Bob Levey (Barbara Tyroler)

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Levey Live: Speaking Freely
Washington Post Columnist
Friday, Nov. 30, 2001; 1 p.m. EST

"Levey Live: Speaking Freely," hosted by Washington Post columnist Bob Levey, appears every Friday. It is a live, open-agenda discussion offering washingtonpost.com users around the world the opportunity to ask questions and discuss topics of their choice with Bob.

Fearless Bob takes your questions about virtually everything, from sports and politics (there's a difference?) to world events, Metro area traffic and issues raised in Bob's columns.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Bob Levey: Hi, gang, and welcome aboard the good ship Levey. We have many rollicking topics today--Santa's exile from Kensington being one, Metro manners being another, the state of the economy (rotten) being a third. But as always, any subject is in bounds. Let's dust off those typing fingers.......

Warrenton, Va.: Bob, I am sure you will get lots of questions on Santa and Kensington, Personally I think it is political correctness totally out of control. What say you?

Bob Levey: The first mistake was to try to hold a Christmas pageant with a patriotic theme. Christmas in not an American holiday. The second mistake was to ban Santa Claus from anything having to do with Christmas. Mr. Claus has been linked to Christmas for more than four centuries. The third mistake was not to walk around this decision and kick the tires, with a mind toward how it would "play" in medialand. If they had asked me (or anyone who has been around the meed-juh for ages), I would have said, "I can't tell you what to do. But you are going to be held up for ridicule on Rush's program, on Fox TV, in the Washington Times and probably a million other places. Worth it?"

Germantown, Md.: It seems like people are blowing the Kensington tree-lighting situation way out of proportion. From what I gather, Santa was eliminated only because other symbols of the season were eliminated. The citizens of Kensington themselves didn't seem that upset about it. Why is this national news?

Bob Levey: Because of the Montgomery smoking-law fiasco, to which the Santa-outster story has been linked incessantly (and unfairly). Looked as if something was in Montgomery's water supply.

Beltsville, Md.: Our family is looking for a new location to cut our Christmas tree this year - any suggestions?

Bob Levey: Thurmont, Md., and Gettysburg, Pa., always have lots of well-stocked and under-attended farms

Greenbelt, Md.: The death of George Harrison at 58 must be noted today, even here. It's as much of a local issue as anything else, really. We all really do owe George Harrison a thousand thanks for all his great music, great words and great deeds. He will always be remembered, and he will be sorely missed. Our guitars will gently weep.

washingtonpost.com: Coverage of George Harrison Remembered:
George Harrison Dies at 58 (Post, Nov. 30, 2001)
The Ambivalent Beatle (Post, Nov. 30, 2001)
Video: Beatle George Harrison Dies
Audio Live Online with Ben Fong-Torres of Rolling Stone

Bob Levey: He did what so few super-celebrities ever do: keep his private life private. For that alone, I admire him tremendously. For his musical talent, ditto. And for his willingness to be shrouded forever by the other three, ditto again.

Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.: Howdy Bob!
Heads-Up: In your last discussion the subject of the "Subway Pervert" was addressed. One clickster said that Mace would be a good way to handle the situation and you agreed.
I went to buy some last week and was told that it (Mace) is illegal in D.C. Was sold Pepper Spray instead. So, be careful what you use to defend yourself. Could be breaking the law while trying to protect yourself. - Phil

Bob Levey: Excellent point. Thank you, kind sir

Reston, Va.: Let me see if I understand what's happening in Kensington. They banned Santa Claus from being part of the 'official' celebration in order to achieve unity in the community. If this is a step to achieve unity, I wonder what they would do if they ever intended to create disunity?

Bob Levey: Probably claim that Santa had been disinvited because they wanted a youthful slant on the year's festivities

Alexandria, Va.: Hey Bob:

I just got a new cell phone and was wondering if anyone knew of any charities that I could donate my old phone to? I heard that in some cities you can donate old phones to be used by people in domestic abuse situations. Have you or anyone in your band of merry Internet groupies heard of anything like that? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Bob Levey: Sure. The Wireless Foundation (the cell phone industry's trade association) will accept donated cell phones, rehab them and donate them to battered women (or women who are in danger of getting that way). TWF is located in downtown DC. Its program has done wonders for thousands over many years

Cadillac Jack: Bob,

Refresh my memory please. What does a 6 car orange line train look like during rush hour?

