The American Spectator

p> PIGS ON THE ROAD br> Re: Ralph R. Reiland’s Hog Heaven : /p> p>Thanks again to Professor Reiland for giving national publicity to the Animal Farm (formerly known as the Commonwealth) of Pennsylvania. This week 42 of the “Oinkers” with 54 of their staff members are attending a legislative conference in Seattle. The 96 reservations cost $1,790.00 a day for a total cost to the Pennsylvania taxpayer of $168,000.00 a day. This doesn’t include unvouchered expenses. They are the third largest delegation attending the conference and I am sure they will spread their knowledge on how to “pig out” at the taxpayers’ expense. George Orwell was right in putting the pigs in charge of the Animal Farm! The State of Washington should have required them to register with their Department of Agriculture after disembarking from the plane. br> — Bob Keiser br> Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania /p>

With great respect for Ralph Reiland, I have to point out a flaw in his observation regarding Rep. DeWeese’s comparison of Pennsylvania to a corporation. Reiland states, “The comparison doesn’t work. Corporations… are forced to operate in an increasingly competitive environment where they have to be proficient at meeting the wants and needs of the public…”

p>The comparison, in fact, works too well. My family roots are in Pittsburgh. In the early '90s, my sister and brother-in-law moved south. In the late '90s, I moved south. Two weeks ago the family reunited in Pittsburgh for a final gathering at “home” to help our mother pack and move south. Pennsylvania no longer receives one penny of state tax from our family’s collective income, assets, or expenditures. And among friends still in the area, many have inquired about housing and jobs in the south, expressing a real interest in following suit. Goods and services don’t always come to the people. Sometimes the people move to find better goods and services. Please remind the arrogant Mr. DeWeese of what happens to corporations that continually lose customers. br> — Tom Cook