To the editor:

The problem with authority figures is that they fail to act when a problem occurs. Several years ago, I wrote about seniors being taxed out of their homes, and nothing happened. With rising property taxes and homeowners insurance, drug and medical costs and living on a fixed income, we hear that seniors are being “thrown to the wolves.” I suggested that we vote on that, but it wouldn’t be counted as legal or binding (too democratic, I suppose).

I called about the soccer nets being left in the soccer fields and Fred De Victor said someone will pick them up. They did. It was the thieves!

The Bush administration was told about security threats around 9/11 and everyone blamed everyone else for the lack of action.

Likewise with Katrina. Excuses were given instead of structure for the New Orleans dikes, as well as for complete evacuation of the area. Death doesn’t respect excuses. It’s final!

Mary Ann Kieffer,

Lawrence