Letters
Indict Martha, but don't dismiss the others
I very much wanted to welcome the news of a fat cat being held accountable for her part in the rash of white-collar crime that is damaging our system ("Wall Street Housecleaning turns to Stewart," June 5). But I couldn't help feeling disappointed as I read the article. The quotes from those interviewed give the impression that the purpose of this indictment is merely to provide a juicy scapegoat that will placate the public's current hostility toward Wall Street rather than serve much-needed justice.
Both purposes could be easily accomplished. If our government really wants to assure us that "the cop is on the beat" and "no one is above the law," then we will see high-profile indictments of people who are cozy with the current administration and whose actions have directly damaged many lives, such as the thousands of former Enron employees.
Tim McKnight
Sebastopol, Calif.
Regarding "Cheating in baseball: no longer winked at?" (June 6): Your article was right on the money. It is fascinating that there is an uproar over one corked bat when the whole steroid issue keeps getting pushed under the rug by Major League Baseball. Let's not be so hard on Sammy Sosa when so many other abuses, such as throwing at batters, never really get addressed.
Pete Winkler
Schroon Lake, N.Y.
Regarding your June 5 Editorial "Broken bat, shattered image": What Sammy Sosa did was cheating to gain an advantage. He has probably often used a corked bat in the past. But this will have little effect on his reputation or on Major League Baseball. Already, the fans and sportswriters are forgiving him and willing to accept that this was an innocent mistake. Remember that this is Chicago, where cheating and corruption are winked at, if not admired. What Sosa did is no different from what thousands of people do everyday in their own lives. Sosa will serve a short suspension and his transgression will soon be forgotten.
John Murray
Chicago
Thank you for your recent article concerning how the military community deals with finances ("For troops, mixed financial homecoming," June 5). However, the administration is not supporting our troops. The recent increases in danger pay and family-separation pay were approved for only one year. Now, incredibly, the administration objects to the imminent-danger pay and family-separation allowance increases approved by the House and Senate. There seems to be a lot of talk about supporting our troops, but little action.
Ruth Crair
Calabasas, Calif.
Regarding your June 5 article "New proponents of overhaul for healthcare: CEOs": Providing affordable healthcare is a must. Otherwise, we are sending the message that if you have money, you can live with some degree of health. If you don't have money, your health - and life - are in serious jeopardy. If it takes a Universal Coverage Act to accomplish this, then I strongly support it. The cost of delaying a resolution to this problem is placing an insupportable burden on the general economy, employers, and employees, and is forcing huge numbers of people out of the healthcare market.
Working in the healthcare field, I see every day the results of inadequate healthcare coverage. Patients wait until a crisis occurs before seeking help. Then they access the most expensive portal to healthcare - emergency departments. It's time for action. Time to utilize experts in healthcare, business, and government to create a sustainable process.
Sharon Whelan
Indianapolis
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