Bernanke is punishing the people who have spent their lives being honest and fiscally responsible, forcing them to rapidly deplete their retirement savings, with the prospect of becoming a government dependent.
Retirees will be "happy" if they can receive a fair interest rate on their savings so that they can pay the bills.
Joe DellaValla, Philadelphia
Bail denied
I see that Msgr. William J. Lynn has been denied bail again ("Lynn's bail request is denied," Tuesday). In the meantime, I read about criminals of all sorts being out on bail. How come?
Steve Mapa Sr., West Chester, mapagation@verizon.net
Life's choices
Thank you for publishing Scott W. Atlas' informative and truthful commentary about obesity ("Obesity and responsibility," Aug. 1). The fact that the obesity rate has increased 48 percent over the last 15 years is startling. He says that "holding obese people responsible is still considered not only politically incorrect, but discriminatory and prejudiced." A small percentage of people are predisposed to being obese, but what about the decision-making of those not predisposed to obesity?
There is plenty of educational material at people's fingertips regarding how to start, maintain, and establish healthy habits. Choosing to educate yourself takes motivation and desire. It is disheartening to see so many people harm themselves by making destructive life choices.
The generations to come should not be financially responsible for the poor decision-making of their predecessors.
Holly Spofford, Wayne
Classic values
The article "Classic destruction" (Aug. 2) could not even begin to tell what was truly lost in the fire of the Latin Cruisers Car Club garage in Kensington.
Unlike the cars that drive past my windows, blasting music at 3 a.m., this club was a show of great family values. Both young and older members routinely came to cruise nights and car shows with their wives, children, and grandchildren. The devotion they gave to their cars, mostly on a shoestring budget, brought joy to gear-heads and strangers alike.
In these neighborhoods, where crime and poverty are seen everywhere, the sight of one of these cars motoring down the road gave everyone a reason to smile, and not many people have ever smiled at a Pacer. For those members who had insurance, the book value of a 1957 Thunderbird or similar cars is probably 20 percent at most of the dollars that were put into these cars.
I'm a member of the Roxborough Ridgerunners Car Club, and the devastation of beautiful vintage and antique cars broke my heart. I pray it won't break the spirit of the Latin Cruisers, who keep busy with their families to pursue a clean, fun hobby in these tough times.
Joanne Hulme, Philadelphia, jhulmecsep@yahoo.com
Different play
Two real-estate agents living in or near affluent Center City survive horrific attacks, and The Inquirer runs a lengthy commentary (including a photo and map) about them at the top of the front page ("Attacks wound their civic pride," Wednesday). On July 31, the story "Names of 3 shooting victims given," about three people shot to death in comparatively low-income neighborhoods - Mill Creek, Frankford, East Mount Airy - was run at the bottom of Page B2 with no photo or map. No word on what the victims did for a living, or whether their survivors' civic pride was wounded.
The Inquirer's reporting, commentary, and story placement ought to show that all violent crimes are equally frightening and destructive, wherever they may occur.
Neil Goldstein, Media
Insensitive
The cartoon of Coach Andy Reid on the Editorial Page Wednesday was in poor taste. I realize you were trying to make a point about drugs being a problem in the United States, but using a caricature of Reid talking about his son the day after he is buried goes beyond insensitive. Give this man the respect he deserves. I think you owe Reid, his family, and his friends an apology.
Therese Orlando, Newtown Square
Mobile ID centers
I get it. The Republicans are petrified of a handful of fraudulent votes ("Voter-ID case's outlook unclear," Monday). Make people get voter IDs with photos, but make sure it is easy to get one. It is incumbent upon them to set up mobile ID centers and travel from neighborhood to neighborhood, helping to ensure that everyone who wants an ID can get one. They should be available evenings and weekends to give those who work an opportunity. If it costs the state millions, so be it. This way they can't be accused of rigging the vote in their favor.
Jim Kippen, Plymouth Meeting
Show tax returns
Although I feel that, in fairness to voters, Mitt Romney should release his tax records, I have a suggestion for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid: Do something constructive and sponsor legislation to mandate the release of candidates' tax records when they apply for a job. We can argue about how many years, but every candidate from dogcatcher to president should divulge this important information.
Eugene Lenard, Aston
