Profit prescribed

Editor: The closing of Burke's Pharmacy was terribly sad and unfortunate news. Patients across the state should mourn the passing of yet another independently owned pharmacy. It is a sad day when such an important part of a community closes its doors for good.

Even more troubling is the reason for many pharmacies closing - the hand that insurers such as Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and pharmacy benefit managers, such as Express Scripts, have in forcing it to happen.

Unfortunately, my condensed quote in your paper did not express the magnitude of this problem. I did not say I did not blame Blue Cross. I said its decision to allow their Express Scripts to essentially force patients towards mail order pharmacy was totally profit-driven and wrong and, unfortunately, happening all over the country to the detriment of patients.

To have Express Scripts contract to "manage" the pharmacy benefit and, at the same time, drive everyone to its self-owned mail order pharmacy is ludicrous and anti-competitive. The reimbursement being forced on local pharmacies is below the cost of the service and medications. What company can stay in business doing that?

It is a shame more people are not aware of the huge profits posted by PBMs such as Express Scripts and the ridiculously high salaries that their CEOs are paid.

I wish the media would help shine a light on this problem before all of our small independents close. When competition is reduced, prices increase. PBMs and insurers are not about saving you money; they are about making money for themselves.

PATRICIA A. EPPLE

Executive Director, Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association Harrisburg

Help pension fund

Editor: About 79 percent of Pennsylvania is perched atop Marcellus Shale, which hides vast natural gas reserves. Not only can this resource provide an alternative energy source, but a big financial benefit for our state.

Under current law, natural gas is not expected to significantly increase the local tax base or tax revenues for local governments. Unfortunately, about 45 of the 50 school districts with the lowest relative wealth in the state - are within the Marcellus Shale region. Of the 250 districts below the state's median aid ratio, 207 are located in this region.

The expansion of drilling in the Marcellus Shale region will further compound existing challenges in these districts, since exploration and extraction require specialized manpower. While the hope is that many Pennsylvanians will be trained for these jobs, initially this expertise is arriving from out of state. Research shows that other states where gas extraction has been going on have seen tremendous population growth. Denton County, Texas, has witnessed a 133 percent explosion in its rural population.

A 2008 study from Penn State confirmed that Pennsylvania can expect similar population shifts. What are the consequences of hundreds or thousands of new families arriving in rural communities?

Local school districts certainly will feel the strain. They almost certainly will be forced again to turn to property taxpayers, or to eliminate programs, if alternative resources are not found.

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association advocates legislation to provide a local share of severance tax revenue to the communities and the school districts immediately impacted by drilling and extraction, and dedicate a portion of the state's share of severance tax revenue to mitigate the unfunded liability of the Public School Employees Retirement System. The state has been searching for a way to shore up the school pension system and it could make a significant dent.

Let's not waste this opportunity to bolster funding for public education and take a bite out of the pension crisis.

THOMAS GENTZEL

PSBA, HARRISBURG

Editor: The state DEP did reverse its decision on Alliance Landfill's expansion, as noted in Tom Scarnato's recent letter.  After years of exhaustive evidence and testing by many different government and health agencies, the decision can best be summed up by the recent conclusion presented at Old Forge High, "Alliance does not pose any threat to life, health, or safety to area residents."

Mr. Scarnato refuses to give up his catchword, "dump," when Alliance is an engineered sanitary landfill fully regulated and safe.  The word "dump" is used to scare as it conjures up the toxic dump memories in Old Forge.  Tom cries environment, but yet cannot show a "deep" harm. He cries health but after 20 years, cannot find a sick person. He speaks of irreparable harms, but cannot name one that compares to his town dump.

Arbitrary words like suspect, mitigate, contrary, "what if."  Keep in mind, no violation at Alliance ever compromised health, safety or environment. The fines and violations are mostly a revenue-generating extortion method.  And to date none of the violations on Alliance, by which the state generated hundreds of thousands of dollars, ever were proved to be a threat to health.

The irreparable harms to the residents of Old Forge came from Mr. Scarnato and his small group, and a wolf that didn't exist.  To be more exact, this was a $42 million wolf.  Scared off forever. 

RON ANISKA

Taylor

Slow gas 'invasion'

Editor: The people pleading loudest for a moratorium on natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania are not "environmentalists." They're actually regular people who teach our children, drive the school buses, work in our grocery stores. They're people who have minded their own business for years, went about raising their families, working, paying their taxes. And suddenly, these people have awakened to threats of economic and environmental carnage they never thought possible.

I'm one of those people. And having never been an "activist," I'm amazed at the complacency of those who continue living their lives as if this industry of destruction isn't steamrolling straight for their doorsteps. Do they not realize that the natural gas industry is relying on that complacency, that we are on the threshold of a return to the days of the coal barons, and that after the drillers are done they will leave us in worse shape ?

Right along with our children's school buses, there will be thousands of trucks filled with toxic chemicals roaring down roads leading in and out of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre.

There isn't a single fire department in the area capable of handling a major spill or a well blowout, and the nearest emergency response team is in Texas. The only emergency response plan is evacuation. There are well pads being constructed within a mile of Lackawanna State Park. I know that 70 percent of the jobs in the industry are going to people from out of state, not to Pennsylvanians.

Now that you know it's not just tree-hugging radicals protesting this industry's invasion, are you concerned? Write your legislators. Tell them to demand a moratorium until this industry gets the kinks worked out.

VIRGINIA CODY

Factoryville

Overdue harvest

Editor: Diane Marinchak (Your Opinion, Aug. 8) seems to have a jaded view of the drilling going on around her.

She places all her knowledge on a bankrupt state to our north and two somewhat biased viewpoints taken from "Gas Land" and "Split Estate."

Problems arise when you mess with Mother Nature but she is forgiving.

When given a chance she will take good care of us, but when she tells you there is methane gas in your ground water, when you don't listen or smell and tell someone about it, shame on you. The people who lived there many years ago knew about the methane gas and didn't blow anything up or didn't die from water poisoning; they were smart enough to live with what Mother Nature had given them and now they are reaping there harvest so long overdue.

PAUL OLENIACZ

RUSH TOWNSHIP, SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Use current site

Editor: For years the mosque in lower Manhattan, several blocks form the World Trades Center site, has been a place of worship.

The building that houses the mosque needs to be replaced.

Why not allow a new mosque to be built on the same spot?

That doesn't seem to be the plan.

Not only is the mosque to be built but a cultural center 13 stories high.

Our Constitution gives us the freedom to worship and build houses of worship. Is a cultural center a house of worship?

I believe this is what's causing all the fuss. New York City Council, permit and zoning boards should not give permission except to make improvements or replace the existing mosque.

ESTHER REUTHER

Scranton

Send bill to Newt

Editor: The first successful act of terrorism since 9/11 recently took place in New York City, and, if you believe all Muslims are the enemy, you can score one for the Red, White and Blue.

If it had been a Muslim slashing an innocent born-and-bred-in- the-Lower-East-Side cab driver in the face and neck, the groundswell for the U.S. bombing of another country back to the stone age would commence.

But it was a 21-year-old American college student, Michael Enright, who asked the cabbie if he was a Muslim, and who proceeded to attack him after receiving an affirmative to the question, "Are you a Muslim?"

The last I heard, the cabbie, a Bangladeshi immigrant who has been on the job for 15 years, will make a full recovery and likely will soon be able to resume making a modest living for himself and/or his family.

In the meantime, I would send his hospital bills to the three addressees that are all at fault for wielding the assault weapon or, by theirrancid rhetoric resurrected from the McCarthy Era, inciting the use of it: Michael Enright, Newt Gingrich and FOX News.

VINCE MORABITO

Scranton

Editor: My neighbors have a gas well. I don't have a gas well because I don't know enough about gas wells.

Did all my neighbors know, when they all had the freedom to join with a gas drilling company, that my freedom could be taken away due to "fair pooling?"

Did they know that a private piping company could become a utility and cry "eminent domain" to tear up my land so my neighbors' gas could be delivered for the good of private wealth?

Did my neighbors know that their freedom to use their land as they want would take away my freedom to use my land as I want?

Did my neighbors know the risks they forced me to deal with - air, water and land quality, devalued property, unsafe roads?

