Several co-workers brought your recent article on transracial adoptions to my attention ("Warnings on Transracial Adoption: Families Need Training and Support to Raise Child Through Adolescence," May 27). My husband and I have two biological children, a foster son who is Hispanic and two adopted biracial sons. I do not think people realize how few minority foster homes there are compared to how many minority children are in the foster care system.

We have had about 18 foster children in our home over the years and the only two even eligible for adoption were our two little boys and they were also the only minority children we fostered besides our current foster son.

Washington County Children and Youth Services knows that we will take minority children when unfortunately some white families will not. The color of their skin makes no difference to us or our extended family, friends and neighbors. We'd love to learn about their heritage in order to teach them when they are older. But we also believe that it is more important for them to know they are loved and respected by the parents and family that "chose" them regardless of their color.

It is very difficult to place African-American children in African-American homes when there are so very few out there. We may get looks when we are out, people wondering where we all fit together, but I can tell you this: We fit together very well and we would not have it any other way!

JODI McADOO
Claysville

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In response to the story that the West Virginia University board of governors has cleared President Mike Garrison in the M.B.A. case ("WVU Board: Garrison Did No Wrong," May 31):

Let's look at the facts that actually transpired. Mr. Garrison personally took a call from Heather Bresch concerning the degree, then discussed the matter in a briefing with his chief of staff and top aides in a meeting the next day. Mr. Garrison states, "I removed myself from the process immediately."

Yet, phone records show that Mr. Garrison's chief of staff exchanged several phone calls directly with Ms. Bresch. In addition to that, several of Mr. Garrison's top aides attended meetings during which the decision was made to grant the degree. Also, the investigative panel found that "palpable pressure" from Mr. Garrison's representatives was placed on Provost Gerald Lang to approve the degree.

Mr. Garrison's friend and former business associate is Ms. Bresch's father, who also happens to be the governor of West Virginia. Half of the board of governors are appointed by the governor. Mr. Garrison was once a lobbyist for Mylan Inc. It just so happens that Ms. Bresch is Mylan's chief operating officer. In addition, Milan Puskar, Mylan's chairman, is WVU's largest benefactor, donating millions to the university.

Now the WVU board of governors has ignored the independent investigative panel's findings and determined that Mr. Garrison had no role in conferring the degree to Ms. Bresch. The board has directed Mr. Garrison to develop a plan "to see that a situation such as this does not ever occur again," and present the plan today. I think the only plan that will assure that it never happens again must include Mr. Garrison's resignation.

DAVE CLIFTON
Mount Washington

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The plight of West Virginia University President Mike Garrison and WVU continues to dominate the Post-Gazette headlines, with lengthy articles of every board action and faculty response to the ongoing administrative crisis there. The attention that the Post-Gazette is giving to an out-of state college that happens to be a rival to Pitt begins to arouse suspicions as to the PG's intentions. When is the line crossed from reporting the news to creating the news? Is the Post-Gazette attempting to manipulate who governs WVU?

Pitt and WVU compete for this region's student population, which affects revenues for both areas. It concerns me that the Post-Gazette is covering this story in such a manner as an attempt to discredit WVU to the benefit of Pitt. Is this fair and unbalanced reporting, when the newspaper, in its editorials, continues to call for the ouster of Mike Garrison and, when it is not content with the board's decision, continues to berate the university for not taking stronger measures?

I do not condone the actions of Mike Garrison, but I believe it is up to the state of West Virginia and the university's board of governors to decide the fate of Mike Garrison, and not the Post-Gazette.

JOHN R. CLEARY
Pine

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I didn't see the "Plan to Hand Out 250,000 Bibles" story on May 11, but I did see the two letters to the editor about it on May 26. Count me in the "No Bibles, please" camp.

This is ludicrous and presumptuous on many levels. At least monthly I must tell the recruiting Christians who ring my doorbell that I have very strong beliefs, that my beliefs are very personal and that I do not wish to discuss their religion or answer any questions about mine. I am offended by their intrusion, not only into my home and my day, but mostly the intrusion into something that is mine and mine alone -- my spirituality and religious beliefs. But this intrusion, delivered with a service that I pay for, is reprehensible.

Don't assume that all of your readers are Christian, or one of the "lost souls" in need of saving (as mentioned in the "Save More Souls" letter on May 26); this is very bad business! More fundamentally, this whole effort is misdirected. The time, money and resources could be put to much better use for the betterment of mankind or our planet.

RICK HAWKINBERRY
Wilkinsburg

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Thank you, Tony Norman, for your inspiring May 27 column "Their Eyes Are Watching From Above."

You imagined Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy looking down on our political process, forgiving the blunders and rejoicing in the possibilities. I can't think of a better way to demonstrate the peace that passes understanding that I used to hear about in church.

Here's hoping, as you imagine King saying, "Whatever happens -- all will be well."

JAN HARDY
Penn Hills

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We loved the editorial cartoon by the Toledo Blade's Kirk Walters (May 31) showing the airlines discarding comfort, service and quality. It made us laugh and shake our heads.

My husband and I recently returned from a trip to South America. While flying there and being there, we flew several times with LAN Airlines. What a difference. Talk about food, service, comfort and quality -- they had it all. What happened to us in the USA -- my country?

Wake up, airlines; let's make a turnaround. I would like to see US Airways be the first.

URSELA GERHARD
Monroeville

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Writer Judy Wertheimer's article about the eighth-grade students whose beautiful poems were published was wonderful and so moving ("Poetry Slam Dunk," May 16 Portfolio).

Some of the poems were laced with threads of hope. Their teacher, Donna Dase-Tarpley of Pittsburgh Sterrett middle school, must be very proud of all of them!

MARY LOU BROWN
Bethel Park

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As I read about the horrific aftermath of the cyclone that hit Myanmar and the plight of its citizens and the critical need for supplies and expert assistance, it just blows my mind that the military junta that controls the country cares little for its citizens and more for its continued domination. What is equally mind blowing is that the international organization called the United Nations has allowed this closed-off country to remain a member of this society of so-called humane and decent nations for 40 years.

And what does this say about Myanmar's neighbors and our good friends China, India and Thailand, which allow this atrocity to continue just so they can benefit economically? Everyone knows that a country like Myanmar cannot exist in isolation and depends on outside resources for food, fuel for vehicles and machinery and other necessities of life.

Our ships and those of other nations stand offshore with lifesaving supplies but are not granted entry because the Burmese people just might find out that the Western countries care about their welfare, and that would destroy the image that the leaders have been portraying to their citizens ("U.S. Aborts Attempt to Aid Myanmar," June 5).

Do I not have this right?

LEONARD WEITZMAN
Squirrel Hill

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