Letters | WiFi Philadelphia is fast becoming a reality

Michael Balhoff intentionally mislead readers in his Oct. 22 commentary, "Tripped by wireless." Here are the facts:

Philadelphia's wireless initiative remains on track, as noted in a recent Inquirer editorial ("Connecting. . .," Oct. 7).

No Philadelphia taxpayer dollars have been spent to build or operate the network, and EarthLink's payments to the city for the right to build the network represent money the city would never have received had it not approved the project.

The initiative has introduced additional competition into Philadelphia's broadband market, making high-speed Internet access more available and affordable for everyone.

EarthLink is investing millions in Philadelphia, creating tremendous opportunities for our city and its citizens. Further, this kind of network has never been built on this scale anywhere. Philadelphia is on the cutting edge.

EarthLink has made a rational business decision to focus on Philadelphia and retreat, for now, from similar projects elsewhere to avoid repeating mistakes in multiple markets.

The network is not yet complete and continues to be optimized based on customers' input. There are growing pains, just as there were when the telephone, cable and cellular industries began installing networks. The value of the network will best be judged when it is fully installed and optimized.

So what is the ominous downside? There is none.

Greg Goldman

Chief executive officer

Wireless Philadelphia

» READ MORE: ggoldman@wirelessphiladelphia.org

Re: "Sore Point," Oct. 30, about discarded needle-exchange syringes in Kensington:

Please do not let this article make you think that needle-exchange programs are bad. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the exchange programs greatly reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Even if you have "no love lost for drug users," please have love for humanity. These needle-exchange programs are responsible for preventing the transmission of HIV in so many people. With the federal government's help, these programs could provide not only safe alternatives to sharing needles, but also safe and responsible disposal methods.

I am sorry that the syringes are littering the neighborhood, but this is due to lack of funding - not lack of care.

Celeste Lavin

Merion Station

» READ MORE: celeste.lavin@fightglobalaids.org

Lavin is the high school coordinator of the Student Global AIDS Campaign.

Oct. 28 brought thousands of Philadelphians to the Art Museum for the annual walk to raise funds for research for juvenile diabetes. There was nothing in the next day's paper about it.

All ages - babies in carriages and wagons, teenagers, college kids, and adults of all ages - walked to support those who are working for the cure. All races participated in a common cause. Feelings of camaraderie permeated the air. Yet - nothing in the paper about it the following day.

This was a wonderful opportunity for the Inquirer to cover community activism/cooperation and you failed.

Judy Schwartz

Jenkintown

When the new Kensington High School is built, the first thing hung on the walls should be a plaque dedicating the building to the vision, courage, strength, and power of Youth United for Change ("SRC holds off on charters, buys Kensington school land," Oct. 25).

The YUC members spent years fighting to realize the vision of small schools. Through powerful testimony and a strong understanding of the importance of civic engagement and perseverance, the youth won this school for their community. While much is written about the disappointing state of our youth, this struggle should stand as a shining example - one of too many that go unnoticed - of the power and possibility of our young people.

Helen Gym

Philadelphia