Casting doubt on the integrity of state's lottery
The Sun's article detailing the findings of legislative auditors on the failings of the State Lottery Agency carries potentially devastating implications ("State audit uncovers problems with the lottery," Dec. 14).
What underpins the success of a lottery (or any legal gambling enterprise) is the confidence of the playing public in the integrity of the games, effective internal control and competent management. Assuming the findings of the auditors to be true, the public belief that these elements are firmly in place for the state lottery will be seriously damaged.
The suggestions of criminal activity and erroneous or improper payouts are bound to discourage some players and result in revenue loss. And with the state facing daunting budget deficits, falling lottery revenue is not an option.
And the findings of the auditors will make the task of persuading hesitant legislators to authorize slot machines, particularly ones under the control of the State Lottery Agency, more difficult.
A change in management is required to restore public confidence and remove the threat to lottery revenue.
William W. Saltzman
Pikesville
The writer is a former acting director of the State Lottery Agency.
Jessamy's demands seem quite selfish
Just who does Baltimore State's Attorney Patricia C. Jessamy think she is ("Jessamy argues for bigger raise, gets less from Board of Estimates," Dec. 19)? Her demand for a raise in this time of fiscal crisis is absolutely ridiculous, and the enormous pay hike she sought makes her request all the more outrageous.
I understand that she works hard, but thousands of Marylanders also work hard and are paid very little.
Ms. Jessamy gets to enjoy the power of holding public office, a salary that should adequately support her and her family, not to mention health insurance and a host of other benefits that come from being employed by the government.
I can understand wanting to be paid what one is worth, but to ask for such a large pay hike at a time when thousands of people can barely afford food, shelter and health care is quite selfish.
Lindsay Tyler Bowlin
Baltimore
CareFirst deal isn't in the public interest
The public interest is under attack in Maryland as CareFirst CEO William R. Jews defends as "reasonable compensation" the $120 million in payouts he and other executives will receive if CareFirst becomes another for-profit subsidiary of WellPoint Health Networks Inc. ("CareFirst bonuses defended as 'fair ... compensation," Dec. 13).
Some proponents of the sale now think that Marylanders are only upset about the outrageous executive compensation. They are confident that the deal will go through if Mr. Jews will only get off his high horse and tone down his greedy demands.
But Marylanders are smart enough to see that the big executive payouts are a side issue. The real problem is that there is no good reason to sell CareFirst - and its sale would throw subscribers headfirst into the nightmare of corporate managed care, where they would find fewer services and higher premiums.
The damaging effects of this scheme would be felt by all of us for years to come.
Jon Traunfeld
Ellicott City
Basic rights always belong to the people
While the recent letter explaining the grammar of the Second Amendment was quite correct, what was even more interesting was the title The Sun attached to that letter: "Second Amendment gives rights to people" (Dec. 19).
That title, while revealing The Sun's mindset, is simply not correct. The wording of the Second Amendment, like that of most of the Bill of Rights, presumes that certain rights exist and are held by the people, and enjoins the government from infringing upon those rights.
The Sun's title for the letter should have read: "Second Amendment protects rights of people."
Giffen B. Nickol
Bel Air
Gun rights apply only to the militia
The letter "Second Amendment gives rights to people" (Dec. 19) offers the erroneous view of the Second Amendment that the National Rifle Association regularly suggests.
But the simple fact is that the tradition of the courts, including the decision and opinion of the Supreme Court in United States vs. Miller (1939), maintains that the Second Amendment links the right to bear arms to the responsibility of maintaining a militia for national defense.
Ronald P. Bowers
Timonium
Unlimited water use will ruin the Potomac
The recommendation by the U.S. Supreme Court's special master that Virginia be granted expanded rights to the Potomac River leaves unclear how future decisions about withdrawing water from the Potomac will be balanced with environmental concerns ("Mediator says Va. free to draw from Potomac," Dec. 10).
And it's time to re-study the question of the minimal amount of water needed to maintain an ecologically viable river, because the river faces a threefold threat from rapid upstream development, increased sediment pollution and excessive water allocation.
Unlimited growth in water withdrawals from the Potomac River cannot be sustained. And protecting its wildlife must remain a priority.
That's the best way to insure the river can continue to provide safe drinking water for the Washington region and serve as a vital recreation area for so many citizens.
Neal Fitzpatrick
The writer is executive director of the Audubon Naturalist Society of the Central Atlantic States.
Ringo's killer merits harsh punishment
It was hard to describe the feeling I had when I heard of them finding that innocent 8-year-old girl's body. I grew angry, sick, disgusted, all at once, because I couldn't begin to believe that people were so vicious and hateful ("Body found in Harford is that of missing girl," Dec. 14).
My heart goes out to that little girl's family because I, too, lost my daughter to a very sick individual. Nothing will ease that family's pain. But time may help bandage the hurt and justice may eventually loosen the grip of anguish that was put upon this family.
I hope and I pray that the person who did this terrible crime gets what he or she deserves.
John A. Hardin
Baltimore
More interested in boating than kids?
I was struck by two articles in the Dec. 23 Sun: "Abuse center's plans crumble" and "Balto. County clearing way [dredging a channel] on Bird River."
Concern and funding for recreational boating seem to come before concern for our children.
Steve Sorrow
Burtonsville