Regarding “Placing blame for financial crisis” (Opinion, Sept. 26):

Columnist Charles Krauthammer opines that capping the severance pay of our best financial minds would only drive them off to work in places such as London and Dubai. But, aren't these the same geniuses who got us into the current financial mess in the first place? I say, let them go. We are hearing a lot about “putting country first” in this election year, but when it comes to a choice between patriotism and greed, guess which one wins?

DON LINDBURG
San Diego

Expansion of freight rail network urged

Regarding “Party time for I-15 lanes” (Our Region, Sept. 14):

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As a San Diego resident and board member of the San Diego World Trade Center, I believe we need to do more than create a 20-mile expressway on our highways. Highway gridlock would be reduced significantly if we expanded our freight rail network. The U.S. Department of Transportation has projected that we will experience a two-thirds increase in the amount of goods moving across our country over the next 20 years. All too often, Interstates 5 and 15 are bottlenecked with traffic while drivers waste time and money as engines idle and pollute the air.

It is time we strengthen our rail system so that more of the freight we see on our highways can be moved by trains. Relieving traffic congestion would reduce fuel costs for motorists and ensure reliable and swift movement of goods. Freight rail is extremely fuel-efficient, thus keeping the price of goods down while improving air quality and our environment.

There are bills in Congress that would use tax incentives to encourage private-sector infrastructure investments that increase the capacity of the rail system to do more. All San Diegans would benefit if this legislation were enacted into law.

ERIC A. DENNISTON
San Diego

Navy Cross 'not aconsolation prize'

Regarding “Peralta's epitaph/Medal of Honor winner or not, still a hero” (Editorial, Sept. 24):

In response to your comments on Marine Sgt. Rafael Peralta's supreme sacrifice, it appears that Defense Secretary Robert Gates and the Pentagon are suffering from a case of cognitive dissonance. If their criteria for denial of the Medal of Honor is based on the dubious medical finding that his final act in the battle for Fallujah was merely a non-conscious reflex action, then this conclusion should also preclude the awarding of the Navy Cross.

The Navy Cross is not a consolation prize. If intentional valor in combat is ruled out, those who fall on the battlefield receive the Purple Heart and nothing more. In this case, I believe the desk jockeys in the Pentagon suspect that the witnesses to Sgt. Peralta's actions were, in fact, telling the truth about what they saw. They awarded this hero the Navy Cross to salve their own consciences.

RICHARD M. LUCHT
National City

One birthday doesn't turn a boy into a man

Regarding “17-year-old boy pleads not guilty in fatal stabbing” (Around Our Region, Sept. 23):

Why do the crime stories always refer to 17-year-old boys and 18-year-old men? One birthday doesn't turn you into a man, and boys don't stab and kill people on a regular basis. Seventeen-and 18-year-olds committing crimes are punks, but since that's not the politically correct thing to say, call them 17-year-old and 18-year-old males.

C.N. BASA
San Diego

Hunger and runaway population growth

Regarding “Fasting for hunger” (Lifestyle, Sept. 20):

The statistics on famine are indeed shocking. What is less well known and rarely publicized is that much – and perhaps most – of the hunger problem is the result of runaway population growth in many of the less developed countries, some of which have seen their populations double in just 25-35 years. Birth-control assistance would be an immense help.

PETER LISBON
San Diego

Bicyclists and the rules of the road

Regarding “Saving gas but fueling danger” (Our Region, Sept. 22):

I believe a major contributor to the increase in bicycle accidents is that bicycle riders often do not abide by the rules of the road, or possibly are unaware of their responsibility. Motorists have to study the laws pertaining to traveling on the streets and bike riders should also be required to know the law. I live in Hillcrest and often see bicyclists using the car lane instead of the bike lane. They often do not give the right-of-way and seldom stop for signals or stop signs. It is very difficult to know what they are going to do next, and their irresponsible behavior is most certainly contributing to the sad statistics in the article. I would like to see a requirement that they be licensed after showing awareness of the rules governing the use of these bikes on our city streets.

JOANNE BISCHOFF
San Diego

Riding a bike in traffic is not just like riding a bike. The article did not inform San Diego's new bicycle commuters where they can learn to safely share the road with other users. The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition, whose executive director was quoted in the article, regularly offers classes and “Ride and Learn” opportunities. The SDCBC will have a Ride and Learn heading from Mira Mesa to MCAS Miramar for the air show on Oct. 4. Information is available at sdcbc.org/events or (858) 487-6063.

ROBERT LEONE
Pacific Beach

Giving animals some space

Regarding “Animal farms/Ban on inhumane confinement is sensible” (Editorial, Sept. 15):

Thank you so much for your support of a Yes vote on Proposition 2 and for informing readers about the importance of treating all animals humanely, including those raised for food. Proposition 2 simply asks that calves raised for veal, breeding pigs and egg-laying hens have enough space to lie down, turn around, stand and extend their limbs.

DAWN CARLSON
Del Mar