LETTERS - Aug. 28

ISSUE | ENTITLEMENTS

All in, or nothing

Wisconsin Republican Congressman Paul Ryan's compassionate conservative ideology concentrates on federal entitlements, but neglects corporate and congressional entitlements ("Ryan's compassionate conservatism," Aug. 24). Unless all entitlements are addressed equally, we cannot consider Ryan's advocacy for reform creditable.

|P.M. Johnson, West Chester

Hand that fed him

How disappointing to see the usually tough-minded Michael Smerconish write a puff piece about Paul Ryan ("Ryan's compassionate conservatism," Aug. 24). Smerconish should know Ryan wasn't the only one helped by Social Security survivor benefits. There were four of us kids in school when my father died. And my mother didn't have a "very kind woman" to provide home care. Mom did it all herself.

The difference between Ryan and me is that I don't want to dismantle the system that helped our families and millions of other Americans. Ryan's blather about "trying to save" entitlements is belied by his record. His idea of limited government means limiting how we provide for those in need while giving unlimited tax cuts to the wealthiest. Though there is no evidence that trickle-down economics works, Ryan doesn't let facts get in the way of ideology.

|Sam Gugino, Philadelphia

ISSUE | GIVING

Seeing the smiles

As someone who has spent his career in nonprofit fund-raising and consulting, I applaud Bob Rosen on his decision to step up his philanthropic commitments during his battle with cancer - as well as his son, Eric, for offering great advice ("Giving as if it's the end, but it's not," Aug. 22). Warren Buffet's Giving Pledge was designed to get the world's billionaires to give away half their wealth. Rosen is no billionaire, but he has decided to take that challenge upon himself and is divvying up his charitable dollars in a thoughtful way that is sure to have a great impact on causes closest to his heart. While there is nothing wrong with giving in the form of a bequest - about 10 percent of total charitable dollars come in the form of bequests - what Rosen is doing is even better. He may be reducing the size of his estate, but Rosen is increasing his own joy of giving and leaving a meaningful, charitable legacy. May he continue to defy the odds for many years. He is an inspiring example for us all.

|Robert Evans, president, Evans Consulting Group, Willow Grove, revans@theevansconsultinggroup.com

Caring on the job

It is gratifying to see recognition for caregivers in skilled nursing and similar settings ("The angels who care and comfort in worst of times," Aug. 25). My wife, Helen, is a resident of Villa St. Martha in Downingtown and receives the most loving care by all the staff as a dementia resident. Caregivers are destined for good things, inasmuch as they devote their time to listening, guiding, and helping with daily activities, yet get little recognition. As the population ages and these dreadful diseases increase, caregivers will be needed even more.

|Joseph Brennan, Kennett Square

ISSUE | SELF-DEFENSE

Wrong fashion accessory for a teacher

I was astounded to see the teacher in Utah carrying a pink gun ("Armed in the school system," Aug. 25). I am a Utah native, and there was no violence in the schools when I went to school there.

Does this teacher carry the gun in her purse? If she does, every student and employee of all the schools she visits now knows that a gun is available for the taking. Does she carry it on her person? If so, is it unloaded? If so, what good is it in an emergency? If it is loaded, what if it goes off accidentally? What if she has a pink phone and answers the gun instead of the phone? The questions regarding the common sense of this action are endless.

|Susan Thompson, Newtown

Pistol-packing pupils? Class dismissed

During nearly 30 years as a university professor, I have never been afraid to enter my classroom. A college classroom is a wonderful place to be because of the students sitting there. That said, I retire the day an 18-year-old can walk into class carrying a gun.

|Jeannie Welsh, Philadelphia

Testing the good-guy theory on guns

The Inquirer, in keeping with its news charter to publish only left-wing propaganda, would never report the following about Chicago: Despite having the highest gun-related murder rate and many other gun-related crimes, the city has seen an average drop of 23 percent in murder and armed robbery rates since Illinois started granting concealed-carry permits this year. Just the idea that the criminals don't know who's armed is a great deterrent.

|Joseph Fydrych, Laurel Springs

ISSUE | PRESERVATION

Face-saving measure reassures

As a native of Center City, and a resident of Rittenhouse Square for the last 40-some years, coming upon the yellow demolition notice posted on the McIlhenny mansion stopped me in my tracks ("Makeover of Rittenhouse mansion begins," Aug. 20). It couldn't have been more devastating had the demolition notice been posted on City Hall. The McIlhenny mansion is the jewel of Rittenhouse Square, reminding us of the neighborhood's elegant past.

But I can breathe once more, having learned that the façade will remain the same, so we will not lose this beautiful and historical Rittenhouse Square landmark.

|Alice Poupard, Philadelphia

ISSUE | CHOICES

Better use for funds than luring confab

The School District claims that it is $81 million short on what it needed to open schools on time. Here's a thought: Instead of wasting millions trying to lure the Democrats to Philadelphia for a convention, give the money to the school system to educate our kids. Why have a bunch of politicians meet in our city trying to figure out how to put their hands in our pockets with more tax-and-spend ideas while our schools threaten layoffs and cutbacks in education? Somebody in the city needs to smarten up and get their priorities straight.

|John Mikula, Philadelphia

ISSUE | WELCOME MAT

City hospitality worthy of a wheelie

How fitting that the City of Brotherly Love played host to the Paralyzed Veterans of America and the more than 500 wheelchair athletes who went to your city on Aug. 11 for the National Veterans Wheelchair Games. On their behalf, I thank all Philadelphians - businesses, unions, the local media, the dedicated emergency and medical personnel, the thousands of committed volunteers, and all the local citizens, especially those who came to cheer our athletes on from the sidelines - for your heartwarming hospitality. I also want to thank the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center and local organizing committee for all of their hard work, and recognize the Philadelphia Downtown Marriott and Convention Center for their help in making these games one of the best we've ever had.

Philadelphia is the birthplace of freedom, and these games have always been a kind of emotional and athletic rebirth for hundreds of veterans who have served to protect the freedom of the American people. Through these games, veterans with spinal cord injuries and other neurological impairments are empowered to live more healthy and independent lives - lives that are not solely defined by a wheelchair.

The welcome and warmth from the people of Philly far exceeded our expectations. We thank you for sharing this experience with us and for helping our "Heroes Make History."

|Ernie Butler, director of sports and recreation, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Washington