I can't seem to remember. A 4 car train is quite fresh in my memory. But the image of a 6 car is quite nebulous.

Bob Levey: You can tell a six-car train by the colors.
Those awful oranges and light browns.
On the seats.
Which you can see.
Because fannies are not sitting in every one of them.

wiredog: Lovely September weather we're having. I have a feeling we'll pay for it in January though. I'm looking forward to Bob Ryan et. al. Breaking into prime time with "Special Report: 2 inches of snow expected!" Followed by mass panic and runs on milk and bread at Giant.

On the other hand, I remember the Washington's Birthday Snow in '79. When I went to bed they were predicting 6 inches or so, when I got up there were one and a half feet and school was closed until March.

On the other other hand (yes, I'm from Arcturus) I lived in Utah for ten years. They get a foot of snow and the schools open on time. (But that may change after the nasty accident in Delta yesterday.)

Bob Levey: A reader just sent me an incredibly detailed analysis of the Farmers' Almanac and its famous "calls" on what kind of a winter we're going to have.
Turns out the FA has been way, way out to lunch just about 50 percent of the time over the past 50 years. And bone-accurate the other 50.
Take your pick. And bundle up.

Good manners on the Metro: Hello Bob. I know you're a big proponent of good manners on the Metro. So what do you suggest one should say/do in the following scenario: it's 8:30 a.m. on a Wednesday morning. I'm trying to exit the train at Metro Center. There's already a large crowd of people impatiently waiting to board. And there are two people standing like sentries right inside the doors on either side, effectively preventing more than one person from exiting at one time. And they're oblivious to the fact that they're blocking the doors.

That drives me crazy! But stopping to engage the person, politely asking them to get the heck out of the way would simply delay everyone further, making a bad situation worse. So what would you propose one should do?

Bob Levey: It won't cause much of a delay to say, "Please move out of the doorway." I do it all the time. It works the vast majority of the time, too. A lot of doorway-campers are just forgetful, or their minds are somewhere near Mars. They don't want to be idiots.
Of course, that said, many of them don't get two things:
1) They will NOT miss their stops if they move out of the doorways. Average "dwell time" at a Metro station is 45 seconds (more at rush hour). That's more than enough time to reach and use a door.
2) They can get off and get back on again. And they won't be left behind.

Beltsville, Md.: Why are so many people in this area homeless?

Bad things can happen to good people. Should they still suffer? America the great, land of the free -- so many poor, so many in despair, so many crying out for help. Can we take care of our own for once?

"All I want for Christmas is a place to live, with a warm bed, a shower -- the simple things in lfe. Shouldn't all Americans be allowed that?"

V. McBride

Bob Levey: The homeless can have a bed, a shower and a meal whenever they want them, free of charge. The issue isn't whether we are turning our backs on them. The issue is whether they will accept what we provide. Many won't, because they fear any entanglement with "straight society." That's why you see homeless people sleeping in doorways when it's 10 degrees outside, and when beds are easily available. They prefer to go their own way.
D.C. is a homeless capital because a judge ruled about 20 years ago that no mental patient can be held against his will at a D.C. hospital. Have you ever noticed that a large majority of D.C.'s homeless population is severely anti-social, and obviously disturbed? They need treatment, but if they want to opt out of it, they can. Not the greatest ruling in the history of the courts, to put it mildly.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Bob, What has been going on with the Red Line this week? I commute from Dupont to Tenleytown, and platforms at Dupont have been packed every morning. I hate to think what Gallery Place and Metro Center are like if it's this bad further up the line!

Bob Levey: It's bad everywhere. But it's better before 7 a.m. and after 9 a.m. Can you tweak your travel times a tad?

