Letters to the Editor

Renew polio fight

While I was a member of Rotary International, Rotarians chose the eradication of polio - a scourge on humanity - as their primary mission. Only war and geopolitical unrest in Africa and the Middle East prevented 100 percent completion of Rotary's mission ("Help Syrian victims of polio," Dec. 26). Wars come and go, but I know firsthand the physical and emotional toll that polio takes. My mother contracted polio when she was 18 months old. When I was 10 years old, a boy in my Wilmington neighborhood died of bulbar polio. Yet, the disease is totally preventable.

In the short-term, it is prudent for those visiting the Middle East and parts of Africa to be certain that their immunity is current, and to update their polio inoculation if warranted. But I also challenge the State Department, UNICEF, and my fellow Rotarians around the world to convene a summit meeting to take on this devastating, invisible adversary striking children worldwide.

Brian K. Rizen, M.D., Philadelphia, brizen@live.com

Limiting benefits

A recent editorial suggests that the court decision to strike down portions of Act 13 is a victory for our environment ("Tapping brakes on gas giveaways," Dec. 26). In fact, it unravels some of the environmental protections created by the bipartisan regulatory modernization law, and misses an opportunity to establish rules that govern responsible shale development - resulting in weaker environmental regulations and a less competitive business climate.

The natural-gas industry has worked closely toward shared goals with communities to be a good neighbor and steward of the environment. And the outcomes are clear. The federal Environmental Protection Agency confirmed in October that carbon emissions are at their lowest since 1994. The independent State Review of Oil & Natural Gas Environmental Regulations again gave Pennsylvania's oil and gas regulatory framework high marks. Consumers are winning, too. A recent Boston Consulting Group analysis projects household savings tied to shale development. Unfortunately, with this ruling, these benefits may unnecessarily be limited.

Dave Spigelmyer, president, Marcellus Shale Coalition, Pittsburgh

Proud stand

Pastor Frank Schaefer stands with the LGBT community ("Minister defrocked," Dec. 20). We are proud to be in his presence. We are in awe of his fortitude and admire his love for his son and his stand for equality. We hope his bravery proves to be contagious.

Francis Saba and Victor Rivera, Philadelphia

Elusive peace

It has been nearly a century since World War I was fought as the "war to end war." Given what is going on in Syria, Sudan, Iraq, North Korea, Iran, and the Holy Land, among other places, it is high time that the world had a governing body able to keep peace - which the United Nations does not seem able to handle. Perhaps it should be limited to democratic nation-states, but the goal of peace and goodwill to all needs more action.

Ernest B. and Elaine H. Cohen, Upper Darby

A bit too monastic?

Roman Catholic Msgr. William J. Lynn seems awfully eager to get out of jail ("Lynn conviction reversed," Dec. 27). Yet, he sought a life of piety, chastity, and poverty. Presumably, prison should be the answer to his prayers.

I. Milton Karabell, Philadelphia

Common spycraft

President Obama once again seems to show his arrogance by refusing to grant clemency to Jonathan Pollard after 28 years in prison for giving classified information to Israel, one of our closest allies. Perhaps someone should remind Obama that our government has been spying on Israel and many other countries for years.

Frank Brodsky, Wynnewood