I am very disappointed at the residents of Sparrows point and Edgemere, my neighbors ("Lawsuit takes on steel mill's pollution; Residents, environmentalists want Sparrows Point owners to rid mill of its toxic brew," July 11), and especially the retired workers at the mill.

They were all OK when the Point was in its heyday, and they all had good jobs to raise their families. No one said a word, because they were all working.

I remember when I started down at the Point. Retirees would say to me, "Keep that mill running, so I can get my pension check."

Now that the PBGC is paying them, they could care less if I lose my job--they got theirs.

This problem does exist, but nowhere near what some of our self-proclaimed environmental specialists say.

I reside in Edgemere and grew up on Bear Creek. My grandmother lived in the town of Sparrows Point and lived to be 96 years old.

I think everyone should hear the whole story, not just one side from people who want another free payday.

Alan Thompson

The writer works at the continuous caster at Severstal Sparrows Point