The PG shows naivete about the oil industry

The June 21 editorial condemning oil companies for trying to re-enter Iraq was such a normal Luddite comment that I almost ignored it ("Sticky Contracts: Oil Could Mean a Bigger Swamp for the U.S. in Iraq"). The final sentence however, made me realize that your editorial was not as contrarian as naive.

While swooning at the feet of New York Times columnist Paul Krugman, your favorite "professor of economics," you paint a picture of the world oil industry as some sort of Giant Eagle where anyone can simply go buy oil from Iraq. Oil production is a bit more complex than sticking a hole in the ground.

Every country in the world, including Saudi Arabia, Iran and Venezuela, uses expertise in its oil production from companies based in Houston, Texas. Somehow the idea of making a profit while producing something that most Americans rely on, energy, is anathema to your editorial board.

There is no question that we need alternatives to oil as a source of energy. But while we pursue every possible means of alternative energy production, what do we do in the meantime? Your entire editorial policy suggests that we should shut down the oil industry and sit in the dark until we build enough windmills. Or am I missing something?

JIM CANNON
Mt. Lebanon

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Cancerous attitude

One of the principles this country was founded on was religious freedom: the ability to worship as one chooses, without fear of persecution. Therefore, I do not know if I should be more appalled with the reprehensible actions and remarks of state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe of Cranberry ("Resolution Derailed by One Lawmaker's Anti-Muslim Remark," June 19) or the lack of response to them by both the public and the politicos in Harrisburg.

He stopped a resolution last week honoring the 80th annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslims because they don't accept Jesus Christ as God. It's one thing to be a bigot; it's quite another to promote that bigotry as an elected official. Need I remind anyone that back in the 1930s, there was another politician who espoused hatred and bigotry ... nobody said anything then, either. This is 2008, and I for one will not condone this person's words, reasoning or actions. This attitude is a cancer and thus, like any malignancy, should be eradicated from public office.

As a Jew, I don't accept Jesus Christ as God either. Does that mean I should be considered a second-class citizen, or leave this state? Daryl Metcalfe should understand that on this planet, he is in the minority.

ALAN LICHTENSTEIN
Wilkins

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Not so Christian

The people of Cranberry must be so proud having their interests represented in Harrisburg by someone like Rep. Daryl Metcalfe. Apparently he believes the First Amendment in the Bill of Rights, with its guarantee of freedom of religion, should be stricken from our Constitution. He certainly doesn't have a "Christian" attitude regarding other people's right to religious freedom.

GARY ROSENSTEEL
McMurray

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Outrageous bill

I am stunned. Are our elected staff (they work for us, after all) really that much a bunch of self-important fools? Pennsylvania House Bill 2553, as reported in the June 21 PG ("Puppy Love," photo) proposes that local communities can seize dogs, notably pit bulls, just because they can.

Wait one minute! Politicians! Get your act together! Enforce the laws as they stand. We live in Squirrel Hill. You could make this city profitable just by enforcing parking laws here and issuing tickets for those who disregard public safety by not clearing snow from their walkways. Then let's talk about the hospitals and colleges paying their fair share to support the community they occupy.

This bill is about as important as what my dog leaves on her daily walk (which I clean up, by the way). My dog is an important member of this family. And if someone thinks they have the "right" to remove her without any provocation ... to quote Mr. T (never thought I'd say that): "I pity the fool."

Politicians, you are servants of the community. Act like it!

MARK J. McKIBBEN
Squirrel Hill

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Still behind Hillary

As a Hillary Clinton supporter, I understand the frustration of those who are being urged to support Barack Obama instead. I have gone back and forth with myself, trying to decide whether I should vote for Mr. Obama, or if I should vote for John McCain, the Republican candidate, out of spite. I was torn!

Then, in a moment of clarity, I realized something: Come Nov. 4, instead of choosing between two candidates whom I have little faith in, I will go with my first instinct and write in Hillary Clinton's name for president.

It may not count in the long run, but I will be able to say, without a doubt, that I cast a vote for the most qualified candidate. Don't feel pressured to join ranks with Obama supporters or McCain supporters. If you believe in Hillary Clinton and her vision for the country, then do what is "write" (couldn't help myself!) on Nov. 4 and write her name in for president on your ballot.

BETHANY E. RONALLO
McCandless

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No more misogyny

As the battle on the campaign trail continues to rage, one of the most important questions is who will help provide America with proper health care. The answer certainly is not John McCain.

For 25 years in the U.S. Senate he has voted against funding for women's health clinics, birth control, emergency contraceptives, gynecological visits and even breast and cervical cancer screenings.

Personally, I find it shameful that Viagra is covered under most insurance plans, but birth control, which is basic health care for many women, is not.

We can't afford another four years of misogyny in the White House; remember, maverick does not equal moderate.

LAUREN CATALANO
Regent Square

The letter writer is an intern for Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania's Action Fund.

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