Published: May 12, 2008 12:54 pm      

READERS' FORUM 5/13 | Railroad facilities are not playgrounds

As more and more people are enjoying the beautiful outdoors, it’s a great time to remind readers to be safe around the commonwealth’s railroad tracks.

Railroad tracks, trestles, yards and equipment are private property. Walking, playing or riding recreational vehicles on or near them can be illegal and extremely dangerous.

In July 2004, Gov. Ed Rendell signed into law HB 1117, which provides for the criminal liability of anyone interfering or vandalizing railroad facilities, including those who try to stow away or ride the interior or exterior of trains or those who operate their recreational vehicles or cars in a way that disrupts railroad operations.

It also makes it illegal for a person to damage or destroy railroad property.

In 2007, 23 trespass fatalities occurred in Pennsylvania, fifth-highest in the nation. By comparison, there were only five fatalities at highway-rail crossings in the state.

The only legal place to cross tracks is at a designated pedestrian or roadway crossing. Always look both ways and only proceed quickly when you are sure there is no rail traffic coming either way. Also, never ride ATVs, snowmobiles or other recreational vehicles on or near the railroad right-of-way. It could save you a hefty fine and very well may save your life.

Operation Lifesaver, a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries and fatalities around our nation’s railroad tracks, offers railroad safety tips at its Web site, www.oli.org.

Staying off railroad tracks and property isn’t just smart, it’s the law.

Joseph H Gerdes III

Executive Director,

Keystone State Railroad Association

Harrisburg



In politics, it’s the

money that talks

I am amazed at how many individuals constantly blame one political party or the other for all the ills in this country.

Politicians at the federal, state and local levels have failed Americans miserably because of their greed for power and money over the past several decades, regardless of political affiliation.

The taxpayers get many promises but receive very little in return. The federal government has been the biggest culprit by overtaxing the public and usurping the rights of the states. There is very little accountability as the politicians blame the other party or the media for their personal shortcomings as legislators and individuals.

We Americans need to make our leaders aware of our needs and views by calling them, writing them or faxing them. We all must exercise our privilege of voting in every election. Most importantly, we must say no when solicited by parties or individuals for contributions to their campaigns.

When the contributions start to dry up, they will be more receptive to their constituents. Remember, the official language of the modern-day politician is money.

Robert Vetock

Johnstown



While Americans focus

on pins, people starve

An article last month in The Tribune-Democrat discussed the fact that there is currently an international food crisis.

Josette Sheeran of the U.N. World Food Program said in the article, “We are seeing food on shelves but people being unable to afford it.”

It is estimated that about 25,000 children die every day on this sad planet from malnutrition.

The beginning of April 2008 ushered in an explosion of “food riots” around the world.

In Haiti, thousands protested for days throughout the country. In the capital city of Port-au-Prince, people carried empty plates to signify their hunger, smashed windows and set buildings and cars on fire.

In Bangladesh, 20,000 textile workers took to the streets to demand higher wages and to protest rising food prices.

In Burkina Faso in West Africa, unions and shopkeepers went on strike for two days to demand a cut in the price of rice and other staples.

In Egypt, when workers protested food prices in the textile center of Mahalla Al-Kobra, north of Cairo, security forces shot two people dead and hundreds were arrested.

Demonstrators demanding food took to the streets in Cambodia, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, Indonesia, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Yemen, Ethiopia and throughout most of sub-Saharan Africa.

Back home in the United States, food prices continue to go up as the price of gas rises and billions are spent to destroy Iraq.

Meanwhile, some people are upset that Barack Obama doesn’t wear a flag pin.

Nick Brisini

Hastings