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Letters to the editor

Letters to the editor

Why did the police have to kill Justin Jackson?

A memorial service was held for the K-9 police dog that was killed ("Honors for Aulf," May 11), and as the officers reflected on their relationship with the K-9 it brought many to tears. Where are the tears for the life taken from Justin Jackson?

Differing reports on the incident have done little to paint a clear account of what happened. One phrase used to paint a picture of Justin Jackson is "a criminal record." To some it's being used to justify the killing. This is happening too often. Aren't the police taught how to take a person down versus killing?

People who have never met Mr. Jackson but know only about his criminal record are judging him harshly, with comments such as this one found on Topix.com: "he deserved it, he was useless, thank you for sweeping the trash."

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We'd all like to live in communities where our families are safe. I'm questioning the shoot-to-kill tactic used by the police and the stress placed on Mr. Jackson's criminal record. How is it that a grant for $10,000 was secured to replace the dog, but funding for better education or to create jobs is hard to find?

This incident follows others in New York and Philadelphia and sends out a message that the police are not required to face consequences in the killing of another human. It says no one is listening to the voices of our communities who are pleading for answers and justice. It's simple -- some of us are expendable.

BONITA LEE PENN
Manchester


Don't be fooled

This letter is in reference to the May 9 article "Good News/Bad News: Possible US Airways/United Deal Could Be One or the Other for Region": So, Sens. Bob Casey and Arlen Specter are "encouraged" by a recent statement by US Airways President Scott Kirby in which he indicates that US Airways has no plans to make further cuts in Pittsburgh? Give me a break! This article not only made me mad, but it also made me realize what a great choice I made three years ago.

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You see, Mr. Casey and Mr. Specter, I was a flight attendant based in Pittsburgh. I, too, was "encouraged" by the promises made by Stephen Wolf, David Siegel and Bruce Lakefield (the three takers who were the CEOs when I was there). I believed in a company that has so many loyal employees who would've done anything to keep their jobs and, in some cases, their homes here in Pittsburgh.

But you know what? I woke up. I was frustrated with all of the broken promises and enraged by the lying management and their "golden parachutes." And then I moved on. There is life after US Airways ... and it's a lot less stressful!

SHELLY PASSIEU
Canonsburg


Interest pipe dream

In regard to your May 6 story "Bonanza From Lease of Turnpike Not So Big?": I would like to know where Gov. Ed Rendell expects to earn an 8 percent rate of return for the next 99 years.

Could the governor and Congress let me in on this investment? Right now I'm earning about 2 percent with bonds.

If we don't watch out, the governor will be trying to sell the streets we live on.

DAVE COLLINS
Sarver


Not for the dogs

My husband and I have walked in the Race for the Cure for the last seven or eight years. The number of people who participate never ceases to amaze me. It is truly a sight to behold.

The reason that I decided to write is in reference to people who feel the need to bring their dogs. This is a people event, not a pet event. Even though it is requested that you not bring your dog, we saw several people with dogs. We even saw a lady running in the race with her dog. What happens if Fido decides he has to take a potty break? I did not see a bag to clean it up. Nor can you stop in the middle of a race to pick it up. Need I say more? Shame on you.

I truly hope that next year, anyone who brings a dog is not allowed to participate. I am an animal lover (owner of two dogs). I would never be so selfish and disregard other people's safety or possible discomfort to bring my dogs.

Walk/run with them at the appropriate time, which is not when you have thousands of people around you.

V. BELL
Swissvale


Thanks, Israel

Against all odds and continuing perverse world opinion, Israel has again made this planet a little safer for all of us.

All peace-loving nations talked about it and knew it had to be done, but Israel finally accomplished it -- destruction of the Syrian and Iraqi nuclear threats have reinforced our search for peace.

We can all breathe a little easier and be thankful to this very brave nation.

ARTHUR SPIEGEL
Oakland


Real help for many

As a member of The Arc of Greater Pittsburgh board of trustees, I thank U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy for introducing the Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008 (HR 5613). The bill passed the House by a wide, bipartisan margin (349-62), with a strong grass-roots commitment of more than 2,000 groups and is currently being considered in the Senate.

This bill addresses one of the most important issues facing the disability community this year. HR 5613 provides a one-year moratorium on regulations issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services that would drastically cut services to America's most vulnerable citizens, our seniors, children and people with disabilities.

Thanks to Rep. Murphy, millions of people who rely on Medicaid will not lose their health care and other vital community-based services.

LISA G. SILVERMAN
Mt. Lebanon


Reasons to visit

As somebody who has never run a marathon and has no intention of doing so (26 miles ... are you crazy?), I would like to say that it is exactly what the city needs ("Marathon on Track to Resume Its Run in Pittsburgh," May 12).

Pittsburgh is not somewhere people go on vacation. If we want people to see our beautiful city and fall in love with it, there needs to be a reason for coming. Pittsburgh should accommodate the marathon in any way needed and should commit to keeping it as soon as it is reinstated.

The Tour of Pennsylvania bike race is also coming through town this year; why not commit to having an elite/professional race every year as well? The city needs to create reasons for people to come, and once they do, it will sell itself as a destination.

STEPHEN CUMMINGS
Lawrenceville


Let's keep discrimination out of the Pa. Constitution

My husband and I will be celebrating our 17th wedding anniversary. It will be not only a personal celebration, but also a political one, since it was not until two years after my birth -- in 1967 -- that I, a white woman, would have even had the constitutional right to marry my husband, an African-American man. In other words, 42 years ago, I would not have had the legal protection of a Supreme Court ruling to marry and raise my three beautiful children in a legally sanctified marriage.

But today, I take for granted that I can enjoy health benefits from my husband's job, we both can make legal decisions regarding our children, we can jointly file taxes, along with myriad other rights granted to married couples. Today, being an interracial family is no longer much of an oddity, and I would suppose that most people would concur that a family like mine should receive the legal blessings of the state.

So how is it that Pennsylvania could consider a constitutional amendment that would deny these same legal protections to other couples, committed to each other, possibly with children like mine? How is being a same-sex couple any different from being an interracial couple?

I'm glad that a bill to amend the constitution has been tabled ("Same-Sex Marriage Ban Likely Dead in Pa. Senate," May 7). I am absolutely horrified that churches, groups and individuals who espouse racial justice and who most likely would be appalled if I were not allowed to have a legally recognized marriage and family can speak so forcefully against same-sex couples having these same rights! What sort of moral code allows for such fine distinctions as to which loving couples are and are not permitted to benefit from the institution of marriage?

KIM WINBUSH
Bloomfield


We welcome your letters. Please include your name, address and phone number, and send to Letters to the Editor, 34 Blvd. of the Allies, Pittsburgh 15222. E-mail letters to letters@post-gazette.com or fax to 412-263-2014. Letters should be 250 words or less, original and exclusive to the Post-Gazette. All letters are subject to editing for length, clarity and accuracy and will be verified before being published.

First Published: May 16, 2008, 4:00 a.m.

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