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LETTERS - March 1

ISSUE | GOVERNORS Give Wolf a chance Regarding criticism over Gov. Wolf's remark about Pennsylvanians having an "excess of modesty," I am so tired of the childishness of this man's opponents ("Wolf says a bit of boasting could be a boost for Pa.," Feb. 24). He isn't my governor, but we all saw his political ads, and Wolf seemed so sincere, intelligent, and genuinely concerned about his state's citizens that I was pleased when he was elected.

ISSUE | GOVERNORS

Give Wolf a chance

Regarding criticism over Gov. Wolf's remark about Pennsylvanians having an "excess of modesty," I am so tired of the childishness of this man's opponents ("Wolf says a bit of boasting could be a boost for Pa.," Feb. 24). He isn't my governor, but we all saw his political ads, and Wolf seemed so sincere, intelligent, and genuinely concerned about his state's citizens that I was pleased when he was elected.

|Bonnie Mason, Collingswood

Tact-free zone

I was intrigued by Gov. Christie's offer to New Hampshire voters to take more questions ("Back in N.H., Christie gives a hint of 2016," Feb. 17). If he responds as at home, he will reveal himself unqualified to be president.

|Robert Alexander, Washington Crossing, robtalex@aol.com

ISSUE | ESPN TALKER

Oust Olbermann

A termination notice, rather than a suspension, was in order for ESPN commentator Keith Olbermann's obtuse, stupid, and absurd remarks about Thon, an event that has raised millions for pediatric cancer ("PSU fan's role in Olbermann suspension," Feb. 25). Has he observed students collecting on street corners in all kinds of weather? Has he ever interviewed those aided by the funds?

In the unlikely event that Olbermann returns, I will refuse to purchase any item advertised on the program. And I am not even a Penn State graduate.

|S.E. Loughery, Warminster

ISSUE | FOG OF WAR

Acknowledging collateral damage

Former Marine Cpl. Eddie Ray Routh killed two soldiers and seemed to understand that it was wrong, so a verdict of guilty but mentally ill couldn't be applied (" 'American Sniper' trial ends in a guilty verdict," Feb. 25). Yet, let us admit that - by committing young people to two dubious wars over the past 14 years - we have sown a harvest not of freed countries, but of damaged veterans.

When, in a rare case, a vet has cognitive or psychological problems and kills someone else, himself, or herself, let us not wholly blame that person who, prior to deployment, presumably was as sane as the rest of us.

Until we stop unwarranted foreign involvements, and unless we commit a lot more time and money to help all vets heal, then any tragedy involving them is not their act alone.

|Bill Dingfelder, Bala Cynwyd

ISSUE | PUBLIC PENSIONS

Emulate bookmakers, lay off pension risks

The proposals rehashed by authors Phil Goldsmith and Farah Jimenez are unlikely to provide any significant reduction in pension deficits, at least over the next 30 years ("The pension problem," Feb. 22). Why? Because they ignore escalating retiree liability, which accounts for more than 60 percent of the unfunded liability in Philadelphia's plan. Increasing employee contributions, establishing defined-contribution plans, and the like won't help.

The real solution is to begin a systematic risk transfer. This process would provide guaranteed lifetime retiree benefits by high-quality insurers. All or a portion of the annual required contribution already mandated can be used to purchase the risk transfer over time. All stakeholders - current employees, retirees, elected officials, and, most importantly, taxpayers - would benefit.

|John T. Hausladen, Malvern, jhausladen@planfundingsolutions.com

ISSUE | OIL TRAIN RISKS

Working on the railroad, and safety-conscious

Railroad officials share the public's concern regarding the safe movement of crude oil ("Danger on the rails," Feb. 22). No accident is acceptable, and every day freight railroads look to improve the safety of their operations. For crude-oil trains, railroads have lowered speeds, increased track inspections beyond federal requirements, installed additional emergency braking systems, and implemented trackside technologies to detect wheel defects.

But more is needed to ensure the safe movement of crude by rail. That's why railroads have advocated for tougher tank-car standards, and supports an aggressive retrofit program or the phase-out of cars that cannot be upgraded.

The federal government's long-awaited rules will not only provide certainty, but also chart a new course for ensuring the safer movement of crude oil by rail.

|Patricia Reilly, senior vice president, Communications Association of American Railroads, Washington, preilly@aar.org