Did my neighbors know they could trust the government, the drillers, the land managers, the stockholders to do the right thing for all?

Did my neighbors know Article I, Section 27 of the Pennsylvania Constitution states: "The people have a right to clean air, pure water, and to the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. Pennsylvania's public natural resources are the common property of all the people, including generations yet to come. As trustee of these resources, the Commonwealth shall conserve and maintain them for the benefit of all the people."

I am glad my neighbors know they have the freedom to do what they want with their land - I pray they never know the fear of losing that freedom - as I have.

BAMBI ILKU

SPRINGVILLE,

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Set high standards

Editor: Gov. Ed Rendell, the newspapers have reported that you are considering legislation that would empower gas companies to drill beneath the lands and pristine water wells of people who had refused to allow any drilling on or beneath their private property.

It seems likely that such a travesty may be approved by you and the Legislature.

Proper democratic and equitable principles, however, should govern officials eager to furnish the gas drilling industry such legal license for environmental and property destruction:

n No legislator who has an economic tie to the industry should be permitted to vote to allow such drilling.

n If the water and our air become contaminated by pollutants from gas drilling, the commonwealth immediately will reimburse the full legal expenses of any person who suffers such damages.

n Law must ensure that sufficient escrow funds have been established by the companies to provide a minimum of treble damages to injured parties and to correct any contamination in the distant future, long after the companies have banked their money offshore and run away.

There should be no taxpayer-financed Superfund bailouts for the gas drilling industry in Pennsylvania. There should be no Love Canals 20 years from now.

BP had to put its treasury on the line in the Gulf, and every gas drilling company should be required to likewise pledge its treasury.

Your legacy, sir, may well be what you make it with this issue.

JAMES F. HILL

STARLIGHT, wayne county

Lost in the weeds

Editor: I have lived in my North Scranton neighborhood all 79 years of my life and I have never seen it in such a condition.

I live on East Parker Street at the top of Heerman Avenue, where I was raised. It was so nice when I was a child. Now, when I go down Heerman Avenue, the brush and weeds at the bottom of the street are growing out into the road. When you want to turn down Dean Street, the burrs and weeds are so thick you can't see to turn. On Dean Street near the railroad track and onto Amelia Avenue, there is nothing but brush and weeds.

I'm ashamed to have my relatives visit. Our mayor should try to walk up North Main Avenue from Dean Street where Pond Avenue comes out.

There are no decent walks; it's all overgrown. It's the same on West Market Street going up to Keyser Avenue.

This city is a mess in many parts.

ELIZABETH TITUS

SCRANTON

GOP's screwball

Editor: I hope that our justice system and the baseball world come to grips with the painful reality of another steroid-enhanced athlete.

The insult of Roger Clemens' lies before Congress were only exceeded by those few congressmen who willingly took his side.

Clemens had been a huge supporter of our previous president. So when Clemens appeared before Congress, therein lies, pun intended, the image of a mean-spirited Rep. Dan Burton, R-Ind., lecturing Brian McNamee, "Roger Clemens is a baseball, he's a titan in baseball, and you with all these lies which are not true, are destroying his reputation. Now, how does he get his reputation back?"

As was the case in those dark ages, our Republican "leaders" were utilizing partisan issues in order to "Republicanize" every news event scrolling across your screen. Did Burton have any thoughts with respect to how calling McNamee a liar might destroy McNamee's reputation? I would think not for Burton; McNamee was a Democrat, Clemens was a Republican.

Clemens is so full of himself, he still believes he never took HGH. If he got away with throwing a broken bat at Mike Piazza in the World Series, he could get away with lying to Congress. In Clemens' mind, Piazza was the Democrat, and Congress was still Republican. Too bad Piazza didn't throw the bat right back at him. Maybe now our justice system could do it for him, and then Burton could tell us what he meant by that titan remark.

MARK ANTHONY SREBRO

FACTORYVILLE

Rendell strikes out

Editor: At a time in which the "leaders" of Pennsylvania tell us that there is not sufficient money to fund libraries, to provide road and bridge maintenance, and in which the layoff of government employees is threatened, we learn anew where our priorities lie as Gov. Ed Rendell has the gall to proclaim his support for a $20 million state contribution to a Lackawanna County stadium. The governor's spokesman, Gary Tuma, seeks to defend the indefensible by asserting, "It's good family entertainment. It's a community asset … baseball can be an economic catalyst."

We elect individuals with the naïve and erroneous belief that they will look out for the interests of the general public. The message from this governor and many of his cohort in the General Assembly is, "We serve special interests whose schemes rarely intersect with the general welfare of the citizenry." The taxpaying saps always are left holding the bag.

In the years to come, we may very well experience one or more bridges falling due to depleted PennDOT coffers. If that happens, there will be blood on the hands of those who failed to provide critical funding. I suppose that if we were to endure such a preventable calamity, Mr. Rendell would urge residents to find consolation in that at least we can enjoy publicly funded baseball in Lackawanna County.

Regrettably, we state residents do not have the power to recall elected officials who betray us, so where do we turn when leadership abandons ship and irresponsibility and lunacy commandeer the vessel of government?

OREN SPIEGLER

UPPER ST. CLAIR

ALLEGHENY COUNTY

Editor: The protesters with their misspelled anti-fracking signs at Cabot's Aug. 14 picnic in Montrose weren't the only faction of the picnic's attendees to have come for reasons other than to express happiness with Cabot. Nor were they the only faction to have their jug of water censored at the event (Driller's picnic draws many, Aug. 15).

I came with a jug of water of a different variety, and that got censored, too, by the same rent-a-cop.

In my case, he didn't violently grab the jug from me or otherwise injure my wrist, as we read about him having done with one of the anti-frackers who had brought her anti-Cabot well water. He simply escorted me off the grounds with my jug, courteously and "for safety."

I wonder whether, perhaps, this courtesy difference had anything to do with my having confused him? After all, my profile didn't fit that of an anti-driller or a pro-driller. My jug of well water was still very drinkable and - as my homemade label on it implied, not coincidentally - was from a water well that's closer to a gas well of a company that has demonstrated an ability to drill and frack in Susquehanna County without ruining any of the groundwater thereof, than to any Cabot gas well.

Cabot achieved its goal of "safety" indeed - safety for its apparent agenda of continuing to skimp on aquifer-protection measures when working around Susquehanna countians' aquifers - by obviously instructing its rent-a-cops to ensure that at its picnic there would be no discussion or even drinking, since that could lead to discussion, of actual local groundwater.

TOM FROST JR.

LENOX TWP.,

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Swearing goes unchallenged

Editor: On Aug. 14, I had the good fortune to enjoy the combined St. Anthony's/St. Rocco's Italian Festival in Dunmore. The food was authentic old world. It was outstanding.

Having previously worked at a Pocono resort where Bobby Rydell appeared frequently, I found the Bobby Rydell show mostly as fun and vibrant as ever.

My purpose in writing, at the expense and risk of taking away from the great folks of the combined parishes and Rydell's mostly great show: At the end of Rydell's last set, he was asked by a priest to pull a winning raffle ticket. At this point Rydell, standing at the priest's side, began mixing a good deal of profanity, which wouldn't shock most at a Las Vegas show, at night, with no children around. When you use the name of Jesus Christ in vain, however, especially with children in the audience - at a picnic celebrating the community of Christ - you are crossing the line of no return.

I do not know who the priest was, but his discomfort and half smiles every time Rydell vainly and profusely swore Jesus Christ's name in Vegas style bravado, were apparent as true cowardice. He shirked his duty to call to attention that, in the process, Rydell was blatantly taking rapid shots at him, standing in for Christ, but most importantly at Jesus Christ. Shame on you, Father!

It was no fun to send this letter. Yet, I do not apologize. I believe a great injustice was turned on God and perhaps, as well, on a well-intentioned man, the priest - an injustice that easily could have been turned to a moment of great joy to those looking for Christ's goodness to win out in a precarious situation.

JOE MASSARA

WYOMING

Vital funding

Editor: Thank you to U.S. Rep. Christopher Carney and U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski for voting for the Education Jobs and Medicaid Assistance Act, which will send approximately $668 million in additional federal Medicaid aid to Pennsylvania.

