Letters to the Editor

Right medicine

Physician Valerie Arkoosh is a rising star in the 13th Congressional District Democratic primary ("13th District rivals mix it up," April 8). As the only noncareer politician, she has outraised her opponents. Yet an Inquirer report noting that doctors and medical groups are Arkoosh's biggest donors diminishes the very people who believe in her - many of whom are progressive physicians who see firsthand how Washington dysfunction hurts patients and communities. A majority are women who want a tireless advocate for expanded access to health care. Many are over 50 and recognize Arkoosh's work with the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.

Wendy C. Wolf, Haverford

No echo here

Former State Rep. Mario J. Civera Jr. (R., Delaware) had a stranglehold on his legislative district for 30 years, and then came Margo L. Davidson. In 2010, Davidson's win was not only historic, but also the ultimate expression of poetic justice. In an era of echo-chamber politics, Davidson has chosen to be a voice that serves the people of her district with an indefatigable spirit, and she does it every day.

Keith Collins, pastor, Church of the Overcomer, Trainer

Mental illness aid

The Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2013, introduced by U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy (R., Pa.), picks up where John F. Kennedy left off more than 50 years ago in improving the lives of those with mental illness. Recently, the House adopted components that put us steps closer to realizing Kennedy's vision. The first incentivizes counties to establish assistant outpatient treatment programs, which are successful alternatives to long-term inpatient care. The other component would expand access to community mental health services and strengthen the quality of care for mental illness. A measure like this would have kept my daughter - diagnosed with bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder, and deemed incompetent to make health-care decisions - from living on the streets, drug addiction, and jail.

Rachel Pruchno, professor of medicine, Rowan University, Voorhees, pruchnra@rowan.edu

Walk for children

Pennsylvania has seen more shocking high-profile cases of child sexual abuse than ever ("Corbett signs three child-protection bills," April 8). Yet even more startling are the national statistics that one in four girls and one in five boys are sexually abused before age 18. Justice4PAKids is proud to host the state's only walk dedicated to survivors of child sexual abuse. The May 3 morning event at the Chester Valley Trail in Exton will be a walk for hope and healing, a walk away from predators, and a walk into a brighter future that all are invited to join.

Maureen Martinez, cofounder, Justice4PAKids, Malvern

Unsporting charges

After denying Philadelphia sports to thousands of fans just because they choose not to be gouged, Comcast signed a new contract with the Phillies for $2.5 billion ("Comcast faces the customers," April 11). And the improvements that came with this contract? Two new television announcers, but no new players, no improvement in the farm system, no new general manager. On top of that, there's a new monthly surcharge to watch this sad team. Well, I'm sold; send the installer.

Joe Orenstein, Philadelphia, Joe4189@verizon.net

Spendthrift rescue

Democratic proposals to raise education funds with a 5 percent severance tax on natural gas ignore the fact that squeezing the golden goose won't solve our education woes. The sad reality is that school funding hasn't always been spent in ways that benefit students, and extracting more money from the gas industry isn't going to change that.

Bruce Cornibe, Commonwealth Foundation, Harrisburg