A time to bring old acquaintance back to mind

My photo collection of past New Year’s Eve parties show far too many relatives and friends who have since died. Each had no way of knowing which new year would be their last. Neither do we (“In defense of dwelling on the past,” Dec. 31).

We should celebrate the start of 2025, but we should do so knowing that life in every ensuing year is not guaranteed.

Consequently, maybe our best New Year’s resolutions should be to always treat one another with dignity and respect — while we still can.

— Mel Tansill, Catonsville

Maryland can lower energy prices with competition

In a time when more consumers than ever are struggling to make ends meet, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown and Maryland People’s Counsel David Lapp deserve credit for addressing the issue of energy affordability (“It’s time to address Maryland’s energy affordability crisis,” Dec. 25). I would simply suggest one important addition to their thoughtful list of recommendations and that is the repeal of Senate Bill 1.

This bill, which takes effect Jan. 1, will eliminate private retail competition and hand a monopoly to Maryland’s public, government-subsidized utilities. No longer will Maryland’s residential consumers have the opportunity to shop competitively for the plan that best fits their budget and lifestyle. Nor will they be able to lock in prices that come in lower than those offered by the big utilities.

Experience has shown that when any corporation is allowed to operate without competition, higher prices, poor service and predatory business tactics are bound to follow. The energy sector is no exception to the rule. We have already seen Baltimore Gas and Electric go before the Public Service Commission for another $150 million rate hike, just months after gaining approval for a $400 million increase. Recently, a group of 14 whistleblowers came forward with allegations of waste, fraud and gross mismanagement against their former employer.

Under no circumstances should BGE be the only game in town and under no circumstances should government play a role in eliminating energy competition and choice for Maryland consumers. It is time for the General Assembly to eliminate Senate Bill 1.

— Len Foxwell, Baltimore

When do ‘Trump prices’ kick in at the grocery?

At the grocery store checkout yesterday, I thought about how tired I am of paying these Joe Biden-Kamala Harris prices. I can’t wait for Jan. 21 when prices will go back to what they were when Donald Trump was first in office (“Frustrated Americans await the economic changes they voted for with Trump,” Nov. 11).

I know President Trump won’t put up with these big corporations gouging us!

— Jim Dempsey, Edgewood

A good time to visit Baltimore’s hidden wonders

I’ve recent experienced a couple of Baltimore niches that others should visit. They include Charm City Lights, 34th Street in Hampden and the great train gardens around our area (“Have a Merry Christmas, Baltimore — for under $50K,” Dec. 24).

Charm City Lights is a light show the Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks created in Druid Hill Park by The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. It is very well done and would give many people a chance to drive through the area. While many know about the famous 34th Street, we had the occasion to take 80-year-old native Baltimoreans on their first visit there.

Also, something that few area residents visit is the Cylburn Arboretum, a 200-acre city park and home to the Cylburn Mansion. Do not miss some of the great train gardens — a tradition of many years. And Baltimore is historically famous for its shipbuilding including the Baltimore clippers and the Liberty ships. How many have visited the S.S. John W. Brown, a Liberty ship built in Baltimore and now docked at Pier 13? It is a real adventure to experience.

There have been some communications about the Curtis Bay community and the pollution challenges being faced. Reference was made to how important shipbuilding was in that area of the harbor and how important it was to the war effort and its impact on Baltimore. I do not know the details but some of the companies that worked or provided supplies for this critical industry were eventually sued for asbestos.

We have a great, unique area with hidden niches. I hope more have the opportunity to appreciate them.

— D. Burke, Timonium