Legislators who voted in favor of this bill demonstrated true leadership. They recognized that despite the potential political implications, programs that support Pennsylvania's most vulnerable citizens - including our children, our disabled and our elderly - would have been severely, negatively impacted without this funding.

Without this aid, Pennsylvania's nursing homes most likely would have faced funding cuts that would have jeopardized caregivers' jobs and ultimately, also jeopardized the quality of and access to nursing home care. Already, nearly two-thirds of our commonwealth's nursing home residents rely on Medicaid to pay for their care, and for each one of them, the cost of their care exceeds the reimbursement for that care by an average of $14 a day, or $5,000 a year. Each year, it gets harder and harder to continue to provide the kind of care that our elderly loved ones want and deserve.

We owe it to our seniors - the men and women who fought our wars, labored in our factories and built our communities strong - to ensure that compassionate, quality care is there for them when and where they need it.

DONNA SOWCIK

ADMINISTRATOR

SCRANTON HEALTH CARE CENTER

SCRANTON

Dignity prevails

Editor: Thank you to Shawn Murphy and Matt Clemente for their letters in Saturday's Times-Tribune regarding Tom Marino's recent campaign tactics.

In his attempt to discredit U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, Mr. Marino has shown his real colors, resulting in a backlash of support for our 10th District congressman. On the home front, we congratulate Mr. Carney for choosing to be with his wife, Jennifer, for her surgery. In Washington, Mr. Carney has shown his commitment to working on a bipartisan basis. Mr. Carney's profile in private life and national service brings dignity to elected office, and respect for his family and constituents.

MARY GERE

SOUTH MONTROSE

Right balance

Editor: As a woman and a breast cancer survivor, I was appalled by the recent insensitive comments made by candidate Tom Marino toward U.S. Rep.Chris Carney, who chose to be at his wife's side during her breast cancer surgery instead of remaining in Washington.

It is important to me as a voter to know my legislators are capable of balancing dedication to family, constituents and country, as Mr. Carney has shown.

His commitment to family, the 10th Congressional District, and country indicate he has the essential qualities that will again make me proud to vote for him in November.

CYNTHIA C. STEVENS

NICHOLSON

Not broke, why fix?

Editor: Can anyone tell me why they want to spend $40 million to remodel PNC Field? Is the roof falling down? Do the seats need repair? Lights?

This stadium clearly is not in disrepair. If any county taxpayers think this stadium needs repairs, take a ride up to Fenway Park in Boston. It makes our stadium look like the Taj Mahal.

Better listen to John McGee before we end up with another pink elephant.

CHIC ARMBRUSTER

DUNMORE

Editor: There is a point where reporting and the quest for readership go too far.

The Aug. 21 online version of The Times-Tribune brought something into play that we're seeing more and more of lately. I quote with innocent name removed, "The chief and Police Chief ... declined to release the names, saying other family members had to be contacted. The names of the family members were confirmed by Stacy Brown, a family friend and a staff writer for The Times-Tribune." This is the updated online version of fire coverage with names of victims, family and friends listed blatantly and proudly.

This stepped over the line of ethical reporting, good judgment and generally any sense of community or empathy. This article could have been researched and reported without divulging personal information pending notification. And it is surely not the fault of those interviewed standing by who were probably in shock or stepping back from working at the scene and spoke only in reference to questions asked. I am sure most, if not all, did not realize all loved ones had not been notified. This was tabloid reporting. The damage was done sadly. There was no need to warn the masses of any impending dangers. In-depth investigative and intrusive journalism was not justified.

Once published, especially online, it cannot be pulled back. Search engines, RSS feeds, social websites and blogs have brought us past the point of The Times-Tribune running the show anymore. You can edit letters or choose not to print what you don't like. You can delete or update articles or delete time stamps. Doesn't matter anymore, it's out there.

Bless this family. My thoughts and prayers go out to them. I hope that no unwitting reader of The Times-Tribune painfully learned of the death of a family member or friend before police and/or family were able to contact them.

COLLEEN E. SCOTT

DUNMORE

Managing Editor Lawrence K. Beaupre responds: The Times-Tribune does not withhold basic facts of news stories when they are known to us. In this case, the identities of the family members involved in this tragedy were widely known, including to a member of our own staff, and readily verified.

Protect river, release trout

Editor: A recent Pennsylvania Outdoor Life segment along the Lackawanna River showed the Pennsylvania Fish Commission using a safe and harmless method of shocking the water to stun the fish for safe capture, processing and release.

I spend a lot of time fly fishing the length of the Lackawanna River, and it was surprising to see so many healthy, strong wild brown trout. I hope the commission takes steps to protect this resource with more stringent regulations in light of the proposal to remove up to one million gallons of water a day from the river in connection with the natural gas drilling. Allowing the removal could prove deadly to the fish. The river already runs very low during the summer months.

I'd also like to emphasize the importance of catch and release, or the proper care of the fish once caught. It is vital to revive the fish, not just toss them back in the water. Although there are great numbers of wild brown trout in the river, the dangers of a decline lay in wait with the impending water removal and other environmental and natural factors.

Anglers have no reason to contribute to this by removing or harming the fish. Today most everybody has a camera phone or digital camera to capture a permanent image of the fish they caught to show to others.

As an advocate of safe and quick release, and proper methods of catching to ensure no harm, I ask anglers to do their part to insure that fish thrive. Hopefully the politicians and fish commission will follow suit, and take action to improve the river, not worsen it.

GEORGE M. AULISIO

TAYLOR

Right turn ahead

Editor: Although there may have been differing interpretations of the Atlas cartoon (Editorial cartoon, Aug.2) there is no doubt that the remarks of Joe Hannon's opposing view to Karen Dempsey's were unnecessarily vitriolic and somewhat intolerant.

Mr. Hannon's derogatory attitude of Ms. Dempsey's concern about over-taxed businesses (Atlas's heaviest load if you read the book from whence the cartoon originated) was astounding. Of course, they're out for profits; why else would they be in business? Who do you think provides the jobs needed for a thriving economy? Certainly the union-based government jobs aren't helping: they're just another layer of the bureaucracy that's putting our country into deeper debt.

His accusatory "greed of business" isn't what is driving jobs overseas. It's the over-regulation and taxation of the government. It's the greed of unions, taking the dues of hapless members and using them for their special interests and failing pension plans. Unions are also responsible for huge local job losses, as their demands force companies that would, yes, actually like to make a profit, out of town to more job-friendly areas.

Mr. Hannon suggests Ms. Dempsey turn the key to the left to see his point of view. Sorry, sir, turning the key left isn't going to work for her any more than it's going to work for the country. Voters are going to be showing you, and the entire nation what really works for America's best interests when they turn the key right in November's mid-term elections.

NANCY RICHARDSON

MORRISTOWN, N.J.

Reverse decision

Editor: The state Department of Environmental Protection use of the harms/benefits comparison to render a decision is a prime example where a government agency acted contrary to its legal task to protect the safety and health of the public.

Alliance Landfill's compliance record was so bad that there was no way to mitigate the numerous negatives of its previous denial. The impact on the environment was deep, yet the decision makers decided to vacate their responsibility to the public strictly to enhance the state's budget.

The credibility of DEP remains suspect and the first phase decision is a sad commentary.

The DEP should close down this dump. The irreparable harms to Old Forge residents should not be tolerated.

I suggest DEP vacate its decision and move to provide an environment as extolled in the Pennsylvania Constitution, where safety and health are paramount for all.

In its decision that benefits outweigh the harms, I respectfully suggest DEP get a new scale, because its present scale is unbalanced and unjust. We must restore the environment conducive to restoring human dignity.

THOMAS SCARNATO

OLD FORGE

Editor: In an Aug. 17 letter, a writer expresses frustration that while "American helicopters (are) dropping care packages to flood victims in Pakistan . . . some of them will be assisting the forces that will be launching rocket-propelled grenades at the very same helicopters." The writer also bemoans the fact that "Millions of Americans live in the streets and are on the brink of poverty. Yet, our own government ignores this. Where is the aid for these people?"

