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Letters to the Editor

Fund schools, not inauguration Three cheers for the writer of the letter "Don't need second coronation" (Tuesday), who says it like it is: We don't need another costly inauguration for a president who is simply remaining in the White House for four more years. We had the "coronation" in 2009, and should forgo a second one in these economically stressed times.

With forty days until President Barack Obama is sworn in for a second term, construction continues on the platforms on the west side of the Capitol, looking down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, where dignitaries and news cameras will witness the inauguration ceremonies, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The Old Post Office Pavilion is at left.  (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
With forty days until President Barack Obama is sworn in for a second term, construction continues on the platforms on the west side of the Capitol, looking down Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, where dignitaries and news cameras will witness the inauguration ceremonies, Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012. The Old Post Office Pavilion is at left. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)Read moreAP

Fund schools, not inauguration

Three cheers for the writer of the letter "Don't need second coronation" (Tuesday), who says it like it is: We don't need another costly inauguration for a president who is simply remaining in the White House for four more years. We had the "coronation" in 2009, and should forgo a second one in these economically stressed times.

Instead, I suggest that the corporations and lobbyists who are donating to the inauguration festivities instead donate that money to the nation's schools. What a magnificent celebration we could have if all the schools had the supplies and teachers they needed. And then students could watch President Obama take a simple oath of office on brand-new television sets, or live, on computers.

Jean Haskell, Philadelphia, jean.haskell205@gmail.com

Efforts to reduce freedom

Liberals' answer to perceived problems is almost always the same: to reduce freedom ("Place limits on filibustering," Wednesday).

Big government deficits demand taking more money from the people. Out-of-control campaign spending requires that corporations forfeit their right to free speech. When lawless hoodlums with no regard for human life gun each other down on city streets, law-abiding citizens need to be restricted on how they buy and sell firearms.

The newest perceived problem is that President Obama can't pass the card-check and climate-change initiatives he wants to further destroy the U.S. economy because of the 60-vote rule in the U.S. Senate. For liberals, this is just another inconvenient right that needs to be done away with. To the rest of us, it seems to be the last thing saving us from the tyranny of the mob.

Michael B. Hudson, Pottstown

Don't ruin wedding memories

Wedding albums are for memories of a great occasion, and something for couples to treasure for the rest of their lives, as well as to share with family and friends. To include "that intimate nuptial afterglow" in the wedding album is in bad taste, as well as immoral ("Wedding wows," Wednesday). It borders on "soft porn." The intimacy between couples belongs in the privacy of the bedroom. It is a way to express their love for each other, not something to be shared.

Don't we have any pride left?

Robert W. Flowers, Richboro

Persecution of Falun Gong

Elected officials engaging with China to further economic prosperity should be aware of that government's self-serving agenda ("In China, Nutter works to raise city's profile," Dec. 6). At the heart of this agenda is the genocide of Falun Gong practioners. With 70 million to 100 million practitioners, it is the largest persecuted group in China. Despite their peaceful adherence to truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, these practitioners must endure 16- to 18-hour days in forced labor camps.

Even worse, illegally incarcerated Falun Gong practitioners, as well as Tibetans, Uighurs, and Christians, are subject to the most abhorrent crime against humanity: systematically examined and tissue-typed, these innocent victims are killed on demand to fuel China's organ transplant industry.

A petition calling on the White House to help bring an end to these atrocities can be found at http://wh.gov/5Jmn. We can end these atrocities if we just speak out.

Jessica D. Russo, Doctors Against Forced Organ Harvesting, Philadelphia, drjdrusso@gmail.com