As an alumnus of West Virginia University (M.A., Economics, 1975), I am concerned about the recent developments regarding the WVU administration issuing a master of business administration degree to Gov. Joe Manchin's daughter. Because of my alumnus status, I represented Clarion University at the inauguration of Mike Garrison on Oct. 19, 2007. As I sat there on the lawn at Woodburn Hall, I was reminded how important the WVU degree was to me in launching my career in higher education.

Since 1975 I have held faculty positions at several colleges and universities in the United States. Along the way, I received a Ph.D. at another public university, which is also located near the Monongahela River. From time to time, I speak fondly to my students about my days as a grad student at WVU and at Pitt.

On that cloud-covered mid-October afternoon in 2007, as the rain fell gently on the lawn at Woodburn Hall, Mike Garrison spoke well of his love for West Virginia University and about the value of the education he received there. Because of his love for his university, it is now time for President Garrison to resign from his office. For him to remain in office would mock all those persons who are dedicated to keeping WVU a respected public university in our region. His remaining in office would devalue all future degrees earned by WVU graduates.

LYNN A. SMITH
Associate Professor of Economics
Clarion University
Clarion

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In Mike Garrison's inauguration speech as president of West Virginia University on Oct. 19, 2007, he said, "Let us never lose sight of the fact that West Virginia University is held in trust for the people of West Virginia. Each of us here are here to serve. We serve our students. We serve the world. And, most importantly, we serve the state of West Virginia."

You, sir, have lost the trust of the people of West Virginia. You have failed to serve the student body, the state of West Virginia and the alumni. You have your scapegoat in Provost Gerald Lang and your patsy in business school Dean R. Stephen Sears, who have resigned, but you, sir, are ultimately accountable for the actions of those who report to you.

As an attorney, you know the appearance of impropriety is as bad as impropriety itself. There is no doubt in my mind that you pulled strings for a friend who is the daughter of the man responsible for you being in your current position as president.

In private industry, your six months on the job would be considered probationary. This would be a time for the employer to assess your ability to perform the job. You, sir, have failed your probationary status and should be fired.

As an alumnus of WVU, I will let my voice be heard by denying my alma mater my financial support until such time that the leadership, starting with Mike Garrison, has been removed.

MARK SULLIVAN
'96 BS, '01 MSIR
Morgantown, W.Va.

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Regarding the bill to protect heterosexual marriage ("Backers, Foes of Gay Marriage Collide at Capitol," April 30): There are many greater issues needing attention. Couples know when a relationship is working and when it isn't. They can seek help if they want it.

The same is so for gay relationships.

The nation and the world have more pressing issues to be addressed. Let the Legislature busy itself with those.

M.W. SAGE
Swissvale

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One of the more curious excuses I have seen for Sen. Barack Obama's defeat in the April 22 primary was suggested by Timothy P. Kelly in his letter ("Sad, Destructive," April 24): "the fanatical politics of the Republican Right." Hello? Has Hillary Clinton now joined forces with the vast right-wing conspiracy (VRWC), heretofore her bete noire, to demolish the good senator from Illinois?

We know, of course, that the VRWC is everywhere, churning up hurricanes in New Orleans, raising the price of food in Haiti, even hypnotizing the then-governor of New York to pay $4,300 for a tryst with a woman of dubious virtue! It had been toiling away at these and other equally reprehensible activities in obscure secrecy for decades (even centuries?), until it was valiantly exposed by our then first lady in 1998. What a surprise to learn that these two mortal enemies have now linked up to annihilate poor Barack!

Pittsburgh Democrats need to get over their GOPophobia and come to their senses. Republicans already have a candidate who is ready and able to compete against Hillary, or Barack, or both together if the Democrats can't get their race sorted out between now and November.

DOUG BURNS
Mount Washington

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I agree for the most part with your April 24 editorial "O Bummer: Clinton's Pennsylvania Win Promises Only Trouble." However, I disagree with your putting all the blame on voters who stuck to the past instead of looking to the future.

The real blame rests with the reactionary Democratic Party leadership in this commonwealth, who prefer the old-style politics, rife with the same type of corruption and personal agendas that you accurately call the "seamier side of the Clinton years." Real change requires a total shake-up of the status quo.

It is a shame that so many of the Democratic leaders in Pennsylvania are not interested in change unless it has the potential of advancing their personal political agendas. Republicans are no better, which is why so many party activists had such antipathy toward John McCain.

With such reactionary political leadership, it is no wonder that Pennsylvania in general, and Pittsburgh in particular, are stagnant, and talented young people are leaving for better opportunity in more progressive environments elsewhere.

I hope that independent voters will carry the day and elect leaders who will break from the past and shake up the old order. Barack Obama and John McCain would do that. The Clintons will be more of the same.

ROBERT L. BYER
Pine

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I was pleased to read the April 8 editorial "Malpractice: Senate Republicans Are Blocking Health Care" and the April 16 Perspectives piece "Waiting for Health Care: Doctors and Patients Need State Action on Health and Malpractice Insurance" in support of SB 1137, which was passed in the state House in March and is now in the Senate. SB 1137 will increase health coverage for thousands of people, increase reimbursements and extend MCare abatements for certified nurse-midwives, birth centers, physicians, nursing homes and others providing care across the state.

Because the deadline of March 31 for providers to pay their MCare assessments passed without any new legislation to authorize abatements for this year, The Midwife Center, along with other providers, had to pay its MCare assessments. Having to pay MCare assessments, along with regular malpractice premiums, is an extreme financial challenge for our independent, nonprofit birth center.

The Midwife Center exists to provide exceptional woman-centered pregnancy, birth and well-woman care in southwestern Pennsylvania's only licensed and independent birth center. SB 1137 will help The Midwife Center continue this important care to women and families in our region.

Increased reimbursements and MCare abatements would be a win for all providers across the state. Increased access to quality care is what we should all be working for. We urge the state Senate to pass SB 1137 so that The Midwife Center and other providers across the state can continue to provide quality care.

CHRISTINE HAAS
Executive Director
The Midwife Center for Birth & Women's Health
Strip District

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It's spring and the sound of chainsaws is heard in the East End. It's the tree people. After seeing huge holes cut in the trees to accommodate bundles of electric, cable and phone lines, one brave maple couldn't take it any more.

Its owner is, as I write, having it cut down -- a mercy killing, as the tree was becoming massively deformed by the utility pathway. So now, the 5700 block of Kentucky Avenue in Shadyside is one tree less shady.

In a city that likes to brag about how environmentally conscious it's getting, with all the high-tech inventiveness that comes with that kind of progress, wouldn't it be nice to bury the (admittedly necessary) cables and keep some natural green alive and productive? It's not that glitzy and it probably won't make architectural headlines. It would just be responsible. And wouldn't that be a refreshing change?

VANCE W. TORBERT III
Pastor
Third Presbyterian Church
Shadyside

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