I understand the writer's frustrations regarding aid assistance in Pakistan. Unfortunately, he is correct in that there are always those who will take advantage of the system and hurt those who are attempting to help them. The good done still far outweighs the actions of a few fanatical groups or individuals, though. It has been proven that humanitarian efforts help change perceptions of the United States. (in addition to any moral reason). Pakistanis who witness the U.S. offering humanitarian aid are experiencing something they would never see watching local television broadcasts of their countrymen being killed or of fellow Muslim countries being invaded on specious grounds. To cease aid efforts merely because of the actions of a few fanatics is - forgive the raging cliché - like throwing out the baby with the bath water.

I also agree we should be able to address our own issues of poverty and homelessness. We have decided as a people what we will and will not allow in this country, though, and we have thus far chosen to leave these inequalities largely unaddressed. Tax cuts for the wealthy? Deregulation of corporations? Engaging in numerous wars? No problem. But until we decide that we value the strength of our society more than we value power and unbridled capitalistic greed, gross inequalities will remain.

WAYNE R. WHEELER

SCRANTON

Don't deny youth valuable outlet

Editor: I would like to address the public school officials in Pennsylvania who are considering charging families for their children to participate in sports. I would also hope these board members are brought out in the open and held accountable for such an outright social injustice.

Students who participate in sports not only experience lifelong friendships and lessons, but they also accelerate socially and academically while moving forward in how they shape their future.

I spent almost every afternoon and evening of my high school career either practicing or playing a high school sport. Leadership skills learned during this time opened up avenues in college that did not exist for students who did not participate in extracurricular activities or sports.

If a student cannot afford to attend a class trip to Europe, so begins the lessons of class disparity in America. However, when a young student is told he cannot play basketball because his family can't afford it, so begins a social inadequacy so extreme that I would like to sit down with school officials in Pennsylvania sponsoring anything even resembling pay to play in regard to school sports.

I'm guessing this is just an isolated discussion by some board members who never had the opportunity to play on a team.

KEVIN HAGGERTY

DUNMORE

Safety concerns

Editor: I fear the kiddie rides at Nay Aug Park in Scranton are an accident waiting to happen. On Aug. 14, I was there with my young niece. I was shocked at the safety issues, and won't go again until they are addressed.

I had to try three different "rocket ships" before I found one that didn't have a broken seat belt. This ride also had a panel off in the center that is supposed to cover moving mechanical parts. With it not fully bolted on, animals could get in there and chew and damage wires and build nests.

The young ride operator was texting while operating the merry-go-round. There were two young boys jumping on and off horses the entire time the ride was in motion. The operator glanced up from his texting frenzy and didn't say anything to the boys.

Perhaps the most horrifying is that the operators did not close the gates to the rides while they were in motion. A young child could run into the ride area while it is in motion and be struck by a moving "rocket ship" or "flying banana."

It should be priority number one to make sure the gate is closed before turning on the ride.

HILLARY FINCH

CLARKS SUMMIT

Why bug parkers?

Editor: I can't understand why city officials would make it harder for people who work in Scranton to find free parking.

If Scranton needs to raise money, why doesn't it look at the high wages it pays to the people who run the city and stop spending on stuff Scranton doesn't need?

Take a ride around Scranton and look at how many homes are for sale. People who live in the city can't afford to make it as it is. Property taxes are high and the wage tax is the highest in the state. Instead of making our city appealing, they are making people move out.

Downtown Scranton used to be a place you could go with your family and see the storefronts and walk around. Now, you can't do this, other than walking around the mall or going to a place to drink.

The city of Scranton is going downhill fast. So at the next election, study what the candidates want to do with the city and vote accordingly. Otherwise, we will have a real ghost town.

JOHN WILLIAMS

SCRANTON

Outta here

Editor: Kudos to the koffee-klatching Scranton woman who recently fended off a pair of home invaders with a pot of Joltin' Joe, swinging with a passion that would have made Mr. Coffee himself envious.

The only way the story could have "bean" any sweeter was if she had asked her self-invited guests, "Would you like one lump or two?"

VINCE MORABITO

SCRANTON

Don't bleed RC

Editor: In the news last week, there were stories about a radio station and the Scranton Fire Department conducting events to raise funds for the American Red Cross.

A few weeks ago your paper had a story about Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty going to the Red Cross and Marywood University asking them to contribute funds to the city.

Why would Mr. Doherty go to a place like the Red Cross, which counts on contributions to make money, and ask then to contribute to the city? The Red Cross is the definition of a nonprofit.

Ask Marywood University, yes, and the University of Scranton, absolutely. The Red Cross no. The U of S continues to take properties off the tax rolls and meters off the streets, but Mr. Doherty won't ask it to contribute more to the city. Why?

LES SPINDLER

SCRANTON

Editor: As we've seen in the news lately, it appears there is an opportunity for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre to finally get the updated ballpark we deserve.

The commonwealth just gave the effort towards fixing the stadium or building a new one a tremendous boost by agreeing to contribute $20 million for renovations of PNC Field. But this money does require a local match.

There is speculation that if we sell the team to the Yankees we will lose our franchise. That seems like nonsense. The Yankees have committed to a minimum 20-year lease if they buy the team. I bet they'd go longer if we provide them with a great facility. In my interactions as a sponsor with representatives of the SWB Yankees, they have consistently said they want to build a great long-term business here. It makes the most sense since we're the closest city with a Triple-A franchise to the Bronx.

According to Lackawanna County's own study, more than $13 million worth of repairs are needed just to keep the building operational. If we don't sell the team and use that money plus the contributions from the state to either update or build new, significant local taxpayer money will have to be spent just to keep the current facility afloat. That's "good money after bad." 

On the other hand, we get the commitment of the Yankees to be here for 20 years at least. We get funding to build a great new ballpark or truly renovate PNC Field.

Let's not be afraid of the speculation of losing our team. Let's realize that the Yankees and the money from the state are the solution to a problem, rather than the problem itself. Let's build the facility that we can be very proud of for years to come. We deserve no less.

MIKE AMORY

DALLAS,

LUZERNE COUNTY

NY state of mind on cultural center

Editor: Being from Scranton, now living in New York City, I find it extremely interesting when people like me state our opinions about what is happening in our home city and are met with responses such as:

"It's not your business, you don't live here, you don't have the right to talk about what goes on here."

At the same time, they are infusing their opinions into what we are doing here in Manhattan. I find these to be statements of ignorance.

Quite simply, they who say that we don't have the right to state an opinion about what's taking place "back home," then, in effect, don't have the right to tell us how to live our lives on this island that I call home.

The cultural center will be built. It's according to our laws and the laws of our nation's Constitution.

I ask people back home to go to family history and find when they or family members were looked at suspiciously by their neighbors during World War II because of ancestry, race and religion. It happened. My family told me so.

I live in a place where people from all parts of the planet have decided to call my island "home." To say we can't have a cultural center because it will be built by people of the Muslim tradition is beyond me.

I was here on 9/11. I saw and smelled death. I am sensitive as are others.

However, I am an American and all are free in my country to build, pray and share.

RICHARD SEDLISKY

NEW YORK CITY

Straight path, but not answers

Editor: The comments by David Schleicher, a PPL vice president, in the Aug. 13 Times-Tribune, show just how the corporation is attempting to mislead the public regarding the proposed Susquehanna-Roseland high-power line.

The PUC did approve the proposed line. When was the last time the PUC told PPL no on any similar proposal? It is almost standard procedure for the PUC to rubber-stamp PPL requests, despite what the public says otherwise.

Those 22 public open houses prior to the PUC approval were a waste. At the ones I attended, there was no one who could answer even basic questions.

Utilizing the current right of way does not minimize the impact on the environment ,as the path is only partially cleared and probably thousands of acres of trees and wetlands will be adversely impacted via clear cutting for the new, larger towers.

Utilizing Plan C, which is the direct route along Interstate 80, would bypass the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, eliminating the destruction of four miles worth of protected natural habitat, as well as damage and private property value depreciation along the other 95 miles of the current route.

How does cutting a new, wider swath through 101 miles have less impact than following Plan C, which is far shorter and more direct along the path of an established interstate highway?

Not a single PPL employee at various events has been able to answer my questions as to why the two northern routes were even proposed over the direct eastern route.

The proposed line adversely impacts my home. It will take an additional 10 acres directly and forever destroy the value of tens more via its proximity along just one small section of the 101-miles route.

DAVID KVERAGAS

NEWTON TWP.

