Readers Respond - baltimoresun.com

GOP has been taken over by extreme voices

Mon, 28 May 2012 12:00:00 EDT

As someone who was close to many Republican leaders in the past, it is sad to see what has become of that party. This country (and I mean this sincerely) needs a principled, reasonable and responsible Republican party. The Republican leadership today has allowed that party to be taken over by fringes. They have twisted themselves into such a pretzel on many issues, they stretch their credibility to lead.

Leakin Park site of summer art events

Mon, 28 May 2012 08:00:00 EDT

Since we have big park-related events coming up, I read Timothy Wheeler's recent article on Baltimore's parks with particular interest ("Baltimore's parks ranked 15 t h in U.S.," May 24).

Protecting the land by developing it?

Mon, 28 May 2012 10:00:00 EDT

A developer claims he would be "protecting the land" by building up to 400 houses in conservation land near Bird River ("Battle lines form over site near bay" May 25). He must use the same logic as the Vietnam War officer who explained that it was "necessary to destroy the village in order to save it."

Teacher pension proposal: A raw deal for taxpayers

Mon, 28 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Regarding your editorial "Pensions and budgets" (May 24), I finally get it: Your position is the same on taxes and fees as it is on the death penalty. The perp (in this case Gov.Martin O'Malley) gets pardoned or acquitted and the victims (we the people) are forgotten or dismissed — if anyone even takes us into consideration in the first place.

Teaching teens about alcohol should be a priority

Mon, 28 May 2012 16:00:00 EDT

Regarding Maryvale Preparatory School's mandatory alcohol education program ("At Maryvale Prep, alcohol education comes before prom," May 24), anything that can help make sure these seniors are safe now that they are almost in college is a good thing.

Council should oppose lifting Metro Centre project limits

Sun, 27 May 2012 15:30:00 EDT

Your article about Councilman Ken Oliver proposing a bill to allow David S. Brown Company to bypass parking and building requirements for the Metro Centre project in Owings Mills is nothing more than an attempt by Mr. Brown to circumvent the zoning commissioners approval of this project and bypass zoning requirements ("Bill would lift Metro Centre limits," May 24). This amounts to creating a PUD.

Baltimore needs more cops downtown

Sun, 27 May 2012 14:00:00 EDT

Ironic that the very day that Dan Rodricks attacks Pat McDonough for his candid and truthful assessment of gang crime downtown ("Conflicting realities collide downtown," May 24), The Sun buries on page 4 the attack by 20-30 "unruly" teens at the 7-Eleven at Light and Pratt streets — the heart of the Inner Harbor in the middle of a workday!

Catholics stand on moral grounds

Sun, 27 May 2012 12:30:00 EDT

I find it strange that I am compelled to write a letter defending the Church of Rome. Your Sunday editorial offering advice to Baltimore's new archbishop was truly ill-advised ("A new archbishop," May 2).

Mayor must do more than walk downtown once

Sun, 27 May 2012 11:00:00 EDT

It was good to see the mayor of Baltimore walking around the downtown as reported recently in The Sun ("Mayor has a look as police presence rises in downtown," May 20). But once the photo opportunities were done, then what?

Bain job losses no worse than Obama's at GM

Sun, 27 May 2012 09:30:00 EDT

So what obligation, if any, ("The Bain of Romney's candidacy," May 23) did President Barack Obama have to the communities affected by his decision-making to close the GM dealerships?