Metro needs top-to-bottom housecleaning
Re: “Metro seeks input on across-the-board fare hikes,” Feb. 23
A problem with not just one, but two Metro trains delayed me for almost an hour on my way home to Silver Spring from my workplace in Alexandria. I have lived in the D.C. area since 1978 and experienced the ups and downs of Metro, but the corruption and lack of skills is worse than it has ever been.
Most passengers understand that Metro is not going to get any better, and that this will be the norm from now on. I used to give myself at least a half hour, then an hour to get somewhere on a weekend. Now I don’t leave my place unless I give myself at least two hours.
The only solution is to fire everyone who works for Metro, and I do mean everyone from top to bottom, and just start over. If I owned a car that had this many problems, I would trade it in. Metro has to do the same.
James K. Harrison
Silver Spring
Visa waiver program should not be expanded
Re: “Dollars and sense homeland security,” Feb. 21
James Jay Carafano claims the Visa Waiver Program enhances national security and argues that it makes sense to expand it to more countries. But it is actually a loophole for entry by those who may wish to do us harm.
In fact, terrorists have already used the VWP to their benefit. Sept. 11 conspirator Zacarias Moussaoui, “Shoebomber” Richard Reid, and 1993 World Trade Center conspirator Ahmed Ajaj all entered or attempted to enter the United States through this program. Over the years, the inspectors general of both agencies responsible for the visa waiver program, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security, have issued reports detailing its significant security risks.
The nonpartisan Government Accountability Office has also repeatedly testified in Congress about those same security risks. A recent GAO report found that half of the countries participating in this program have not met specific security requirements mandated by Congress. Because of these inherent risks and unmet requirements, it makes no sense to expand it at this time.
Rep. Lamar Smith (R-Texas)
Chairman,
House Judiciary Committee
Stronger job market needed for housing recovery
The market for existing homes continues in the doldrums, as young couples opt to rent and older couples can’t unload their homes to retire.
The National Realtors Association reported that sales in January were below the 4.69 million forecasters expected, confirming concerns that large numbers of buyers are getting cold feet and canceling contracts. Reports of stronger buyer activity and pending sales must be taken with a sack full of salt.
Home prices are falling. The average sales price of $154,700 is down from $162,200 in December, and December sales were revised down to 4.38 million from 4.61 million. That is huge.
A strong job market is necessary to give young couples confidence that they can take the plunge into homeownership and not get caught in a fire sale situation if they lose a job or are forced to relocate. Without one, federal programs can do little to stop the downward trajectory in prices, and existing home values simply won’t level off and begin the long path to recovery.
Peter Morici
Professor, Robert H. Smith School of Business
University of Maryland, College Park
