Some time ago, Gov. Ed Rendell ordered a review of the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole’s release procedures. He named a Temple University professor to head this review.
I wonder when (if ever) we will see his report. This seems important in view of the Ernie Simmons fiasco. The Pennsylvania criminal justice system is in complete disarray. The probation and parole system is (in my opinion) one of the worst. It is now nothing but collectors of money (to keep the system working). It needs to change collection to compassion.
Here are some suggestions I would give consideration to:
* Remove all mandatory sentences (except in serious felonies – murder, rape, etc.).
* Remove all outlandish fines imposed as a result of the above.
* Place all these criminals on probation (under Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole) until all costs are paid.
These changes would make many cells available immediately and avoid sending inmates to other facilities, which is very costly.
All the above would require legislative action, which is not likely to happen. This would be political suicide, but I believe it would help.
James E. Hedglin
RETIRED PROBATION AND PAROLE SUPERVISOR
Johnstown
Science has caught up with religion
I was pleasantly surprised to learn this past year that scientists studying human embryos have identified that the embryo’s DNA is unique. That means that the embryo is not just an organ of the mother’s body, such as a kidney. If it were, then it would have the same DNA as the mother.
This has been an argument of many pro-abortion people for decades. Science is now confirming that once the egg and sperm unite inside the mother, it is a human being because there is no evidence that a human embryo has ever grown into anything other than a human being.
There is an ancient saying that, “The truth does not contradict itself.” It now appears that science has caught up with the truth about unborn life, which religion has known for some time.
Paul Dube
Johnstown
Debate assumption is erroneous
A recent editorial assumes the debate between Sen. Arlen Specter and Congressman Joe Sestak will focus on Philadelphia matters – because it takes place there – and will ignore issues important to the rest of Pennsylvania. That is not true.
The May 1 primary debate will be broadcast live in the state’s six media markets and will address issues facing the state and nation. Of note, the 2004 primary debate originated from a TV station in Altoona but was shown live in all six of the state’s media markets, including PCN, as will be the case again this year.
The editorial is absolutely right to call for an examination of the Senate candidates on the issues, and Specter will continue to talk to voters about his record and vision for Pennsylvania during his visits to all the state’s 67 counties, countless media interviews and upcoming primary debate.
Chris Nicholas
Campaign manager for Arlen Specter
Young people think only of themselves
What is poverty? I think it is when a person has nothing. I was reading about the woman who struggled with her child and became a better person for it. Some young people today are all about themselves and not about how to make a difficult situation better.
As a young, single mother who received assistance for a number of years to raise five children, I had it rough, but it made me a better person.
With the help of a loving family and friends, I made it. I am proud of who I became. If I can do it, we all can. Young people, stay in school and learn from others’ mistakes, be proud of who you are and respect those who take care of you.
Sadie A. Graham
Johnstown
Don’t measure others by position in life
February is considered to be the month of love. And God wants us to show love the way he does. When we get involved in the lives of others, it is important to take responsibility, not a seat of arrogant authority.
Taking responsibility includes looking out for the best interests of others. Taking control involves protecting our selfish ambitions, protocols and agendas and doing things to raise everyone’s awareness of our power and authority. This diminishes God’s role and blocks opportunities to resolve problems quickly.
Never measure a person by his or her position in life. Both the palace and shanties in Haiti were leveled. If the powers-that-be have the ability to act after a disaster strikes, why didn’t they act before it happened? It is apparent that a well-organized and designed system that leaves God out was firmly in place, and that some chose to compromise what they knew was right and equitable just to be a part of it.
Ephesians 6:12 – For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, authorities and powers of this dark world.
Kirstin DiNinno
Central City
Ruling will lead to formation of new party
On Jan. 21, the Supreme Court of the United States took a major leap toward ending our great republic. One fundamental characteristic of a republic includes representative government.
Representatives from each state propose, debate and vote on bills that result in new laws. Our legislators are elected by the citizens of the states they represent.
By a narrow 5-4 vote, the conservative members of the court decided that corporations have the right to unlimited financial interests in elections. This unlimited support will only continue if the candidate backs legislation that is favorable to the contributor.
What is more troubling is that these corporations may be influenced by foreign investors. Do you think that wealthy foreigners are motivated by the best interests of Americans? Members of the minority party in Congress have hailed this as a great victory in defending the First Amendment right to free speech.
Apparently they believe this ruling will help them regain majority status in the House and Senate. But what these short-sighted politicians fail to realize is that this ruling effectively ends any ideological policies by either party. This nation will soon become a one-party political system, run by the American Corporate Party.
Every politician will be bought and owned by corporate interests. I realize that special interests and lobbyists already have too much influence on the political process, but this decision gives them complete control.
Ed Thomas
Ebensburg
Campaign financing will be real nightmare
I wish to add my voice to that of Bill Kudlawiec (“High court ruling setback for electoral system,” Jan. 29) concerning the Jan. 21 ruling by the Supreme Court that allows corporations to pump as much money as they want into political campaigns.
This is a serious threat to American democracy and would allow elections to be bought. The Roberts court cleared the way for one of those corporate takeovers we read about. The ruling also strikes down the laws of 22 states and the federal government. What a nightmare.
Elizabeth Wasilko
Northern Cambria