Fairfax, Va.: Bob, I don't know if you can answer this question, but you seem to know everything about D.C., so maybe you can help. Last night I was fortunate enough to go to Ford's Theatre to see Hal Holbrook's Mark Twain show. During the intermission I went to get President Bush's autograph, and we had our picture taken by a woman who looked like an official photographer. At the time I was too starstruck to think clearly, but now I would really like a copy of that picture! Do you know how I could find out how I might be able to get a copy?

Bob Levey: Call the White House (number's in the phone book) and ask for the office of the official photographer. Ask if they sell (or provide) prints. Generally, the answer is no, because the official WH photog is there to record George 43's history, not to get into the commercial photo business. However, you might get lucky.
By the way, don't assume that the photographer was "official." He or she may have been a newsie. If so, you'd need to know the name of the paper or news service. If you did, or if you can learn it, it's usually just a matter of writing a check.

Beltsville, Md.: Wanted to wish you good luck in this season's Children's Hospital drive.

I haven't sent mine in yet because I'm pondering making a stocking-stuffer type donation in the names of family and friends.

Thanks for all your hard work on the hospital's behalf.

Bob Levey: Thanks for your kindness, and for your generosity

Beltsville, Md.: Bob, your thoughts on Richard White's request for a raise?

He's a good guy, but it kinda feels like the airline execs taking home 7 figures and asking the government for a bailout.

Bob Levey: Sorry, but you're way off base.
White does a superb job, and he has no golden parachute, the way airline execs do. Two Big Bills is at the low end of what CEOs command in the business world. Make no mistake--White is the CEO of a business. He will always suffer because many people will compare him to Steve Wolf of USAirways (unfair, for the reason I mentioned above), but also to a GS-15 (also unfair--he has no job security). Ask yourself if Metro has come close to flubbing since he has been here. On the contrary, it remains the outstanding public transit outfit around. Isn't that worth a 10 percent bump?

Washington, D.C.: There are many organizations that are seeking donations this time of the year, are there any in particular that you would recommend? I'm interested specifically in organizations that help low-income families and the homeless. Thank you.

Bob Levey: My Children's Hospital campaign supports medical care SOLELY for kids whose families can't afford it. If you're looking for a charity that helps needy adults, you can't do better than So Others Might Eat

Ballston, Va.: Mr. Washington,
I haven't seen a 6 car train during rush hour all week. Ive gotten to the platform when a train is heading into the city and the platform is still full when the train leaves. No room for any of the patrons to get on.
What is with the LACK of 6 car trains this week?

Bob Levey: Dunno. But I'll see if Metroids are lurking on this chat who might answer

12th Floor Metro Center: Bob,
No Metro gripes today. Just wanted to know what's on top of your wish list for Christmas this year?

Bob Levey: Peace on earth. An old favorite

Arlington, Va.: Just wanted to let you know that the transportation appropriations bill just passed by the House and about to be passed by the Senate includes the requirement that Metro change all of its signs to be clear that National Airport is really Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. So glad that these Republicans favor states' rights!

Bob Levey: You knew this was coming, and there IS a certain logic to it. The formal name does include Mr. Reagan's name, after all.
But I hope this will be the last time a political figure will have anything named for him while he's still drawing breath. Also, I'm very glad that the Hill is paying the tab. Wouldn't it have been mega-outrageous to have forced local jurisdictions to foot the bill, when they didn't have a voice in the decision?

Washington, D.C.: I heard a nice rumor that the Federal Government is giving workers 12/31 off. Is this true?? (If it is, it has made my month!)

Bob Levey: Still a rumor. Just like the rumor about getting 12/24 off. Which is still a rumor, too.

Cadillac Jack: Refresh my memory Bob. Wasn't there a law passed about agressive pan handling?
Guys with cups on street corners are as common as pidgeons in Mcpherson sq. park.

I was even harrassed by a man in a VERY fast electric wheelchair. He was zooming down K street. Going up to people and asking for a dime or quarter. I ignored and he zoomed up to the next person. His machine was also to fast to be allowed on the sidewalk.

