LETTERS - Nov. 19

ISSUE | HEALTH CARE

Sickness in cynicism

Despite Charles Krauthammer's obsession with blaming everything bad on President Obama, he does, on rare occasion, elicit actual bits of real information - like the fact that 37 states have failed (intentionally) to set up state-run health insurance exchanges ("Obamacare confessions," Nov. 17).

Krauthammer smugly points out that Jonathan Gruber, an adviser during the creation of the Affordable Care Act, explained that Obamacare was written in a way to encourage states to set up exchanges, which, in turn, was a key aspect of making the system work efficiently.

So thank Krauthammer for pointing out that 37 states are more interested in obstructing our country's best attempt than helping needy individuals obtain affordable health care. Interestingly, the vast majority (if not all) of those 37 states are controlled by Republicans. Is it any wonder?

|C. Theodore Lang, Wenonah

ISSUE | ARTS FUNDING

Handmade break

Cities that really want to have a thriving arts revival do what it takes to capture arts income with a larger, more progressive method of stimulus, deriving a tax not on art purchases but through added income ("Disparity in arts funding is aired," Nov. 14). Philadelphia needs a made-by-hand sales tax exemption in order to revive its dour, depleted, and endangered arts community. Let the public begin to make a difference in how the arts are funded by purchasing artwork and crafts made here by local artists, and watch the color and excitement return to our streets.

|Scott Cameron, Philadelphia, scottcameronart@comcast.net

ISSUE | HUDDLED MASSES

Offer shelter

Cold weather is here and, along with it, many hardships for animals kept outdoors, especially feral cats. They are subject to hypothermia, freezing, and possible death if wet. Consider providing shelter for outside animals inside a barn or in places protected from the elements. Line a box or crate with Styrofoam, straw, and shredded newspapers. Cover the shelter and face its opening against a wall. And put out fresh water and food in a covered area.

|Elgrit B. Russell, Holland

ISSUE | POLITICAL CONVENTIONS

Don't lure showcase of old-fashioned politics

Why seek the Democratic National Convention, since it's an anachronism and a waste of time, money, and other resources ("Asking donors to back '16 bid," Nov. 17)? It's four days of delegates attending a pep rally, usually to ratify a predetermined choice. The primaries are where the nominees are selected, not the conventions.

We should be looking to a new system, increasing the role of social media and online access. Even the present conventions could be done in three days instead of four. Start by streamlining the schedules and speeches. Rather than individual conventions, it is time for a two-day national primary to select the nominees for president.

|Robert Devoe, Philadelphia

ISSUE | SCHOOL BUDGETS

Numbers game lets school plead poverty

In a recent Inquirer article on Anna Lane Lingelbach Elementary's discretionary budget of $160 for its 400 students, the claim was made that the school "has just 40 cents to spend on each needy student" ("Where budget cuts hit hardest," Nov. 9). This clumsy calculation is a grossly misleading portrait of reality.

A better analysis would have compiled Lingelbach's complete list of expenses - not one cherry-picked line item - and compared them to other schools in the district, region, or state. Total per-pupil spending in the average Philadelphia school exceeds $14,000. Without context, how can a reader draw meaningful conclusions about what is truly happening?

|James Paul, senior policy analyst, Commonwealth Foundation, Harrisburg

ISSUE | AT THE PUMP

Low fuel prices could open project spigot

We agree with a recent letter suggesting that gasoline taxes be raised now while prices are low, but the tax should be imposed on energy used in all transportation modes - road, rail, air, water, and pipeline - and the proceeds used for all transportation projects, including public transportation systems. This would encourage a shift to more energy-efficient modes, more efficient cars (hybrids), and car-sharing.

Many American cities are now building, or have recently built, light-rail lines, and some even have built heavy transit systems. Why not Philadelphia? The availability of money would enable us to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and thereby help cope with the problem of global climate change.

|Ernest B. and Elaine H. Cohen, Upper Darby, ernest.cohen@ieee.org

ISSUE | ANNIVERSARIES

In recollection, a hope for a better world

Moorestown writer Sally Friedman's essay about the Nazis' Kristallnacht rampage touched the heart and stirred the mind so much that I have now added the date to my list of days to remember ("Recalling a horrific Nov. 9 in Europe," Nov. 9). The world continues its offering of horrific dates to recall; therefore, for better or worse, the list continues to grow, prompting me to always remember and never forget.

|Richard C. Bellamente, Mantua, bellamente@comcast.net