Letters to the Editor

Wired-world worries

Talking and texting while driving are well-known dangers, but motorists had better head for shelter if Google Glass attracts even a small base of users ("Getting things in order on the Internet," May 17). Now that Google is collaborating with Ray-Ban, Oakley, and others on design, manufacturing, and marketing of its Internet-linked glasses, far more widespread use is assured. And nobody really needs to use a gadget that poses an obvious danger to the walking, driving, and riding public. Indeed, heightened vigilance even on sidewalks will be needed as a meandering and totally oblivious smartphone user approaches - binge-watching, getting NCAA results, and enjoying other cyber-distractions, like maybe a cat using a toilet.

Randy Sommovilla, Philadelphia

Corbett's right move

As the former president of Equality Pennsylvania, I don't praise Gov. Corbett every day ("Corbett won't appeal same-sex marriage ruling," May 22). But his decision not to appeal the Whitewood v. Wolf ruling means that thousands of same-sex couples will now be afforded the same basic rights as our friends and neighbors. It also means businesses will be better equipped to recruit a top-talent workforce. Young people will be less likely to move to a marriage-recognition state. It means that the state's wedding industry will see economic success. It means that people like my husband and me will be treated equally under the law.

Corbett didn't have to side with equality, but he did. And he deserves our thanks for ending the state's debate over same-sex marriage, discontinuing the waste of tax dollars in defense of an indefensible law, and making equality the law of the land.

Adrian E. Shanker, Bethlehem

Gipper envy

I agree with Gov. Christie that Ronald Reagan was a symbol of certainty in the foreign policy arena ("In New York, Christie slams Obama," May 19). Reagan certainly allowed the sale of arms to Iran so it could give guns to cartels in Nicaragua. He certainly cut and ran from Lebanon after 241 Marines were killed by terrorists, and he certainly showed how powerful the United States could be by invading Grenada and sacrificing the lives of soldiers to protect a handful of underachieving med students.

D. J. McElroy, Philadelphia

Girls grads still rule

My Girls High School class just celebrated its 70th reunion, and we are a hardy group, with 70-plus still living from a class of 195. Among our number were about 25 who served in the Cadet Nurse Corps, receiving their RNs at government expense - not insignificant coming out of the Depression years. Among those who went right to college after graduation were the first female engineer to graduate from Drexel and the first woman architect to graduate from Penn. Many others worked in war-related jobs and attended college afterward. It was a most exciting time.

Charlotte Glauser, Philadelphia, 1927glauser@comcast.net

No particular rush

Each and every legislator who is not actively working toward the demise of the State Store system and the creation of a free-market replacement should be treated to the same nonsense I dealt with one recent afternoon: a long line at the one open register, a clueless clerk, and an oblivious store manager.

Stephen Cooney, Pottstown

Must make the case

The Philadelphia schools' problems have nothing to do with funding ("Pour-mouth lesson," May 20). The graduation rate is embarrassing, and the knowledge of the basics is deplorable. The condition of schools in many cases is disgusting, despite janitors and staff. When signs of improvement are visible, perhaps then the case for more funding can be heard.

Deirdre Cooper, Ambler