Shift focus

Editor: I've been reading Times-Tribune articles about the NEIU and the money Fred Rosetti, Ed.D., is getting for accrued sick and vacation days.

It definitely makes for interesting reading. However, Dr. Rosetti didn't make the rules. I would think the executive board and its solicitor are responsible for contract. Put their pictures in the paper and write about them.

Dr. Rosetti is a brilliant gentleman, a class act, who served the NEIU with distinction for many years.

MIKE ROGAN

ARCHBALD

Stacked lineup

Editor: It was a very sad Thursday to see our proud and prestigious Marywood University used as a press release for the invading army of gas drillers.

Our Sen. Bob Casey repeatedly said "we've got to get it (drilling) right." Well, senator, our state Department of Environmental Protection has issued upwards of 10,000 drilling permits and they haven't gotten anything right so far.

Our state officials and the lobbyist in chief, Kathryn Klaber, were able to make the most outrageous comments regarding the greatness of the drilling - without anyone on the panel like an environmental group to counter their statements.

Marywood and Sister Anne Munley, I.H.M., Mr. Casey, we expected better of you.

DEP and Marcellus Coalition, a marriage made in hell.

JOHN KURILLA

CLIFFORD

Editor: I do not know Jennifer Carney, wife of U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, but I understand that we have at least two things in common. The first is that we both have been treated for breast cancer.

As any woman who has been afflicted with this potentially lethal disease knows, the time after diagnosis is often fraught with periods of enormous anxiety and bouts of depression. Deciding on a course of treatment and then undergoing surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy usually takes every bit of strength a woman can muster.

The other way in which Mrs. Carney and I are alike is that we both had our husbands at our side during all of this experience. When I awoke from the anesthesia after surgery, my husband was there to hold my hand and reassure me that everything would be all right. I considered his presence every bit as essential to my recovery as was my surgeon's skill.

I can't imagine what it would have been like had he not been there.

It was with absolute incredulity, therefore, that I learned that candidate Tom Marino has criticized Mr. Carney for choosing to be with his wife during her recent double mastectomy rather than in Washington, D.C. Suggesting that it was "convenient" to be with her at that time, Mr. Marino insulted not only the congressman but also Mrs. Carney, implying, as such a heartless comment does, that the congressman was merely using Mrs. Carney's surgery for political cover.

One applauds the actions of a public servant who can balance the needs of his wife and family with service to his constituents.

SHAWN W. MURPHY

DALLAS, LUZERNE COUNTY

Civility lacking

Editor: In this era of poisonous partisanship a candidate's ethics are essential. Part of the purpose of a campaign is to determine a candidate's system of values. Civility is an integral aspect of public ethics. Civility in politics is concerned with one's willingness to put his country ahead of his party.

Compromise is essential to democracy, while civility is necessary for compromise. When politicians perceive politics as a zero sum game, as we have seen, gridlock emerges and partisanship runs rampant.

Therefore, we must be watchful for candidates who are willing to do or say anything to help their party get elected, for it is probable that as elected officials their principles will likewise fall by the wayside in the face of political expediency.

Tom Marino's recent campaign tactics appear to indicate that he is devoid of any sense of civility. In a regrettable display of indecency, Mr. Marino attempted to make political hay out of the fact that U.S. Rep. Chris Carney could not co-sponsor a bill the day legislation was introduced because the congressman had to leave Washington to be with his wife before her breast cancer surgery. Moreover, this unfair and inaccurate attack came when the congressman was unable to respond because he was actively serving in the Navy Reserve at the time.

This brand of repulsive political opportunism has no place in Congress. I realize that Americans are frustrated, but as a Republican, I simply cannot support Mr. Marino and his politics-as-usual tactics. We cannot be so passionate that we elected an ethical incompetent.

As someone who has proved to be willing to work across party lines, Mr. Carney is part of the solution, not the problem in Washington.

MATT CLEMENTE

BEACH LAKE,

WAYNE COUNTY

Bad deals

Editor: I agree with the Aug. 17 letter from Catherine Miaris that was critical of the pay packages awarded to North Pocono administrators.

Something needs to be done. The school district's past and present hirings should be closely scrutinized. Members of the school board should be ashamed of themselves. They have no compassion for the retirees in this area.

DIANNE PARTYKA

MOSCOW

Editor: Did two members of Scranton's Zoning Board call the pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ a liar? Apparently, and I find that offensive.

The pastor testified under oath that the former Trinity UCC parish house was used primarily for children's Sunday School, which consisted of a worship service followed by their Bible lesson. According to the the zoning board majority this is not worship. Until Wednesday night I did not know worship was age-dependent. Could this be age discrimination?

If the pastor says the parish house has been actively used primarily for religious and/or spiritual worship and the Constitution says we all (I assume this includes children) have a right to worship according to the dictates of our own consciences, how can two people say the pastor is wrong if young people and their adult teachers consider what they have been doing is worship? As a substitute Sunday School teacher I believed I was worshiping with the children. Little did I know I wasn't, at least according to the two members of the zoning board.

Fortunately the Albright Memorial Library has recently added Westlaw. Black's Law Dictionary defines worship as "Any form of religious devotion or service showing reverence for a divine being" - no mention of children excluded. There is case law which states the ordinary meaning of the term "church" contemplates a place or edifice consecrated to religious worship where people join together in some form of public worship. I believe the pastor was correct and deserves an apology.

While I concede there may be noise and ambient light issues, there are ways to deal with these but that was not the issue before the zoning board.

MARIE A. SCHUMACHER

SCRANTON

Respect out door

Editor: After watching the broadcast of last week's Scranton Zoning Board hearing regarding the right to worship in a building at 510 Prospect Ave., I was outraged by Judy Gatelli's blatant racism, disrespect and ignorance shown to members of the clergy and parishioners who testified. She was representing the South Scranton Residents Association.

When a group of people is referred to as "those people" or "these people" it comes across as bigotry. Our ancestors who came to this country once were considered "those people."

As for the building, for years my mother was a Girl Scout leader at the parish house. For sure there was lots of music, games and loud girls running outside at 9 p.m. waiting for their parents to pick them up. And the spotlight was on until the last girl was gone.

We have prayed, sung hymns - yes, worshipped in that building. I believe those are the activities that define a church.

As to activities in the building pending its sale, I attended rummage sales, dinners and other functions there. When the Rev. Harrison Putnam answered Mrs. Gatelli's question, she as much as insinuated that he was lying.

Mrs. Gatelli should get her facts straight before pointing any more fingers at "those people." Remember "those people" are doctors, lawyers, clergy and working people just like us and deserve as much respect.

There is no excuse for the disrespectful way Mrs. Gatelli treated Rev. Putnam and the Rev. Edwin Benitez. Her behavior was just wrong.

SUSAN BONNEY

SCRANTON

Insensitive attack

Editor: Tom Marino, the Republican candidate for Pennsylvania's 10th Congressional District , demonstrated insensitivity to Jennifer Carney, the wife of U.S. Rep. Chris Carney, and their family.

As the Times-Tribune reported on Aug. 4, Mrs. Carney underwent surgery for breast cancer on July 30. It is most unfortunate that Mr. Marino elected to politicize this very personal event.

Mr. Marino criticized Mr. Carney's failure to vote on HR 5939, which prohibits taxpayer money from funding abortions, on July 29. Mr. Carney was reportedly returning home to be with his wife for her surgery and to support her in what any woman would deem "a difficult time." Just a few days after Mrs. Carney's surgery, her husband, in his role as commander in the Naval Reserve, was called to active duty.

Mr. Marino accused Mr. Carney of not being a strong pro-life advocate and that he "used his wife's surgery as an excuse" to avoid the vote on HR 5939. Every woman can empathize with Mrs. Carney, who most certainly expected and appreciated her husband's presence while she underwent surgery for breast cancer.

In addition to politicizing Mrs. Carney's health crisis, Mr. Marino suggested Mr. Carney's service to his country shouldn't get in the way of him representing the 10th District.

In the span of a few days, Mr. Carney supported his wife, their children, and our country. In contrast, Mr. Marino sat comfortably in his office. His actions are not deserving of the support of women who have or had health issues like cancer, women who count on emotional support from their partners or husbands in times of distress and women who believe their families should come above all else. Mr. Marino does not represent me.