I'm telling you, it was fast.

Bob Levey: Yup, such a law is on the books. Enforcement, as usual, is the real issue.

Metro Center, D.C.: Bob,

When, oh when are recycling bins returning to Metro platforms? I hate to see your Pulitzer-worthy column tossed into a trash can when it could be reincarnated as, oh, I dunno...a cereal box?

Seriously, let's remember, Metro removed bins and trash cans from platforms on the strength of the complaints of FOURTEEN people. Tyrrany of the minority. So when will they be back?

Bob Levey: Rumor: Next month.
See why my column is Pulitzer quality?
I never waste words.

Fairfax, Va.: Are the politicians on the Montgomery County Board and Kensington Council going to pay a price for the smoking flap and the Santa ban? Or are the elections so far away that it will be forgotten?

Bob Levey: A price at the polls? Perhaps. A price in the crucible of public opinion? They're already paying it.

Beltsville, Md.: Re: Richard White

I actually don't have a problem with the raise - or the fare increase - just kind of surprised that it's requested right after we hear reports of how Metro is losing money.

And I know these aren't entirely his problems but we are looking at major overcrowding during rush hours, no trash cans in stations, constantly broken escalators and a lack of new cars. Sorry, but he is the CEO and does need to shoulder that.

But, like I said, he can have the raise. Just surprised me.

Bob Levey: White has been right there with proposed solutions to every one of the problems you mention (and many others). But a distinct shortage of cash can kill just about any idea. And that's White's biggest problem. Does he not deserve a raise because escalators take forever to fix, or because an Italian manufacturer didn't meet the specs on the order for new subway cars?

WDC: Anyone we can write/call/email to encourage giving the Government 12/24 off?

Bob Levey: George 43

Silver Spring, Md.: Interesting story in the Metro section about the 50% increase in accidents on Metro. Do you think it will lead people to use other forms of personal transport?

Bob Levey: Not a chance. Two reasons:
* Those who ride subways or buses will continue to ride them regardless of whether someone sprains an ankle on an escalator. It's like teeangers and smoking: They don't think anything bad can happen to THEM.
* The increase sounds greater than it really is. I don't have today's story in front of me, but I believe the total injury count went from 400-something to 600-something. That hardly means that moaning bodies are lying all over the system. Also, what's an injury? If I pull a muscle while I run for a train, but I don't miss a second of work, is that really a reason to go back to driving a car?

Bowie, Md.: Bob,

I'll double my contribution to Children's this year if you tell me its alright to put on my make-up while driving my SUV to work on the Beltway.

Bob Levey: Sorry, Bowie. You know better.

Arlington, Va.: I think you answered this one awhile back, but...Is Metro still consolidating all the farecards with less than the minimum fare on them? I have a zillion. I did this once a long time ago at Metro Center.

Bob Levey: Metro will consolidate Farecards with value remaining only if you use SmarTrip cards. Metro will not consolidate small-value paper cards.

Metro Media Relations: We have cut back to all four-car trains in the mid-day (between 9:30 am and 3:00 pm) because as Bob so eloquently stated, there aren't enough fannies for the seats. But we are still operating six-car trains on all lines during morning and evening rush hours, along with four-car trains, in the usual mix. In fact, we have more six-car trains on the Green Line because we now have 20 of our brand new cars in service. So I'm not sure where this "only four-car train" theme is coming from today.

Bob Levey: Them lurkers are back. Thanks, Metroids

White's flubbing: Here are a few examples:

The delayed introduction of new Metro cars due to a lack of Metro oversight of their production.

Openning extensions of Metro without adequate equipment.

The fiasco of moving to manual operation of Metro trains without properly training operators--leading to overcrowed trains and increased wear-and-tear of trains

Lack of escalator repair. Still.

An increase in trash in the trains and stations.

No one is perfect. But, at some point Teflon White needs to be held accountable for the over decline in service provided by Metro.

