Feeling down? Read a book.

I very much enjoyed Herb Cromwell’s recent commentary, “Knowledge may be power, but these days it’s more of a depressant” (Feb. 8). Just wanted to add another antidote to what he said. When you’re feeling down about the current situation, revisit old books and music that have given you inspiration in the past and remind you of the greatness and goodness that is also part of the human condition. Sometimes it works for me.

Gary Kenneth Bass, Pikesville

Tucker Carlson had a valid point

I read with some amusement all of the “positives” that were posted in response to the editorial denouncing Tucker Carlson’s rant on Baltimore (“Take that, Tucker,” Feb. 7). Let’s be fair here: the Fox News host wasn’t talking about the lack of arts or entertainment. He was talking about the killing field that the city has become.

There have been as many homicides in the city as days so far in 2022. Someone was just shot by a stray bullet while he was sleeping! All of those “fun” things are there, but pretty irrelevant if folks don’t feel safe attending. I noticed a lot of the comments came from the not-so-poor parts of the city like Guilford and Rodgers Forge. The Gallery downtown has closed. Harborplace has been in receivership for years.

Stores are abandoning the area. And it’s not because of COVID. It’s because of thugs. And the mayor is more concerned with getting plastic bags and polystyrene taken out of the environment. Last time I checked, polystyrene containers and plastic bags don’t carry guns.

Diane Pazourek, Sparks

Firefighters always there when we need them

After reading your beautiful articles about the three firefighters who lost their lives, I had to let you know of an experience I had with emergency responders just one year ago as they do more than just fight fires (“Family, friends eulogize three fallen Baltimore firefighters: a devoted dad, a gentle soul, and ‘the best hugger,’ ” Feb. 2).

I was leaving the Timonium Fairgrounds at 4:45 p.m. and got into the elevator on the second floor and was the only one on it when it stopped between floors. I pushed the emergency button and waited. About 25 minutes later, I heard someone breaking into the ceiling of the elevator and all of a sudden, a nine-foot metal ladder came down and a firefighter followed.

He said, “Tom, we are going up,” and I told him I could not as I am 95 years old and need a walker to move around. He asked me if I could hold on and raise my right foot. He grabbed the ladder and then put my one foot on the first step and then pushed me up so I could get my left foot on the ladder and on we went, step by step. When we got the top, another firefighter said, “Grab his neck and take one step,” and soon I was on the second floor with three firefighters helping me walk one floor down, step by step, as I held two of them by each arm and another stayed in front of me.

Yes, these men are true heroes. Many thanks to them.

Tom Lawsom, Timonium

Editor’s note: The Baltimore Sun is once again looking to recognize those who have done the most over their long careers to make Maryland a better place. Over the past six years, we have honored women and men who have made transformational change in the state, across diverse spheres, including business, government, education, science, health, civic life and the arts. Now we’re looking for our seventh group of extraordinary individuals to induct into The Baltimore Sun’s Business and Civic Hall of Fame — and we need your help. Nominations should be sent to talkback@baltimoresun.com and include “Hall of Fame” in the subject line, along with a brief description of your nominee’s accomplishments and background in the body of the email, and the reasons why you believe he or she merits consideration. The deadline for nominations has been extended to Feb. 20.