PATRICIA J. FOX

HOP BOTTOM,

SUSQUEHANNA COUNTY

Tax dollars at play

Editor: The Aug. 14 Random Notes begins with the statement "nothing attracts readers like a good story about their tax money."

If that is so, why have we not read a wire story, or an editorial, or even an editorial cartoon regarding Michelle Obama's recent extravagant boondoggle to Spain - all at taxpayers' expense.

I can only recall a brief letter to editor, and mention of the trip also in a Maureen Dowd column. I know your readers would be interested in knowing how their tax dollars are being spent.

BERNARD HARDING

WAVERLY

Relief vanishes

Editor: A recent article in The Times-Tribune noted that money from the casinos is being used to lower our school taxes by an average of about $200.

I said, "Wow, let me check that out." We had recently received our school tax bill. The bill is $52 higher than the previous one.

I called the tax collector, who checked and informed me that I had received a $210 reduction credit from the casinos.

So if we have to pay $52 more after receiving a $210 credit, it means they raised our taxes by 16.5 percent over the previous year.

If these tax increases continue and they keep cutting Social Security and Medicare funding, and we can't get any interest on our CDs, it won't be long before they tax some of us out of our homes.

JOHN FLOOD

CLIFFORD TWP.

Editor: David Kveragas in his letter to the editor of Aug. 14 has it right about the Scranton-Abingtons Planning Association. Scranton City Council must be held accountable for refusing to look over its self-constructed fences and understand the benefits of regionwide planning for land use and balanced growth.

The expressed purpose of professional planners and knowledgeable volunteers who worked countless hours creating the SAPA document was to bring together our area using regional zoning tools. Regional planning leads to balanced growth and potentially to revitalization of our somewhat distressed area. Admittedly, both the concept and the document are complex but council must read it and understand that adoption of this plan is adoption of the future.

Council voted down the future with a rant about distressed city money, senior citizens and wanting 10-year cost projections. Money is a red herring, as the Scranton city planner was involved in the SAPA planning process and readily incorporated the project into his workload.

There is no dollar cost to adopt SAPA. Cooperation in the regional planning process will open Scranton to additional revenue streams. A spin-off of not adopting (the other communities voted to join last year) denies Dunmore a seat because of the shared boundary. The Dunmore Borough Council should be concerned that Scranton City Council is controlling its planning opportunities.

Scranton City Council's insistence on being an island will hurt the city and region. Council must reconsider the city's role as a leader in our growth. Otherwise Scranton will be left behind. If council requires a parachute it can always evaluate the achievements of the projects and, if continued cooperation hurts Scranton (which it will not), the then-sitting council can remove Scranton from the plan.

ELLA S. RAYBURN

SCRANTON

Muslims should display sensitivity

Editor: I commend Ross Douthat (Op-ed, Aug. 17) for his appreciation and understanding for equal rights as well as his compassion for the Islam faith. I don't share his wealth of tolerance, however. Having seen the worst of human beings, I am graced with a cynical side.

That this country is a melting pot makes it the greatest country in the world. These different perspectives allow us to grow not only as a nation but as human beings. In the case of this proposed mosque, however, I must say that I am simply not ready.

Why build a mosque two blocks from Ground Zero? Perhaps, just to see if it can be done. Our Constitution says it can. But, should it be done? For me, too fresh are the memories of thousands of innocent Americans being needlessly murdered for the twisted beliefs of a religion taken out of context. Too vividly can I hear the screams of comrades writhing in agony on some faraway desert floor. I am simply not ready.

I do not believe the people who plan to worship at this proposed mosque nor the imam share the views of terrorists or support those misguided individuals. I do believe sensitivity and tolerance are two-way streets.

I ask that the Muslim people apply tolerance, understanding and sensitivity to this situation. What's more important? To educate and promote tolerance or to have the common sense enough to realize that sensitivity and understanding work both ways? Can a mosque be built there? Without a doubt, yes. Should a mosque be built there?

If these folks consider the sanctity of that location, all that occurred there, and the continuing struggle and pain of loss of life that will persist as a result of what happened there . . . well I'll leave that answer to Mr. Douthat, those who share his perspective and the good people who will worship at the proposed mosque.

STAN LASKOWSKI

CARBONDALE

Overcome fear, hatred, prejudice

Editor: Our country has endured some dark and shameful days - driving the Native Americans from their land, slavery, the Japanese internment camps during World War II, segregation, to name a few - but we have always believed we've learned a lesson and such transgressions would never be committed on our soil again.

Yet, here we are, presented with an opportunity to demonstrate our nation's resilience, that we are a country that will uphold the tenets established by our forefathers that so many have fought and died for and we are once again cowing to unfounded fear and prejudice in fighting the establishment of the so-called "Ground Zero Mosque." The proposed building is not a mosque, but a community center. It is not located at ground zero, but two blocks away.

To castigate all followers of a religion for the actions of a fanatical few is demeaning and unfair. Few of us would desire to be characterized by the more fanatical fringes of the groups with which we align. To penalize and hold all Muslims responsible for the horrific acts of 9/11 is the antipathy of our core beliefs as Americans.

There are few among us who do not hang our heads in shame when reminded of the moments in our country's history in which we reacted with fear, hatred and prejudice. Do not allow this to be another one of those times.

Do not fight the building of mosques and Islamic centers, wherever they may be; do not treat Muslims as second-class citizens in their own country, for they deserve the same religious freedom enjoyed by every American. If we allow ourselves to be swayed by lies, ignorance and fear, when will it end? Today the mosques; perhaps tomorrow it will be the synagogues, the next day the churches. In an intolerant society, it is only a matter of time until you are no longer tolerated.

LEAH LIND

THROOP

Promoting division

Editor: Once again, on the world news, the whole thing was about the "Ground Zero Mosque." There is no such thing. The group in New York does not want to build a mosque on Ground Zero. I've been there, the site is a couple of blocks away.

I guess I missed the day in my American history class when they said that the U.S. Constitution was changed to "freedom of religion to everyone who has the same beliefs we do." I thought that we were all allowed to worship in the way we want, when we want and where we want.

Your Aug. 17 editorial cartoon was right on. This is just another example of conservatives doing anything to rile up the country behind a cause that does not exist. Isn't it time, as good ol' Rodney King said, "we all just get along"?

MARIE OBREMSKI

SCRANTON

Editor: Community ownership of the Triple-A baseball franchise is the critical ingredient in the professional baseball project kicked off in 1984 by attorney John McGee and former county commissioners Joe Corcoran and Ray Alberigi. The Luzerne County commissioners also understood this and came to the table with 50 percent of the purchase price in 1988.

The history of minor league baseball is littered with deserted cities and empty stadiums, as many private owners move to where they think they will make more money. And there is nothing more important than making money for the owners when out-of-town profiteers own a franchise. Recently the privately owned Richmond Braves left a metro population of 1.2 million without baseball. A few years before that Canada's capital city, Ottawa, and its 1.1 million regional residents lost its Triple A team. We bought and moved our franchise from Maine.

According to published reports the New York Yankees/Mandalay demanded an option to buy our Triple A franchise and insisted that Mandalay Sports be contracted to manage Lackawanna Stadium as a condition of a signing the player development agreement that made us the Yankees farm team. It is possible that including those demands in the negotiations violated baseball rules, and invalidates the purchase option. Major League Baseball should be asked to determine if we were bullied, and can be excused from the purchase portion of the deal.

Attorney Eric Cramer is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School, and is a senior fellow of the American Antitrust Institute who lectures nationally on anti-trust, public policy and complex litigation. He believes that the deal also violated federal anti-trust laws

This option was secretly negotiated by the now-indicted Bob Cordaro, during which time he was publicly promising that the franchise was not for sale. If Mandalay has any regard for integrity it would also want the deal examined for legality before it rips our franchise away from the people who paid for it with their tax dollars.

Negating that sales option would restore the stadium authority's leverage to make the best deals possible with the Yankees and Mandalay or follow a better path.

It would allow us to know for certain that Triple A baseball is here to stay.

Mr. McGee deserves our support, and we all deserve the opportunity to have the Cordaro agreement tested for legality. In fact, it really should not be optional to fully follow the law.

