Metro could save lives by slowing down Re: “Metro starts training workers to intervene with suicide riders,” Oct. 18
Regarding the news that Metro will be instituting training for its workers to deal with suicidal individuals, I wonder if it would help to have all trains come to a total stop shortly before reaching the platform and then proceeding very slowly; and again, roll out very, very slowly when departing the station.
As of now, the trains come into and out of the stations at a pretty good clip. Slowing down wouldn’t eliminate all of the available circumstances for suicide, but perhaps it could reduce the options.
Ellen Schenck
Centreville
Obama did not change military funeral protocol
Re: “The president does not honor American soldiers,” Oct. 14
On Oct. 14th, your paper published a letter from a John Martich of Falls Church claiming that President Obama had changed military funeral protocol. However, the simplest Internet search proves that this is false and is, in fact, a viral chain email.
I understand that your paper does not support President Obama and attempts to persuade readers, but at least have the respect and editorial courage to print letters that argue with facts and not baseless, fake claims.
Daniel Vaught
Fairfax
Editor’s note: The Washington Examiner attempts to avoid publication of letters based on Internet chain emails. We regret the error in this case.
GOP needs a better mission statement
The “no compromise” Republicans in the House and Senate seem to believe there is only one way to revitalize our country’s broken economy: their way. And their way begins with an attempt to make President Obama a one-term president.
If Republicans are successful in defeating Obama at the polls on Election Day, what new right-way ideas will they bring to the table to fix the economy? Or will a new Republican president and Republican Congress just give us a warmed-over version of failed trickle-down economics of the past 30 years?
In the days leading up to the 2012 election, the GOP has the daunting task of convincing the electorate that smaller government, deregulation and permanent tax cuts for the rich are the way to demonstrate compassion for the unemployed and children and seniors living in poverty. Individual responsibility is important, but group, family and corporate responsibility is equally important.
Republicans deserve the title of “party of the rich.” Can they also be a party who cares and works for the majority middle class and the poor?
Paul L. Whiteley Sr.
Louisville, Ky.