Bob Levey: I'm with you only on the first: lack of Metro oversight on production of the new cars. That certainly should have happened. The others are not his fault. Many are just the result of fate.
And please consider this (admittedly) personal and idiosyncratic story:
Three days a week, I hop the Orange Line at McPherson Sqaure to go over to Arlington, where I do my NewsChannel8 TV talk show. I have made this journey on a regular basis since February. That means 33 weeks, 99 rides. And I have to be on time because ain't no TV show without me!
I have been.
EVERY SINGLE TIME.
99 times in a row, my train has come at precisely the same minute, and delivered me to Virginia at precisely the same minute.
You gonna call that luck? I call it amazing, great service.
Sure, this is just before afternoon rush hour, when traffic is a bit light and you wouldn't expect human-caused delays. Still, to bat 1.000 is terrific.

thomas: Hi Bob,

I've noticed a couple questions about charities. They made me wonder: is there any sort of guide to local charities, both for giving and also for what sort of skills they'd need in volunteers?

By the way, I want to say that I've noticed DC-ites (what's the proper term?) being friendlier after 9/11. When I jog, sometimes people actually say hi now. Last week, 2 cars stopped on Military Road to let me cross. (I doubt that will ever happen again, but still, I can hope...)

Bob Levey: United Way of DC has an excellent summary of all its beneficiaries (which includes most major and minor charities hereabouts). Their offices are on M St. SW.
I totally agree about the local mood since 9/11. Even road rage has been knocked for a loop

Franconia, Va.: Bob, I was out walking Thanksgiving morning at about 10 when I passed the Springfield Metro station. A train left with four passengers TOTAL -- one in each car. Now how about getting on that soapbox of yours and scolding us readers who had the chutzpah to drive to grandma's house for turkey day. 'Cause we KNOW that everyone at the levey family thanksgiving came via Metro, bicycle or Rickshaw.

Bob Levey: Actually, I think our guests hiked.
Fair point, Franconia. But I don't think it's fair to isolate in on one meal, eaten on one day. The value of Metro is for commuters. Traffic was light because work was light on 11/22.

San Francisco, Calif.: Just wanted to say, Bob, you guys have a great online paper. I never see the print edition out here, but as far as online presence goes, with depth, breadth, and community coverage and interaction, this site outshines them all. I hope the WP keeps up the good work.

Bob Levey: Thanks so much. Lots of people on this coast hope so, too.

Heavenly on Capitol Hill: Re: Injuries on the Metro...

I bet 85% of the injuries reported are from those who attempt to board a train as the doors are closing.

Bob Levey: According to today's story, most of the injuries happen aboard escalators. But wherever they happen, they are caused by haste. Which means people running for trains that they have absolutely no chance of catching.
Here's the Bob Levey Rule, gang:
If I can hear the train rolling into the station, and I'm slipping my Farecard into the slot, I can make the train BY WALKING.
If I can hear the train rolling into the station, and I'm 50 yards away from the Faregates, I can probably make the train by running.
If I'm any farther away, I don't bother to try, because I don't have a chance, even if I run.
Now, please don't take this as a general endorsement of running on Metro concourses. Those red tiles are extremely slippery, even when they're dry. When they're the slightest bit wet, you have to be a NUT to run.

Washington, D.C.:
Bob,

I know you get this all the time, but what's the real reason Metro escalators breakdown all the time and why does it seem to take weeks to fix them? My suspicion is that it's a union thing. Thanks.

Bob Levey: Many of the escalators are exposed to the elements, which causes all manner of trouble. They take forever to fix because the company that built them is outta business, and parts are very hard to come by. Not a union thing at all.

Metro Question: Maybe the Metro lurker can answer this one.

In the past few weeks, I've waited to catch a train at Dupont Circle to head to Shady Grove. While I wait, and wait, and wait for my train (which is the heavy-ridership train at that hour), I've seen as many as FOUR trains to Glenmont on the other side of the tracks come and go. Why so many trains when there are relatively few people going that direction at that hour, when I end up squished and without a seat for the entire 40-minute ride to Shady Grove? Seems odd.

