Letters to the Editor

Saints alive

John XXIII and John Paul II did not become saints on Sunday with their canonization in Rome ("Saints day," April 28). They were simply added to the official list - the canon - of those whose sanctity has been recognized. Catholics believe that everyone who lives a good life according to gospel values is a saint, a holy person. If the former popes are saints, it is because they did the best they could to lead lives of faithful witness, not due to an elaborate ceremony.

Marie Conn, Hatboro, mconn56@yahoo.com

Chester's secret

On the way to the lacrosse championships at PPL Park, I was amazed that there was no stadium signage at the I-95 or Route 322 exit ("Chester still awaits a big score in soccer," April 27th). Surely, there are enough people coming to the stadium that signs would be warranted.

Harvey Swedloff, Merion Station

Women's rule

With women receiving 60 percent of college degrees and holding key positions throughout government, maybe Janet Napolitano is a bit defensive due to women leaders who are not doing too well ("Men have no monopoly on ability to lead," April 20). Hillary Clinton left a mess for John Kerry, Kathleen Sibelius was a failure managing Obamacare, IRS official Lois Lerner retired in disgrace, and state Attorney General Kathleen Kane seems to have derailed a valuable corruption investigation. The most powerful woman in the world, Fed chief Janet Yellen, has come under sharp criticism for her view that we need to encourage more inflation. What we may have learned is that women as leaders can be just as problematic as men.

Richard Iaconelli, Philadelphia, post_rich@yahoo.com

Lifesavers needed

Scott P. Charles shone a bright light on a dark issue, that being the brutal gun violence that terrorizes the most vulnerable ("We owe an apology to children who are victims of gun violence," April 27). When these kids are shot and killed, there is righteous indignation about the manner in which society appears to ignore their plight. Clearly, the efforts of Charles and his Cradle to Grave program, although noble and necessary, have been unable to stem the tide of violence. It has been said that we can measure the character of a society by the manner in which it addresses the needs of its most vulnerable citizens. Surely, we can demonstrate greater integrity and character, simply by aggressively supporting the efforts of heroes like Charles as they attempt to save our most vulnerable children.

Peter C. McVeigh, Oreland, pmcveigh@comcast.net

Abortion regrets

Kate Michelman seems unaware that pro-life believers want what she does: "every woman's ability to live in dignity, to enjoy full and equal citizenship, and . . . a healthy and fulfilling life" ("Long road since 'Roe'," April 23). This is what we want for every woman and every unborn child. Michelman states that personal stories are compelling, but there are many stories (hopeafterabortion.com) from women who regret having had abortions. Michelman wrote, "I was alone in a society that placed little value on my dignity, my freedom, my children, and my choice." Today, society places little value on these same principles when it comes to the unborn. If society could see the unborn as human beings, perhaps it would be one that, as Michelman writes, "fully values women [and] supports children."

Sister Emily Vincent, Exton

Sale beneficiaries

With her injection of rational financial thought into the discussion of the sale of the Philadelphia Gas Works, Olivia S. Mitchell must not understand that City Council's decision on whether to approve the sale of this municipal relic will not be made on the basis of what is in the best interests of all Philadelphians ("Pensions and PGW," April 27).

Ken Rosenberg, Rydal, Krosenberg47@comcast.net