We have many concerns about the BRT proposal

I am writing to let the PostGazette and the public know that the reference to Pittsburghers for Public Transit’s news release in “Bus Rapid Transit Proposal Gets Good Reviews” (April 6) is a mischaracterization of our organization’s position. Using the word “praise” is not appropriate. We said that we see opportunities but also have many concerns.

We were surprised by how the article characterized our concerns as just questions for more information regarding “location of stations, whether there will be a charge for transfers, and how the new system would change scheduling for other routes into Oakland.”

We already know the stop spacing is proposed at one-third of a mile, and that could be a real issue for riders with mobility challenges. We are concerned not just about whether transfers would be free but also about the fact that so many riders would have to transfer. And we already know the local routes would come less frequently and are very concerned about that.

The city, county and Port Authority are asking for feedback on the four options to determine the “locally preferred alternative,” but they have not laid out the precise impact each option would have on riders’ commutes. For example, if a rider currently takes a 61A into town from Braddock, how exactly would his or her commute be different?

To see our full release, please go to: pittsburghforpublictransit.org/ppt-position-on-busrapidMOLLY NICHOLS

Director Pittsburghers for Public Transit Garfield don’t want to live in an environment that they have helped to create. Does anyone truly believe that saving only a few minutes from Oakland into Downtown will make people change their minds?

I also asked the executive why he supported Nordenberg Hall, which increases revenue for Pitt but has no value for the residential community of Oakland. He replied that Pitt is the city’s economic engine and he cannot tell Pitt administrators what to do. That is the crux of the problem with this project — economic gains over dignity. It coincides with the fear that the city will lose its economic stability if it does not conform to the wishes of the major universities, regardless of the destruction they may bring upon their host community. CARLINO GIAMPOLO

Oakland

Did you ever have a dog or cat or know somebody whose companion animal freaked out from the sound of thunder?

After reading the PG editorial “A Lapse at Zambelli” (April 3), I was happy to see that the editorial board addressed stolen fireworks because of the obvious dangers. Sadly, though, the editorial never addressed the downside of the whole fireworks empire.

Imagine, if you would, animals, who live on the hillsides and rivers of Mount Washington and surrounding communities, who have evolved over millions of years in their respective environments. There is nothing to prepare them for experiencing these garish lights followed by ear-shattering explosions.

They have no humans to hold them and soothe their frightened, trembling bodies while this festival of oohhs and aahhs continues so we arrogant humans can have our 15 minutes of fun. Pathetic, methinks.

The PG states: “No big event in Pittsburgh, nor many smaller ones, would be complete without a rousing fireworks display.” How sad that nobody thought to think outside the box for a moment and realize there are others with whom we share the Earth.

For those who say, “Animals don’t have souls, so they don’t

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count,” that is all the more reason to protect them if this is the only life they will ever know. LAWRENCE PEARSON Whitehall

There are those who say we must give Donald Trump respect because he is the lawfully elected president of the United States. But there is a difference between respect for the office and respect for the officeholder. Respect has to be earned, not automatically bestowed.

Should Mr. Trump be given the same regard that he gave Barack Obama as president? Mr. Trump led the phony “birther” movement to deny Mr. Obama's legitimacy to hold office. He later accused the former president of the federal crime of wiretapping and called him “sick.” No proof, no apology.

Mr. Trump has shown disrespect to women, Mexicans, Gold Star parents, POWs like John McCain, Muslims ... the list goes on. Can you give esteem to someone who constantly belittles others and lies to boost his own ego?

I cannot. But I will be respectful of the office and duties of the president. Rude and ignorant behaviors are not acceptable. Whether we like it or not, he is “President Trump.” However, I will use my democratic right to peacefully protest and loudly criticize his policies and actions which I find abhorrent to our nation’s welfare. As for respect, he has earned none. RAY McGOGNEY

Shaler