Just say no to condoms in school vending machines

As always, Del. Kathy Szeliga is right when she calls House Bill 380 “condoms for kiddies” (“Maryland House passes legislation to allow condoms in school vending machines,” Feb. 21). This woke bill is just one more example of the moral decay that emanates from Democrats who turn away from Christianity.

Let’s use common sense, people. It will be decades before these young boys will need protection from sex with prostitutes and porn stars.

— Glenn Gall, Bel Air

What happens when a GOAT is a pig?

I read with dismay that seven additional massage therapists have come forward with allegations of sexual impropriety by Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker bringing the total accusers to 16 (“NFL investigators in Baltimore interviewing Justin Tucker accusers,” Feb. 21).

Not long ago, parting ways with this Hall of Fame caliber player was inconceivable. Now, replacing Tucker may become probable and even preferable. Of course, an accused person is considered innocent until proven guilty. But it seems increasingly possible that the player many of us Ravens fans considered the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) might actually be a pig.

— Eugene Wu, Sparks

Pennsylvania must do more to clean up its act

I was happy to read Christine Condon’s front page article, “Pennsylvania has made strides in Chesapeake Bay cleanup. But is that enough?” (Feb. 22), outlining efforts being made to curb runoff from Pennsylvania farms into the upper Susquehanna River which eventually flows into Chesapeake Bay. And, of course, more can always be accomplished.

A recent article that appeared on www.pennlive.com also points out an alarming issue: Apparently, the state capital city of Harrisburg has been dumping raw sewage, including human waste, into the Susquehanna non-stop for years with no consequences. This has got to change.

Maryland has made great strides in restoring underwater grasses in the Upper Bay, but inflows of raw sewage have to be hampering that progress. Hopefully, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state agencies can join forces to stop this from happening and making the necessary improvements. Kudos to The Baltimore Sun’s Condon for helping to shine a light on our beloved Chesapeake Bay and efforts to curb pollution.

— Gary N. Michael, Baldwin

Maryland would be unwise to copy California, at least not fiscally

I must agree with a recent letter writer’s assessment of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s proposal to eliminate itemized tax deductions for middle class taxpayers while doubling the standard deduction (“Loss of itemized deduction would cause hardship,” Feb. 20). While it may be beneficial for some taxpayers, it would become a huge tax increase for many, especially seniors, and would have a deleterious effect on small businesses as well.

As writer Ron Boone of Timonium also observed, seniors with no dependents who itemize deductions due to large medical expenses would be unable to use these deductions for tax purposes. I am a senior living on a fixed income and have to care for a spouse who needs special assistance with in-home medical help, as well as other extensive medical expenses. This would entail a loss of thousands of dollars which I cannot afford to lose, especially with high energy and food prices. What is even more disturbing is that our current administration inherited a $5 billion budget surplus. Where is the accountability for the depletion of this money and why do we now have a projected $3 billion shortfall? It seems to me that we overspend bigger than our pocketbook allows. Additionally, states surrounding Maryland all had budget surpluses last year. Apparently, their leadership handles their finances in a prudent manner.

The late Charles “Lefty” Driesell, the revered basketball coach of the University of Maryland, once proclaimed Maryland to be the “UCLA of the East.” Well, that may be fine for basketball, but Maryland taxpayers do not wish to be the California of the East when it comes to taxes and spending. Let our Maryland General Assembly act in a responsible manner and overturn this horrendous proposal. This may require postponing or scaling back of some projects until better economic times return.

— Charles Higdon, Catonsville