He was right on the money, but if you're going to do all this to the PPA, let's also look at the Housing Authority, SEPTA and the Water Department. If you point a finger, you might as well use all 10.

And I don't hear you talking about Comcast or PECO, either. Where are you when they raise their rates? Some of these things are necessities, not luxuries. (And let's look at City Council, too - talk about abuse in the system.)

Rep. Payton, I, like you, live in Philadelphia. I drive to work in Center City, and pay to park and for the gas I use. When you drive to Center City, how much do you pay for gas and to park - or do we the taxpayers pick up that tab?

Andrew J. Dankanich, Philadelphia

More Michael musings

Michael Jackson was a flower child, and couldn't cope with reality. Like so many of his contemporaries in the entertainment world, he was going to change society and make it better, but he failed.

His music lacked the quality of the Beatles and Stevie Wonder. Despite all the glowing tributes, Michael Jackson's life was not a success, but one of the inability to handle the pressure of daily life.

Ephraim Levin, Philadelphia

I'll never forget Mike Luckovich's editorial cartoon from Friday, Jan. 2, 2004.

It showed Michael Jackson sitting in an old metal frame bed next to a New Year's baby, with a blanket over their laps. The very pale King of Pop appeared quite anorexic. It's an image that still haunts me, even now. Was it a drawing of life imitating art, or art imitating life?

Wayne E. Williams, Camden

Phils czar

People are trying to figure out why the Phillies' home record is so bad. I know why - President Obama is mad because they wouldn't give him a World Series ring.

So, he installed a baseball czar who's in charge of who gets to score runs. He won't let the Phils score a lot at home.

And here's a prediction for next year: If Obama's energy plan goes through, there won't be any Sunoco Welcome America! festivities.

Tom Bell, Philadelphia