Letters to the Editor

Local attractions

I can't imagine telling a young person not to pursue an Ivy League education at the University of Pennsylvania because he or she grew up in South Philly ("Encourage students to skip town," April 9). Or that someone not go to Temple, Drexel, Villanova, St. Joseph's, or Rowan for the same reason. While extolling the virtue of leaving this area to experience something else, columnist Karen Heller at least could have mentioned what great opportunities abound near home both academically and culturally. Heller made it sound as if studying locally is the worst of all options. Going away is not for everyone, and there is nothing wrong with staying close to a great place like Philadelphia.

Kenneth C. Kunz, Mantua, kcak91253@hotmail.com

Caring resource

Technologies that can help caregivers organize, store, and share vital information only go so far in emotionally supporting families, friends, and caregivers through the overwhelming time of caring for someone with a life-limiting illness ("Online sites help caregivers give care," April 6). That's why Holy Redeemer Hospice launched a website (careconfidently.com) to provide guidance to those who may be unsure about what's needed, uncertain how to do a care task correctly, or afraid of being there - or not being there - for their loved ones. The website also features insights on celebrating life, having meaningful conversations, and building memories - all of which are important for restoring hope and finding peace during life's most difficult transitions. While the site is aimed at family caregivers of hospice patients, much of the information is pertinent to anyone caring for an aging or ill loved one.

Kimberly Bracey, Holy Redeemer Hospice, Philadelphia

Unwarranted praise

The article quoting the lawyer representing undercover informant Tyron Ali was a travesty ("In filings, two views of Tyron Ali," April 13). Ali has allegedly stolen food money from poor children and seniors, and yet The Inquirer gave his hired gun a platform to suggest Ali is some innocent humanitarian interested in cleaning up the government. Even if the village idiot insists that one plus one equals three, it's not the job of Philadelphia's most important newspaper to quote him.

Edward Lordan, Wallingford

Mimicked too well

Private business has long, perhaps forever, been greased by gifts or what the Chinese call lucky money ("Stop ignoring ethical failures," April 13). In recent years, the mantra from many - but not all of us - has been that government should emulate private enterprise. And when government types do it with relish, they get appropriately disparaged. How ironic.

Don DeMarco, Philadelphia, donald.demarco@verizon.net

Good impression

First-term Gloucester County Freeholder Lyman Barnes has focused on cost-saving initiatives. He understands the positive impact shared-service agreements have at the county and municipal levels, and was one of the most vocal and knowledgeable proponents of the regionalized jail effort that has saved money and benefited the counties involved. He has also proven to be a strong advocate for higher education, instrumental in Rowan University and Gloucester County College partnering on affordable four-year degrees. Barnes definitely deserves a second term.

Joe Baker, West Deptford, jbaker111@gmail.com

Can't be picky

Inner-city school problems are complicated and deeply connected to inner-city poverty ("Schools that rule," April 8). For a recent letter writer to compare School District schools to a charter school, which can eliminate difficult students, was unfair. Public schools have lost funding and staff, yet must educate all the students sent to them.

Patricia Gysling, Westtown