Bob Levey: You're just short on luck. The same number of trains go in each direction. Sometimes there's bunching in one direction or the other, or d elays. But Metro certainly does not deliberately discriminate against Shady Grove-bound customers

Washington, D.C.: I share the earlier writer's frustration with those that guard the Metro doors like sentries. I say, loudly enough so others can hear (but not yelling), "Excuse me, can you let the rest of us through?" If they give me a look, I just say, "You're blocking a third (or two thirds) of the doorway." Works for the time being, at least.

Bob Levey: My style, too. Thanks

former shelter dweller: I myself had a run of spectacularly bad luck and found myself living in a homeless shelter a few years ago. Part of the reason people don't want to stay there are some of the truly stupid rules they have. To wit, I wasn't allowed to take my -electric- razor back into the living quarters because some of the residents weren't totally stable and might hurt themselves or someone else. Meanwhile all of the smokers -practically everyone but me- was allowed to have their matches and lighters in the living space. And politely pointing out that you can't cut yourself with an electric shaver didn't work. That's just one of the more memorable occurrances. The other major one is that they treated you as though you were sub human. One of them even told us that if we didn't like the rules we were welcomed to stay somewhere else, like we had somewhere else to go.

Bob Levey: Thanks for this view

Bethesda, Md.: Bob, your true liberal nature has been exposed. I quote, regarding Kensignton's Santa fiasco: "...going to be held up for ridicule on Rush's program, on Fox TV, in the Washington Times..."

Why do you name only conservative leaning media outlets? The Post covered this story quite well too.

Bob Levey: Because Rush, Fox and the WT hopped on this story as if it were more important than Afghanistan. They made SPORT of it, because they (and other media of the same ilk) love to hack on what appears to be political correctness out of control. My "true liberal nature" hasn't been exposed in the least, because my nature isn't uniformly liberal, conservative, whiggish, unleaded, homogenized or anything else. Don't you want media that simply report stories straight? I sure do. I mentioned those three because they almost NEVER report anything straight.

Arlington, Va.: Bob, in reference to the lack of trash cans on the Metro, one station was closed for a couple of hours this week because of what was called a trash fire on the track. Having trash baskets would alslo minimize the garbage that accumulates on various stopped escalator stairs.

Bob Levey: Clearly, we're in "balancing-land" between your clearly correct point about trash and Metro's super-caution in the wake of 9/11.

Capitol Hill: A 10-percent bump for Metro's CEO because he's done a "good job?" Nope. Sorry, partner, but NO WAY, NO HOW! Tons of workers all through this economy are quietly doing a great job day in and day out. And they're lucky not to get laid off, let alone get a raise. But, you've fallen into the corporate mentality -- give the big reward to the guy at the top even though it's the folks underneathe doing the heavy lifting. I'm sorry, if he's not satisfied with his compensation, let him go elsewhere. There's other competent people to take his place.

Bob Levey: Did I say the little guys don't deserve a raise, too? They most certainly do. Metro ridership has soared in the last 10 years. That means people are voting with their pocketbooks. I never said White is the only guy who deserves to profit from that success, and I never would.

Washington, D.C.: Actually, my husband and I DID take the Metro on Thanksgiving. It was fast, on time and way preferable to being on the roads with those who imbibed a little too much holiday spirits.

I was thrilled they ran that day.

Bob Levey: And they run every day. Without road rage

MetroCenter: Bob,

It strikes me that Metro should hold chats on its own Web site as a way to assess customer needs and address customer concerns. While it is great that they lurk here, quite frankly, they should be doing this at their site on their dime. I'm sure if they held regular weekly chats with the public, they'd have quite the turn out. And cheaper to do then focus groups or hiring a consultant.

Bob Levey: One practical concern: The software to run interactive discussions like this ain't cheap. If Metro spent thousands so it could converse once or twice a week with the public, I'm not sure it would be money well spent. Better: regular visits with regular hosts like Yours Truly. FYI, Dick White has been a "Levey Live" guest at least three times, and he has told me he'll be glad to come back, whenever

Bethesda, Md.: See Bob the reason you say that Rush, Fox, and the Times "NEVER" report anything straight is because you're a liberal. Conservatives such as myself would say that CNN, the Post, and the NY Times "NEVER" report anything straight. It's a matter of perspective. You have proven once again that yours is liberal. Why do you always deny it? The difference between you and the guys at Fox and the Times is that they are open about their leanings.

