Letters to the Editor

Steer clear

While agreeing with your editorial in favor of Mayor Nutter's bike-share program, I'm afraid this program will mean more cyclists riding on sidewalks - a dangerous and illegal practice ("Finally in gear," April 24). One of the mayor's challenges will be to fulfill his past promises to safeguard pedestrians from cyclists by initiating education and awareness programs, including signage, and by enforcing existing law.

Frank Gallop, Philadelphia

Rough profits

Sportswriter Mike Sielski practically glorified the Broad Street Bullies for beating their opponents ("Schultz vs. Rolfe lives 40 years later," April 25). His description of the Flyers' ethos as intimidating opponents "by treading on the dark side of their sport" makes me wonder whether such a franchise deserves to exist. Olympic hockey is played the way it should be, without crossing to the dark side. Soccer (also a rough sport) harshly penalizes brutality, and that doesn't discourage fans of the world's most popular sport. It looks like the National Hockey League simply lacks the courage to enforce discipline and good sportsmanship, and that's probably because violence sells tickets in the NHL.

Leo Iwaskiw, Philadelphia

Sandy rights

Count me as one of those dissatisfied after seeing story after story of Hurricane Sandy victims denied aid or given the runaround. They definitely deserve better. I really hope these reports convince Gov. Christie to support State Sen. Steve Sweeney's Sandy Bill of Rights. I am sure residents would feel better about the entire situation if they knew victims were not being abused in the recovery process.

Christina Trifiletti, Mullica Hill

Cool it, together

As a center-left liberal and member of Citizens' Climate Lobby, I was happy to read of the Energy & Enterprise Initiative call for a carbon tax ("Climate for change," April 28). Climate change is an issue on which liberals and conservatives can find common ground. Both sides can agree that an absolutely necessary step is a tax to bend our economy away from carbon-based energy, and Citizens' Climate Lobby has advocated for a revenue-neutral tax for years. That means the size of government would not be increased. There is room for debate on how to achieve that neutrality, but we can work it out. Wouldn't it be wonderful if liberals and conservatives could come together on this problem? We can, and we must if our descendants are to enjoy the stable climate that we take for granted today.

Alan M. Windle, Philadelphia, awindle94@yahoo.com

Give back Barnes

The Inquirer's Edward J. Sozanski set a high standard for art criticism ("A focused critic who told of city's growth in art," April 17). He will best be remembered, though, for his principled opposition to moving the Barnes collection. He still has the last, best word on that subject: "It can't be relocated organically any more than a giant redwood can be cut and stuck in a giant tub on the sidewalk." Unfortunately, that is just what happened. But unlike the redwood, the collection can be returned where it belongs. That would most fittingly honor Sozanski's memory.

Robert Zaller, Bala Cynwyd, rzaller@msn.com

Roots of problem

Why anyone would be surprised about the clandestine racism and discriminatory attitudes revealed by Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling's comments escapes my comprehension ("Bigotry isn't cured," April 30). This type of private, deeply held discrimination and racism is prevalent in society over race, age, gender, sexual preference, and more - and it's those internalized biases that are the danger, not the one bigot who gets exposed by a domestic dispute that was recorded.

Albert Whitehead, Philadelphia, PhilaPa312@aol.com