BILL RISSE

clarks green

President correct on rights, equality

Editor: Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, 110,000 Japanese-Americans and Japanese were forced into "relocation camps." President Roosevelt authorized "exclusion zones" from which the military was allowed to remove people deemed to be dangerous.

This outrageous denial of constitutional rights to a segment of the American population that was seen as "different" ultimately was acknowledged as a moral and legal travesty. In 1988, President Ronald Reagan signed legislation that apologized for this injustice. The legislation pointed out that the policy of exclusion occurred because of "race prejudice, war hysteria, and a failure of political leadership."

The recent controversy regarding the building of a mosque near Ground Zero suggests that we have arrived at another point in our history where some Americans wish to "exclude" a certain group of fellow Americans, in this case Muslims, from exercising the constitutional rights that all citizens enjoy.

I would like to applaud President Obama's recent statement reminding us that on 9/11 the United States was attacked by al-Qaida, not by all people who happen to profess the Muslim faith, and that Muslims in America have the same rights as all other Americans.

Sadly, in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor there was no voice to be heard defending the rights of Japanese-Americans. This time, fortunately, there has been no similar "failure of political leadership," at least at the top. Thank you, President Obama, for reminding us that in America constitutional rights and equality are the very life blood of our democracy, no matter how unpopular that message might be to some. They are infinitely more important than poll numbers and popularity.

LEN GOUGEON, Ph.D.

MOSCOW

Full sweet ahead

Editor: As a 50-something baby-boomer, I have fond memories of the days when the breakfast cereals I pestered my parents to pick up had free toys inside that were made in America.

The word "sugar" was often proudly emblazoned on the boxes. There were Sugar Smacks, Sugar Crisp, Sugar Frosted Flakes, etc.

Then the boys of Battle Creek decided that their products would be better off without the dreaded "S" word, to be replaced by, if any adjectives at all, more dental-friendly ones like "Super."

But even after removing "Sugar" from the boxes, childhood obesity became a bigger problem.

Moguls of the morning meal adopted a "To heck with it approach" and decided to name their cereals after the most decadent of desserts, serving us dawn delights like "Cookie Crisp Chocolate Chip Cereal."

There's now a new cereal called "Cupcake Pebbles."

I think I'll hold out for the "Pie a La Mode Shredded Wheat" or the "Cheeseburger Bran Flakes."

VINCE MORABITO

SCRANTON

Free to opine

Editor: I thank John Delevan (Your Opinion, Aug. 14) for his service to our country. Words do not do justice to the vets who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms all Americans enjoy.

In his letter concerning whether we should apologize for the bombing of Hiroshima, he said that people should not have an opinion if they did not fight.

Mr. Delevan's serving and fighting for our country during that time gave us freedoms such as the freedom of speech so we may express our opinions.

I am not a veteran, but I have an opinion and no apologies are necessary.

BILL RONCHI

DUNMORE

Getting warmer

Editor: I was excited to see paving equipment coming to East Scranton. But they didn't make it to the disastrous section of Ash Street. They actually paved Richter Avenue at the ball park.

What is keeping the city from paving the 2300 block of Ash Street? It is so bad, it's almost embarrassing to live here. I have contacted everyone I could possibly think of to tend to this matter.

PHYLLIS PITCH

SCRANTON

Deal too good

Editor: The sale of Lourdesmont School to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf for $2.4 million (Aug. 17) may be a fair deal, but the proposed sale of the Scranton State School for the Deaf complex for just $500,000 is rather difficult to understand.

Giving away the SSSD for at least one-fourth its value makes no sense. Something does not add up here.

PAUL S. EWASKO

GLENBURN TWP.

Editor: I am appalled and disgusted, although not surprised at the most recent situation regarding a school administrator taking advantage of the schools and the taxpayers. The retirement package awarded to NEIU executive director Fred Rosetti is outrageous.

He obviously did not act alone in finagling such an extravagant retirement compensation package for himself.

I have the last of three children going through the North Pocono School District and, after the last couple of superintendents, I am left wondering why, when there is so much on the line, there isn't a little more scrutiny given when filling these positions.

Maybe people in such important positions who are trusted with the development and future success of our children should be compensated on a merit-based scale. Good job, good compensation. Mediocre job, mediocre comp, etc.

I know something has to be done. When schools aren't up to state standards and programs are being cut all over the place, administrators shouldn't be running away with hundreds of thousands of dollars.

CATHERINE MIARIS

MOSCOW

Whistle-blower becomes target

Editor: The recent banning of the Rev. William Pickard from visiting Lackawanna County Prison highlights the growing trend toward obfuscation and cover-up as current policy. How else could the refusal to admit Father Pickard, a regular visitor at this prison, to the bedside of beaten prisoner Nicholas Pinto, be seen?

The accusation of Father Pickard "pushing" the poor dainty guards is ludicrous - and sickening - because it is a measure of the present arrogance of the prison administration.

For several years, this prison has defied the laws it claims to uphold. One refusal after another to comply with legal requests belie the stated desires to cooperate. And now they besmirch a man of courage and deep religious conviction - Father Pickard.

This trend to crucify the whistle-blower is a fast track to the end of democracy. I may also say it's a mockery of the Christian religion which, when practiced, includes the faithful visitation of prisoners. This practice, a part of daily life, allows us to see the prisoner, as human and as brother, sister, father, mother, and most specifically as loved child of God.

Have we forgotten that as we rush to put more money in our bank accounts, more people in privately owned prisons, more of our souls in the Dumpster?

ANNE J. RYAN

SUSQUEHANNA

U of S Press loss blow to region

Editor: I'm writing in support of the University of Scranton Press, which is on the verge of being closed at the end of the summer. More than a professional loss to me, this will be a loss to our community at large.

The Press was founded in 1988 by the Rev. Richard W. Rousseau, S.J., after he was approached by several faculty members for manuscript and publishing assistance. Today the Press publishes 20-plus titles a year under Director Jeffrey L. Gainey, formerly of the University of Notre Dame Press, and Patricia Mecadon, who worked her way from secretary to production manager.

I met Father Rousseau when he was president of the Artists for Art Gallery. My first job after college was working part-time as AFA's gallery coordinator. Father Rousseau gave me the opportunity to design the few book covers published each year. It sparked my decision to risk starting my own graphic design company. With the Press as my first client, my company grew, allowing me to remain in the Scranton area.

Along with publishing faculty members, the Press has taken on countless stories based on the richness of culture and resources of NEPA. Subjects and titles range from "The Art of Stained Glass, Church Windows in NEPA"; "Anthracite!"; "Wales In America, Scranton and the Welsh"; "Urban Capitalists"; "The Rise and Fall of Scranton Municipal Airport"; "I'll Fly Away, WW II Pilot Jack Race's Lifetime of Adventures"; "Pennsylvania Seasons, Commonwealth Images and Poetry"; and "The Best of Joseph X. Flannery," to name just a few.

To me the Press represents support of local businesses and authors by highlighting culture and history in our community. Isn't that an important part of what we are trying to preserve in our region at this time?

TRINKA RAVAIOLI

CLARKS SUMMIT

U.S. goodwill reaps retaliation

Editor: It puzzles me to see American helicopters dropping care packages to flood victims in Pakistan. Yet, weeks after those people are back on their feet, some of them will be assisting the forces that will be launching rocket-propelled grenades at the very same helicopters.

We send doctors and aides to Afghanistan to aid the civilians there and the Taliban kill those brave souls who are giving care to the needy.

Millions of Americans live in the streets and are on the brink of poverty. Yet, our own government ignores this. Where is the aid for these people?

And now our president supports the building of a mosque in lower Manhattan in the name of religious freedom. This mosque will be no more than a trophy to exploit the vicious conquest of the Islamic terrorists over the freedom of this great country.

BILLY MUSSARI

VANDLING

Block mosque

Editor: Building a proposed mosque at Ground Zero is an insult to victims and families of 9/11.

It is a very sad state of affairs when President Obama now supports this travesty of justice and Islamic conspiracy.

The plans to build an Islamic mosque at Ground Zero in New York at the cost of $100 million is a gross insult to the victims of 9/11 and the surviving families. I just can't understand why New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg would support such an insult to New Yorkers from the Muslim world.

