Published: November 06, 2009 08:58 am      

READERS' FORUM 11-9 | Exonerations show justice system flaws

In response to the article about Ernie Simmons (“D.A. to seek death penalty in new Simmons trial,” Oct. 21): I would first like to point out that Ernie Simmons was proven not guilty through an investigation by Point Park University’s Innocence Institute.

This being said, Simmons could rejoin possibly hundreds more innocent men and women on death row should his case be tried again as a capital case.

Simmons was convicted 16 years ago and has been serving time for a crime he did not commit. To date, 237 people have been exonerated from their sentences – 138 of whom were serving on death row – because they were later proven not guilty.

These numbers are too high. We are putting innocent people at risk because district attorneys and others are pushing for sentences that are too harsh to rescind.

Clearly these numbers prove that proper steps are not being taken in the legal process to ensure that only guilty men and women serve.

Until our system is fixed, we need to take a step back and re-evaluate its effectiveness before we continue to ruin the lives of the innocent.

Maureen Fisher

Point Park University, Pittsburgh



Thief treated self to Halloween decorations

For the past 22 years, I have decorated my front porch and yard for the holidays. And during all that time, nothing had come up missing – until this year.

First, my Pittsburgh Steelers flag was taken. I just let it go and went ahead and decorated for Halloween like I always do.

I like to add something new each year to my decorations.

On the Sunday after Halloween, I decided to take down and put away those decorations. Well, I didn’t have much to do – someone had taken most of the decorations, including six cut-out pumpkins.

Also taken was a handmade sign that said “Welcome to the Georges.’ ” It was one of a kind and a gift to us.

Unless the thief’s last name is George, I have no idea what he or she wanted with it.

So if I decide to decorate for the next holiday, the “something new” that I will add is a video camera. Which will mean, if you are seeing my porch decorations up close, you are on camera.

Smile.

Fred C. George

Johnstown



Evolution versus intelligent design

Evolution is not fact but theory. In fact, there is more science that supports intelligent design. This is why evolutionists fight so hard to keep it from being taught in our schools.

Evolutionists say that evolution is based on science and that intelligent design is based on faith. But both require faith in something.

Neither can positively prove the beginning of everything from nothing.

Darwin’s theory of evolution requires working backward, sometimes ignoring facts that do not support the theory, and requiring millions of years as opposed to the Bible’s thousands.

Carbon dating measures the amount of carbon monoxide in material. Many things can affect the results: If buried or not and in what, or exposed to air or sun and for how long, etc. Also, you can set the scale from zero to millions or thousands.

The rotation speed of the earth is slowing. If reversed, the centrifugal force would overcome gravity and fling us from the earth well before the time required for evolution.

Also, dust on the moon increases at a given rate. On the first moon landing, scientists expected up to 22 feet of dust – millions of years worth – but found only a few inches – 6,000 to 10,000 years worth.

The fossil record does not show any mutation between one animal and another. Evolution science is based on a false premise and is therefore bad science, and mathematically impossible. In fact, there are many scientists, teachers and other experts in every field who support intelligent design, and not evolution.

Search online: intelligent design.

Wendell McLaughlin

Central City



Month a time to honor hospice caregivers

Holiday gatherings often include the telling and re-telling of family stories, the sharing of recipes handed down through generations, and the revival of traditions that have a special place in our hearts.

This memory of remembrance, while present during joyful times, also plays an important role in different times, especially the end of life.

Studies have shown that, when faced with a life-limiting illness, most people are more concerned about the impact it will have on their families than about their own needs.

Hospice care provides dignity, comfort and peace so that the person may live the best life possible. By focusing on the individual and not the disease, hospice care honors life’s final journey, leaving the families with memories they can treasure instead of regret.

Last year, more than 1.4 million people chose hospice care when faced with an end-of-life decision. This choice provided them with pain management, symptom control, psychological support and spiritual care.

Hospice professionals and volunteers are specially trained to understand that every person is a unique individual with a lifetime of experiences, relationships and gifts to share. November is National Hospice-Palliative Care Month – a time to celebrate those special people who provide hospice care.

I encourage everyone to thank these dedicated individuals and to consider the “Gift of hospice.”

Lori S. Marshall

Director of professional services

Medi Home Hospice, Pittsburgh