We would like to respond to the Feb. 13 Readers’ Forum letter (“Diabetes a concern in 12th district”). We have been the recipients of projects that U.S. Rep. John Murtha had the foresight to support when he identified diabetes as a major health crisis for the 12th Congressional District, Pennsylvania and the nation.

Several years ago, Murtha helped to develop a partnership between the University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute and several health-care institutions throughout western Pennsylvania that would approach diabetes in a comprehensive, systematic and sustainable way. He was concerned with the costs for treating the disease, nearly $174 billion every year.

Until there is a magic pill to cure diabetes, we must use and test approaches to preventing and managing diabetes.

Murtha has supported the development of nurse-directed clinics, telemedicine, community-based and primary-care risk identification and treatment programs.

These efforts have gained the attention of the U.S. military, national health-care organizations such as the American Diabetes Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as Gov. Ed Rendell.

On Feb. 13, Rendell announced a Chronic Care Management Plan for Pennsylvania, which is expected to save our state health-care system billions of dollars while improving chronic disease care.

Much of the work that Murtha has supported has been instrumental in building the foundation for the Pennsylvania Diabetes Action Plan and the Chronic Care Management Plan.

Through Murtha’s leadership, we are working together to expand these successful efforts throughout Pennsylvania, the military and the nation.

Dr. Linda Siminerio

Executive director,

University of Pittsburgh Diabetes Institute



Man, creation must be governed

Problems in the home; call the police.

Problems in the school; call the police.

Problems in the workplace; call a lawyer.

What does this determined action bring? What “effect” does it have? The law brings consequences. Isn’t change what we want? God’s word brings correction and change. But if we choose to ignore it, then we will remain a “policed” state, instead of a United States of America living under God’s grace.

Our world is proof that man and creation must have someone governing it. If we will not choose God’s word, then we will, by default, choose man’s written code that lacks power to change anything.

So go on all you want about how the world has “evolved” into its present state.

Evolution is another coverup to hide the truth that our choices have brought us to the place we are. God chose first in the beginning to create, and then we chose to destroy by defying his word.

We are responsible for our progressive movement toward chaos. It has nothing to do with a “cosmic” explosion. It is the result of a repetitive, and rebellious action to put God out and bring in our own flawed, limited perspective on how best to govern ourselves. Hebrews 7:18-19. “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless, (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.”

Kirstin DiNinno

Central City



Questionable practices within District 6

I am writing in regard to the suspension of (Westmont Hilltop High School wrestling coach) Matt Beaujon by a District 6 “committee.”

I find it ironic that D-6 considers itself an expert on sportsmanship. Under its watchful eye, many questionable practices have gone on with little if any punishment.

A few years ago, Richland wrestled an academically ineligible wrestler to deny Westmont a trip to Hershey. This past year, two Mount Union wrestlers were allegedly instructed to “stay down” in order to win.

What were the sanctions for these teams? It seems sportsmanship is to be enforced in a very hodgepodge manner, when it suits someone’s needs at that time.

When a person coaches young people, that person is in essence a “child advocate,” looking out for the safety and well-being of each child.

What if each parent would have pulled out his or her boy – how would D-6 sanction a parental decision?

I think D-6 was embarrassed by the attention that was brought upon it; it was egg on its face. The Westmont Hilltop boys were cheated in the most despicable way that I’ve ever heard of in an athletic event. The team, parents and athletic director left on principle. It was a life lesson.

In the end, Westmont Hilltop produces some of the top-caliber young people in the region and brings more than its share of glory to District 6.

Beaujon will continue to have the support and admiration of many.

Mary Calissie

Pittsburgh



Schools becoming killing fields

You have a loved one in Iraq. You pray for his or her well-being every day. They come home to hugs, prayers of thanksgiving and a celebration.

You send your children to school. You pray for their well-being every day. What a sad commentary on our society that the institutions that we trust are killing fields.

Frances T. Mattre

Johnstown



High-water conditions but no water lovers

During the recent high-water conditions, I passed the Stonycreek River many times, and you’ll never guess what I saw.

No canoes or kayaks anywhere.

What is it with these prima donnas of the Benscreek Canoe Club who wanted to fill the river with boulders for added excitement? When the river rages, they are nowhere to be found.

Maybe it’s because the rapids are brown from runoff and they only prefer pristine, clear rapids. Or maybe the water was just too cool.

What a bunch of troopers.

I hope if we drought out this spring, club members will find comfort in portaging the river.

Have a great spring, ye hardy souls, and may you catch the trickle you deserve.

David W. Lamison

Upper Yoder township