Letters to the Editor

Sexting bill offers help to teens

I would like to set the record straight about House Bill 2189. I am hopeful that my legislation will make Pennsylvania teens less likely to exchange these gratuitous pictures of themselves, saving themselves from the crushing embarrassment, harassment, and exploitation that too many young people have experienced after sexting. This legislation is not about victimizing the victim, but cautioning young people to not turn themselves into victims.

It is also about giving our law enforcement the ability to investigate why teens are sending these pictures. In Mifflin County, a female sent a photo as a cry for help because she was being molested. Because law enforcement investigated the incident, the girl is receiving counseling and a child predator is being prosecuted. If sexting were completely decriminalized, this girl could still be in harm's way and a predator could still be preying on innocent children.

State Rep. Seth Grove

R., York

Stem-cell foes care about illnesses

Re: "Stem-cell decision was wrong," Thursday:

How dare that letter writer claim that: "All the pro-lifers are popping champagne bottles while the crippled and suffering see the end of their hopes."

He assumes that pro-life people don't have family members suffering with multiple sclerosis, ALS, Parkinson's, and other diseases. He should know that we all hope for cures; we just don't want the solution to be use of the pre-born.

Hannah Dougherty Campbell

Havertown

Greene had no time for vacations

Recent articles about suspended Philadelphia Housing Authority executive director Carl Greene have mentioned that he gets six weeks' vacation and 11 holidays. How does he ever take that much vacation?

He claimed he works 24/7, which is why his mail piled up and foreclosure proceedings started. Certainly he can get by with only two or three weeks' vacation, right?

Chris Turk

Philadelphia

All Obama critics propose is tax cuts

For all of the criticism that Republicans have tossed at President Obama's economic initiatives, I find it amusing that the only alternative they've ever offered is tax cuts for the rich. Progressives have long since dismissed President George W. Bush's tax cuts as utterly useless as far as economic stimulus went.

The government needs that money back so that it can be put it to better use. The Bush tax cuts need to expire on schedule at the end of this year.

Richmond L. Gardner

Horsham