Hold hearings when working people can attend

The Aug. 27 editorial concerning the public hearing on demolition of the Civic Arena ("Arena Football: Consider It a Lame Showing by the Defense") is another example of how out-of-touch government agencies (and possibly the PG) are with the average citizen.

The PG editors admonish the public for not participating in this hearing, but, duh, the hearing was at 10:30 a.m. on a Monday. Most residents who may have an interest in the arena are doing what they have to do to afford tickets to events there: They are working. Hold these hearings on evenings or weekends, and if more of the public doesn't participate, then you will know they don't care.

I can't believe the editors didn't make this observation before printing the editorial, but then again it is the PG. And the government agencies still think the public works for them instead of vice versa.

DAVID HILDEBRAND
Oil City

The writer is formerly of Pittsburgh.

Many attended

Allow me to correct a misleading statement in your Aug. 27 editorial about the Civic Arena ("Arena Football"). There were not just 49 attendees at the Sports & Exhibition Authority's public meeting. The meeting was, in fact, standing-room only; more than 150 concerned citizens overflowed into the aisles and back entrances of the conference room. I found a seat only when someone else got up to join others holding "Reuse the Igloo" signs.

The majority were clearly in favor of saving the arena and showed this loud and clear by the clapping and vocal responses to the speakers. Before criticizing the turnout, you might remember that this meeting was held at 10:30 in the morning of a workday. Not one of the supporters was paid to be there.

On the flip side, everyone on the pro-demolition side spoke on behalf of their company or organization. Architects, developers and builders seeking contracts blatantly pandered to the SEA board, spoke for three minutes and left the building.

If the arena is demolished, it will be because political connections, back-room deals and irresponsible media win the day over vision for a world-class 21st-century Pittsburgh. Skeptical? See how bolder cities than ours are doing it. Go to www.reusetheigloo.org and click the Portland button.

CONNIE CANTOR
Shadyside

The writer is a member of Reuse the Igloo.

Ike and civil rights

In response to Leonard Pitts Jr.'s column " 'We' Is Not Glenn Beck" (Aug. 27):

Mr. Pitts in his column about the civil rights movement fails to give any credit to the Republicans for that movement and gives some credit to the Democrats that they don't deserve.

Mr. Pitts says nothing about President Eisenhower, who made significant contributions to the civil rights movement. President Eisenhower declared that racial discrimination was a national security issue. After the Supreme Court handed down its decision of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, President Eisenhower instructed the District of Columbia officials to make Washington a model for the rest of the country on integrating public schools. Eisenhower proposed to Congress the civil rights bills of 1957 and 1960.

Because of the opposition of Lyndon B. Johnson, then U.S. Senate majority leader, both of those bills had to be "watered down" to get them passed. When it became politically correct in 1964, Johnson introduced the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and took credit for being the great champion on civil rights.

There are many more things that can be said about Eisenhower's leadership on the civil rights movement, but Mr. Pitts fails to mention even one. With an issue as sensitive as the civil rights movement, it would be wise for columnists to work harder at being more balanced in what they have to say.

JOHN RUSSELL
Ross

Nutrition, packed

Once again, as the school year starts, we see an influx of articles about the school lunch programs and, with these, the debate about what to do and reminders about who (celebrities, first lady) is involved. I'd like to offer a reasonable solution. Since our school districts claim to operate in the best interest of our children, why not take the responsibility from them regarding the lunch issue?

Imagine if the districts did the right thing, in the best interest of our children, and served the highest quality, freshest, most possibly whole, unprocessed food they can afford (oh, I realize this might be more work for our food service departments). If parents decide they want their kids to eat junk, then the parents make sure they pack a lunchbox full of junk. Seems quite uncomplicated, no?

Here's the menu for Day 1 at our school: slice of pizza with a side of soft pretzel, salad, vegetable (probably canned), chilled fruit (probably canned); Day 2: mini-pancakes, juice, chilled fruit, warm apple slices, Trix yogurt, sausage link.

I wonder if any of our districts have taken the time to observe the carb/sugar crash in any of the classrooms an hour or two after lunch. Must be quite a scene!

For now, I continue to pack as many lunches as possible.

JILL BRAUNLICH
Ross

Of what relevance?

Regarding "Kennedy Cop Accused of Being Impaired in S. Side Incident" (Aug. 28): Please explain the news value of reporting that Crafton Police Officer Donnie L. Breeden and Kennedy Police Officer Frank A. Caligiuri were graduates of the same class at Carlynton High School.

As president of the Carlynton School District Board of Education, I am highly offended that this irrelevant information was included in an article describing a motor vehicle accident.

The mention of Carlynton High School serves as a disservice to the students, alumni and employees of the school district and the fine residents of Carnegie, Crafton and Rosslyn Farms.

THOMAS W. BROWN
Carnegie

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