Brenda Pridgen
Baltimore
Is MARC prepared for its expansion?
The Maryland Transit Administration's idea to expand the MARC system to deal with base realignment population changes is a good one ("Expansion plans for MARC system," March 28). However, ridership has increased dramatically in recent years, and MARC already seems to have more riders than it can handle.
The new Halethorpe station the article mentions is months, if not years, behind schedule.
Delays and overcrowded, standing-room-only trains are a regular experience.
I hope the MTA will solve some of MARC's problems before it expands beyond what it can handle.
Randolph L. Hutter
Catonsville
Timetable for war puts troops at risk
In attaching a timeline for withdrawal to the bill funding the Iraq war, some of our representatives in Washington declared that they are doing what the American people demanded in the November election ("Congress, Bush in test of wills," March 29). But in my humble opinion, both houses of Congress have misread the wishes of the people.
Yes, we are disheartened with the way the war is going. Yes, many errors were made in its execution and most of us wish to end the war and leave Iraq.
However, I do not believe we wanted to threaten to defund our troops who are in harm's way.
Nor do I believe we wanted our representatives to add $21 billion in "pork" spending to the war-funding bill to buy votes.
Nor do I believe we wanted our representatives to aid and abet our enemy by setting a date for withdrawal.
This bill is morally wrong.
The Democratic-controlled Congress has, in my judgment, failed to serve the nation and the freedom it has promised to protect and defend.
Benedict Frederick Jr.
Pasadena
