Letters to the Editor

Spoiled sports

Temple President Neil Theobald counters those opposed to the university's decision to cut athletic programs by writing, "Any potential savings from reallocating football scholarships to other sports would be more than offset by the resulting loss of television revenue. " ("Why Temple had to cut sports programs," Dec. 22). Nowhere have I ever heard anyone argue that football scholarships should be reallocated, because it's obvious that doing so would not save any money. It's easy to win a debate when you portray the other side's position incorrectly.

As a student in the 1970s, I loved Temple football. Some alumni, including me, would argue that a return to those days when we played local teams and actually had a winning record would be more cost-efficient and fun than the present, costly policy of being the homecoming opponent for teams that need an easy week and a win to pad their records.

Jack Schultz, Philadelphia, coachne@verizon.net

A lesson for India

India today has a sizable middle class, and yet most of its members have turned a blind eye to the inequality of their fellow citizens. As a recent article in The Inquirer noted, in India, "heavy-handed treatment by the police is normally reserved for the poor" ("Treatment of arrested diplomat was typical in the U.S.," Dec. 22).

I am glad that the arrested Indian diplomat Devyani Khobragade is being treated like everyone else by the U.S. justice system. While our system is not perfect by any means, we at least make sincere efforts to dispense justice for all. I hope Khobragade takes this lesson home.

May Van, West Chester

Cakes on a plane

The discussion around allowing cellphone use on planes is moving toward its inevitable conclusion: approval by federal officials and most airlines. But if frequent business fliers' input were weighted appropriately relative to casual leisure fliers, the consensus would be overwhelmingly against this change.

On a recent flight, I was treated to an almost-30-minute discourse on how "like, awesome" the blueberry pancakes at IHOP are. This came from two passengers seated behind me and talking to each other. Imagine a similar scenario replicated from side to side and front to back as a majority of passengers phone while flying so as to reaffirm their positions at the center of the universe.

I fly a bunch. I can assure you that I will take my $25,000 or more in annual fare dollars to the airline that offers me the least intrusive environment.

John W. Jones, Solebury

Law lacks teeth

With all the confusion and debate over Obamacare, may I add fuel to the fire? Why have we ignored the need for dental care in our coverage? Don't we consider regular visits to our dentist a necessary element in our pursuit of wellness?

If you like your teeth, you should be able to keep your teeth.

Martin Cleary, Philadelphia

Home at last

Karen Heller recently recounted the story of David Brown, who endured 25 years on the streets and, with the support of Sister Mary Scullion and Project HOME, has found a new life, is gainfully employed, and is living with a renewed sense of self-respect and dignity ("Project HOME marks an anniversary," Dec. 22). I am relieved, because I knew Brown and his friends in the "Hard Core" very well. On many Saturdays, for more than 10 years, my students and I visited Brown and others who lived outside the Youth Study Center, at 22d Street and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Sister Mary Scullion has made an enormous difference in the lives of thousands of our city's homeless.

Peter McVeigh, Oreland