How quickly can people forget the horrors of what happened there on 9/11 when over 2,700 innocent Americans were brutally and callously murdered by Islamic fascist terrorists?

No religious group has the right to build its house of worship just anywhere. Ground Zero must remain as a memorial to all those murdered so cowardly by the Islamic extremists who now wish to defile it with a mosque.

This proposal to construct a mosque there must be stopped. Could we build a Christian church or synagogue in Saudi Arabia? You know the answer to that.

AL EISNER

SILVER SPRING, MD.

Editor: Previously I penned a letter regarding the helmet law. I still admire the effort of the Legislature in drafting such a thoughtful bill, yet am now thoroughly opposed to it on several counts. First, it is blatantly unenforceable; second, it has produced a belief that Pennsylvania has no helmet law, leading to the misconception that riding without a helmet is safe. It is not.

I take offense at the notion that "those who ride, decide." Do we let those who drive decide to not wear seat belts? Why a double standard? I would like to see a concerted effort made to reinstate a helmet requirement in Pennsylvania.

Those who ride without a helmet have to be pretty selfish or stupid, or both. I'm sure they have skills, and take pride in their bikes, but accidents happen. It's selfish to make your loved ones watch as your brain-swollen body slowly dies without evidence of a life-threatening injury to be seen. You look whole, but you are slowly dying - head trauma kills.

I have buried enough brothers.

Accidents happen: Bikes appear farther away than they are and cars cut them off. People are impatient; they cut off bikes because they believe a bike can stop on a dime. Drivers are distracted; they don't always see a bike until it's too late.

Use the Snell Memorial Foundation, not the federal Department of Transportation, for the standard by which you buy your helmet. Snell-approved helmets save lives.

EDWARD GAVIN

SCRANTON

Going-away prizes

Editor: At the recent North Pocono School Board meeting, Director Bill Burke read a letter that all directors received from Abington Heights. The crux of the letter expressed a deep concern about a huge monetary package awarded to retiring Superintendent Fred Rosetti of NEIU.

North Pocono and 19 other school districts are members of NEIU. After reading the letter he noted how bad economic times are and indicated how much of a burden this huge retirement package would be for the taxpayer. The rest of the school board seemed to agree, and rightly so.

However, one cannot easily overlook the obvious double standard that Mr. Burke and other directors hold dear. Not long ago he and other directors not only failed to condemn, but merely condoned a similar occurrence with the departure of former Superintendent Louis DeFazio. March 18, 2008 was a day of infamy for North Pocono taxpayers. All it took was a 5-4 thumbs-up vote and Mr. DeFazio walked out the door to the bank with more than $100,000. Simply incredulous.

MATTHEW PENDRAK

JEFFERSON TWP.

Reform best relief

Editor: In your Aug. 6 editorial "Tax Relief Real," what you said was true. However, the public asked not for tax relief, but for tax reform.

When gambling was first introduced, Harrisburg said that if it was passed by the voters, taxes would go down. Instead, we received a $65 to $200 distraction.

We were given this placebo so that actual reform would be forgotten.

Our taxes still go up every year and will continue to go up until this tax relief will be of little consequence.

Taxpayers should keep on state legislators for tax reform. Don't give Harrisburg any "tax relief"!

JOSEPH MARTUCCI

GOULDSBORO

Go north, eh?

Editor: Warning to Canada: get your immigration laws in order. No, I am not a "tea party-er." I consider myself a flaming liberal.

I have seen that corporate greed and corporate influence in government are killing this country.

Be ready, Canada, soon we will be your Mexicans.

EILEEN MCDONALD

SCRANTON

Inordinate ordnance

Editor: If the United States spent $17 million a day for nine years bombing Laos, by one estimate as reported in the Aug. 2 issue of The Christian Science Monitor, and now contributes about $5 million a year helping clean up unexploded ordnance, also reported in said issue, that's $17 million up in smoke and $5 million for which it can get a small return by selling scrap iron.

BOB SINGER

WILKES-BARRE

Editor: Regarding your Aug. 11 article (Priest feared for inmate), I have been a volunteer at the Lackawanna County Prison for 36 years. During that time, I have observed the service that the Rev. William Pickard has rendered to the inmates, correctional officers and to anyone who takes an interest in prisoners and their families regardless of their religious affiliation.

Father Pickard selflessly pours himself out day and night to assist, counsel, provide the sacraments, offer Sunday Mass and minister not only to inmates but also to their families in many practical ways including delivering groceries or diapers when needed.

Father Pickard is a comforting presence at the prison seven days a week. When he sees any injustice happening, he will bring it to the attention of the authorities even if it costs him some personal discomfort. I totally respect his integrity.

He is a genuine prophet, speaking the truth at all times regardless of the consequences. He is proof of God's care and lavish generosity to those in prison.

JOAN L. HOLMES

SCRANTON

Don't defang new dog law

Editor: In 2008 Pennsylvania officials very publicly heralded the passage of HB 2525, known as the "Dog Law." Pennsylvania, known as the nation's puppy mill capital, has over 100 commercial kennels in which breeding dogs live their entire lives in deplorable conditions.

The law, while falling far short of shutting down these hellholes, as the Legislature should, promised to at least improve conditions for these helpless creatures who live miserable existences just to satisfy the greed of their owners.

Now, after being touted as the "toughest dog law in the country," some of its provisions are quietly being gutted.

The law prohibits wire flooring in the cages where dogs spend virtually their entire lives. Wire flooring can entrap their legs and causes ulcerated and splayed feet, all of which can cause permanent walking problems. The law also requires adult dogs to have unfettered access to an outside area to give them a break from their cramped, dark cages and at least a little time to run and exercise.

Both of these provisions are in danger of being rescinded by a revised version of the law, which will be voted on by the Independent Regulatory Review Commission on Aug. 19. The law will then be reviewed by the attorney general and, once published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, will be final.

This should be stopped. Contact Gov. Ed Rendell's office, state representatives and the Department of Agriculture to demand that the dog law be enforced as it was originally written.

Details of the revised law as well as contact information for elected officials can be found at www.animallawcoalition.com or www.mlar.org.

Until we end the scourge of puppy mills in Pennsylvania, the very least we can do for these helpless creatures is provide them a decent existence.

BARB SIARKIEVICZ

JESSUP

Architectural ups and downs

Editor: Over the last year, two stories emerged about the architectural profession in Northeast Pennsylvania.

The most recent story, regarding the county corruption scandal, has dishonored our profession and violated the American Institute of Architects Code of Ethics of professional conduct. Those who participate in bribery and kickbacks have cast a pall over all the honest architects who have endeavored to secure contracts though skill, talent, and pure hard work, in lieu of handing out money.

The second story is one of magnificent achievement by Waverly architect Peter Q. Bohlin who, in the past year, has been awarded the American Institute of Architects Gold Medal for lifetime achievement. His name is permanently engraved in the wall of honor in the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., along with names such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Kahn, and only a handful of others.

Mr. Bohlin demonstrated the courage, stamina, talent, and commitment necessary to rise to the very top of his profession. I am very proud that he is a member of our community. On the other hand, it would be wise for honest design professionals to separate themselves from those who have shamed our profession. The guilty architects have shown pure cowardice in rejecting talent as the basis for achievement, and instead substituted cash in "stuffed envelopes" to distinguish themselves. I hope that people think of Mr. Bohlin when discussing our honorable architectural profession, and not the foul corruption scandal.

EUGENE M. OGOZALEK

SCRANTON

Too many 'toos' burden Kanjorski

Editor: In Wednesday's paper Rep. Paul Kanjorski said that he had no time to sign a petition to honor Penn State football coach Joe Paterno for his contributions to the education of young people.

It would take too much of his precious time to sign a petition? However, congressmen do spend a lot of their precious time naming buildings, bridges, highways and airports after politicians, some of whom are of dubious character.

Recently Mr. Kanjorski was asked why the Democrats did nothing to reform Freddie and Fannie in their recently passed 2,000-plus-page financial reform bill. He said that it was "too complicated." Since 2008, Fannie and Freddie have been subsidized to the tune of $148 billion with no end in sight to this bottomless pit for taxpayers' money. It was easy to create this monster, but too complicated to fix it.

Let's send the man back to school.

ROMAS DOVYDAITIS

DALTON