Teach your children well, and early

ISSUE | EARLY LEARNING

Investments pay off sooner, and later

I was happy to see Gov. Wolf and law enforcement officials make the anticrime case for quality, early-childhood education ("Wolf: Invest in preschool, not prison," May 27). Members of the business community see another critical benefit: strengthening our economy and workforce.

Research highlighted by the national business-leader group ReadyNation shows that investing in these programs yields up to $26,000 in net long-term economic benefits for every child served. In addition, Pennsylvania communities providing expanded access to pre-K experience an immediate economic stimulus from their investment, with returns of $1.79 for every $1 spent.

While it is great to hear what law enforcement leaders are saying about early education's long-term impact on crime, the financial benefits show that investing in quality pre-K programs also makes good sense for the economy - a classic win-win investment strategy.

|Jack Brennan, Wayne

ISSUE | TOURISM

Soldier discount

Planning a visit, I called the Franklin Institute for program and price information. It was acceptable until the automated recording stated the discount for military personnel was $1 off the price.

We were shocked to say the least that military men and women were only allowed a $1 discount. If museum officials feel they have to charge military personnel a fee, they should offer a half-price ticket in appreciation of their service.

|Austin H. and Laura E. Wilmoth, Toms River

ISSUE | CLIMATE

Weather eyes

The Military Advisory Board, composed of retired generals and admirals, did not think President Obama was dishonoring Coast Guard graduates in discussing climate change ("Stormy reception due Obama remarks," May 29). After all, their recent report was titled "National Security and the Accelerating Risks of Climate Change."

|Anne Maiese, Ventnor City, maiese2@comcast.net

ISSUE | MUSIC BUSINESS

Humming a big hit that might have been

What on earth has happened to the music industry? I grew up on Neil Young, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and others. I became a singer-songwriter, but was unable to focus on my dream of becoming a recording artist. Now, at 51, I am trying to be heard. However, because of the way things are today, I am running into walls.

Once, music was about the music, not about a pretty face, gorgeous bod, or one's age; all you needed was talent. I know there are people out there who have great songs collecting dust. Is there a place for old-timers in the music industry? I was given a gift, and so were many others who have given up. Well, I am not giving up; all I want out of this life is to hear one of my songs on the radio.

|Mary Duval, Telford, maryduval123@hotmail.com

ISSUE | BANKING

Zero tolerance vs. slap on the wrist

Dripping with vitriol against bankers, an Inquirer editorial reminded me of boarding school days: A new headmaster changed the rules for the length of our haircuts, and we were suddenly all in violation ("Prosecute the bankers," June 1).

|Gardner A. Cadwalader, Philadelphia, gacadwalader@gmail.com

It is farcical that lawbreaking bankers are not prosecuted ("Prosecute the bankers," June 1). Letting them pay a fine - no matter how large - is like telling a bank robber that his only penalty for a conviction is to give some of the money back.

|Tom Taft, Ambler

ISSUE | REMEMBERING BEAU BIDEN

Pretense left on the barbershop threshold

Beau Biden and I once patronized the same barber in Wilmington, and every now and then our paths would cross. The barber was quick with the ripest jokes, and Biden would laugh until tears came to his eyes.

He seemed to be one of us: no pretense, no eye avoidance. He'd talk to you as if you were an old family friend, no matter if he'd met you once or a dozen times, and he always wanted to know what you felt and how you were doing. He was a refreshing politician and just a lovely, lovely fellow.

|Scott Cameron, Philadelphia, scottcameronart@comcast.net

ISSUE | CITY SERVICES

Curbside concerns for block captains

In the last few months, our trash in Southwest Philadelphia - an area that is part of City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson's district - has not gotten picked up until 8 p.m., or even the next day. This is an environmental issue, and a nuisance for block captains like me.

The Streets Department should have been notifying block captains about these delays since they make more work for us. The longer trash cans stay on the curb, the more trash ends up in the street for us to have to clean up. I would like to know how long we have to endure this health hazzard.

|Tracey Gordon, Philadelphia, reachingback@aol.com