Let’s see better balance in Pitt-PSU coverage
I’ve come to ask myself, “In what world do the Post-Gazette sports writers live?” After attending the Pitt-Penn State game Saturday night at Heinz Field and then reading the PG coverage the next day, I wondered if Ron Cook and Brian Batko had watched the same football game as I did.
For a moment, I scratched my head wondering who Pitt had played. The scant and begrudging coverage of Penn State, its players and coach James Franklin was remarkable. Rather, Ron Cook was too busy jabbing at Joe Paterno just one more time (Sept. 9 column, “This Chapter of Pitt-Penn State Was One to Forget”).
It apparently does not come as a surprise that the PG readership includes a sizable number of Penn State supporters as well as ardent Pitt fans (Sept. 7, “Pitt, PSU Fans Share Their Dens”). Our Western Pennsylvania high school athletes regularly commit to both institutions and, yes, many of us write tuition checks to both schools even within the same family.
Last time I checked, Pittsburgh was a sports town. Just as we support the Steelers, Pirates and Pens, many of us support Penn State’s and Pitt’s athletic programs — yes, even as members of both the Nittany Lion and the Pitt Panther clubs. How about a little balanced coverage from our hometown paper? CAROL MacPHAIL
Franklin Park
A change is needed in the Supreme Court. At his confirmation hearings, Judge Brett Kavanaugh talked about an independent judiciary and deflected questions as “hypothetical.” But we all know the court is highly political and partisan. The black robes and chin-stroking gestures of thoughtfulness cannot hide the fact that liberals will vote one way and conservatives another. It is a foregone conclusion. And if one deviates as Chief Justice John Roberts did on Obamacare, he is branded a traitor by conservatives.
This makes judicial hearings and decisions a sham if we already know the outcome. Anthony Kennedy, although conservative, did provide a quasiswing vote. No one will fill that role now. To have a meaningful outcome, we must have moderates on the court.
Perhaps like the jury selection process, each side could strike judges from a list until both sides can accept a list of nominees. The president could fulfill his constitutional role by selecting one of the remaining names. Until then, the hallowed court of our land mocks the deliberation of justice and fairness that it claims to uphold. RAY McGOGNEY
Shaler
Hey, Pittsburgh! Looking for a good time? Go to a Pittsburgh Riverhounds soccer game. While the Pirates look ahead to next year (again), and the Steelers and Penguins start their long road to hopefully another championship, we have a professional sports team in a strong run for the playoffs: the Riverhounds.
The ‘Hounds are currently in second place in the Eastern Division of the United Soccer League, thanks to a 4-1 win that dropped fourth-place Bethlehem to sixth place on Friday night. They play an aggressive, attacking style that is fun to watch. Moreover, the fan experience is a refreshing change from the corporate atmosphere of our other professional teams. Tickets, parking and refreshments are affordable and easily accessible. Highmark Stadium has a view of the city comparable to our other stadiums, but from the Mon, not the Allegheny. Traffic is not an issue.
There are three home games remaining, all with playoff implications. If you want to enjoy a great live sports event without giving up a whole day, and a mortgage payment, check out a Pittsburgh Riverhounds game. I think you will find a refreshing change and a great experience. Who knows, maybe the Post-Gazette will start covering their games too! BRUCE CONAWAY
Cranberry