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Letters to the editor of the Globe Magazine

Readers weigh in on TSA, Jay Peak, Western Mass.’ plight, Santa, and more.

TSA TALK

Every now and then you find an article like this and you’re reminded that there are actually intelligent, focused, and committed people in our government [“Unpacking the TSA,” December 11]. People who really want to improve things and have the wherewithal to make it happen. Unfortunately the expectations placed on the TSA are not realistic and they will, through no fault of their own, “fail.” Everyone in industry knows 100 percent inspection is not 100 percent effective.

PeterB54 /posted on bostonglobe.com

I am curious as to why the article didn’t look at the entire topic of the need for screening. A secure cockpit was the most important change after 9/11. If we simply ignored threats to other crew and passengers, why would aircraft be any better targets for terrorists than sporting events and shopping malls?

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Major General (retired) Kenneth Clark / Stratham, New Hampshire

Great article on the #TSA by @neilswidey — as a frequent traveler, this scared me and restored my faith all at once.

@DragonDictator (Peter Mahoney) / posted on twitter.com

Neil Swidey has taken an important, complicated situation and made it interesting and informative. Globe Magazine readers are fortunate to have him.

Pat Canavan / Orleans

PEAK PIQUE

The Jay Peak article never actually explained, at the core, what went wrong (“A Mountain of Trouble,” December 11). Let’s put blame where blame is deserved: “Enter the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program. Created by Senator Ted Kennedy’s Immigration Act of 1990.” The real crime can be found in how that act of Congress was created, why, and for whom. Selling citizenship? Really? Nobody thought this might be abused or have unintended consequences? The answer is to lower all disincentives to development — taxes, regulation, absurd and complex environmental-impact nonsense.

Jim Gasek / Hudson

MALIGN NEGLECT

In his essay, “Seeing Red in Western Massachusetts,” state Senator Eric Lesser makes the important point that we cannot forget those in rural and poorer parts of our nation (Perspective, December 11). However, producing real opportunities for everyone will not come about just by cutting taxes or eliminating wasteful spending. At some point, we need to recognize that investing in our communities through taxes provides worthwhile benefits to all of us directly and indirectly.

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Edwin Andrews / Malden

Living in Heath, (population 706), I see firsthand the marginalization of this area by those inside the I-495 belt. Imagine Eastern Massachusetts without cellphone service or Internet, unless you use dial-up or satellite dish. That situation is reality for 44 towns in Western Mass. Broadband access should be considered a right, like electricity and land-line phone service. Broadband service providers should be forced to provide it as part of doing business in the Commonwealth, where the “wealth” part is centered in Boston.

Bob Bourke / Heath

This essay examines with honesty the problems of Western Massachusetts. Our area has much to offer that has yet to be recognized by the eastern side of our state. While growth in Boston is incredible, the western side suffers from lack of support. Lesser is doing hands-on work to effect change.

Elizabeth Gaberman / Longmeadow

We have driven Route 2 to US 91 for 25 years. The economic picture has always seemed bleak. With such natural beauty and abundant land, I have often wondered why there has not been any development of commerce and related growth such as housing and improved infrastructure. Lesser has helped to answer this question very thoughtfully and with great insight into the politics of economics in Massachusetts.

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Martin C. Lian / Beverly

TRUE ROMANCE

Every Sunday morning I eagerly read Dinner With Cupid, and it appears that the diners have the need to feel instant attraction. When my husband of 25 years and I began dating in our late 20s, we did not expect to be wowed, even after spending several evenings together. We enjoyed our common interests, sharing our experiences growing up in similar circumstances and our hopes for our individual futures. As time progressed, we realized that we could see a life together. I wish those diners would take the time to try another date.

Faye Krainson / Longmeadow

THE CLAUSE PAUSE

The Connections essay “Santa Is Real” (December 11) was a wonderful way to tie the two truths together with a big happy bow. Good job.

Alicia Frick Laguarda / Sherborn

Our two grandchildren are now 26 and 28, but the traditions of their childhood holiday are still carried out. Our granddaughter, the 28-year-old, always makes Christmas cookies Christmas Eve afternoon. Their father reads “The Night Before Christmas’’ after our now-annual Christmas Eve viewing of Elf. Santa still has goodies left for him (often there is vodka or tequila instead of just milk).

Joey Wechsler / Lincoln

BLOWING SMOKE

I am writing with regard to your so-called Health and Wellness issue (December 4). The article by Joel Warner mentions marijuana advocate Mike Crawford, who states that marijuana “could actually be a performance enhancer in some sports.” Really? He is suggesting that inhaling tar and other known carcinogens into one’s lungs is a performance enhancer? The American Lung Association says smoking marijuana clearly damages the human lung.

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Chip Knight / Merrimac

I read your Health and Wellness issue with interest, since my back had recently gone out and I was walking like the old man that I am. Then I got to “The New Runner’s High?” and remembered one time during my 20s when I took a hit, then hit the road: I got about 200 yards, stopped, shrugged my shoulders, and slowly returned to my apartment. This time, however, it was beneficial to my back. Thanks for the medical advice.

Bruce J. Jones / Barnstable


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