Bob Levey: You can knock me down, step in my face, slander my name all over the place.....
But you can't explain why you WANT news that's delivered by an admittedly slanted organization.
I want news that plays it straight. I don't want "news" that goes at every story with a preconceived view of the world.
Let me say it again (sigh).
I have worked here for nearly 35 years. I have known many, many people here who are liberal, many who are conservative and many who don't fit into either group. It is total nonsense to say that a liberal slant goes into each day's newspaper. I've never heard or seen anyone attempt to do it. And if if someone did, or has, the editing system would catch up with him.
If you're talking about the editorial page, and certain of its views, perhaps the L word fits (occasionally). But the editorial page isn't the rest of the paper, and never will be.

Alexandria, Va.: If you can stand one more about the Montgomery County laws...

Since when is a country government supposed to make laws based on what type of press they recieve after the fact?

Bob Levey: Really good point. I doubt that MoCo officials would have caved if Limbaugh hadn't hopped on the story, and created that richochet media effect all over the world.

Silver Spring, Md.: RE: Dick White's raise

Don't forget that great CEO's like Dick White are tempted by other transit properties around the country all the time with higher salaries--if we want to hang on to him here, a reasonable salary hike is definitely in order.

Bob Levey: Right you are

Arlington, Va.: Let me preface this by saying that I love Metro and wouldn't consider getting to work any other way. That being said, I am, however, starting to think that I need to work the exact jobs that you have and at exactly the same time. For you to never be late and have trains arrive at the exact same time is just luck. But at least acknowlege what every one keeps telling you -- there will always be delays, there will always be overcrowding, etc. When folks gripe about all of this, just acknowledge that they're griping. Don't spout how wonderful everything Metro-related is for you. Too many people are writing in with complaints for all of them to be making them up.
Thanks.

Bob Levey: Oh, no, I don't mean that gripes aren't real. I've been delayed, too. No fun. I just meant that the vast majority of the time, Metro gets you there, without incident and without delays. Sometimes you can even get a seat (wonders never cease)

Washington, D.C.: So why is VRE so much more expensive than Metro?

Bob Levey: Because it isn't supported by 11 jurisdictions. It isn't subsidized by tax dollars. Its ridership is a teeny percentage of Metro's. It runs over tracks it doesn't own. And it still hasn't made itself known to many potential customers because it barely advertises.

20016: Bob-

Ok, I know you're not all that sympathetic to me on this subject. But you have pull with this group:

Last night, I stopped for dinner, at a rather upscale restaurant. At 8:30 pm. To find 4 babies/toddlers in a SMALL dining room. Two infants, both of whom were allowed to scream all the way through the parents' meals. 2 toddlers, who were released to run free, getting in the way of the staff, and going up to others tables and annoying those patrons directly.

Why do parents do this? And why do they get so defensive and rude when the staff ask them to keep the children in their seats, or take out screaming babies? And why do restaurants put up with it?

Any ideas on how to fix this?

Bob Levey: This really galls me, too. When will parents step up and take charge of their kids? There's no excuse for letting a tiny child run around a restaurant. It's districting, it's irresponsible--and IT'S DANGEROUS.
The easy fix is for restaurants to ask parents to keep their kids seated. Many parents might get huffy about this. Too bad.

re: liberals: how sad that bethesda feels the need to place you (and probably his whole world) into a little box. what a simple mind...

Bob Levey: Not all pigeons fit in nice, neat holes

Arlington, Va.: I guess I'm the only one who's completely freaked out by Ashcroft's plan to grant citizenship to anyone who provides credible information on a terrorist. It's a stupid, ill-conceived out plan that will only encourage many illegal and legal immigrants to turn in anyone they have a grudge against, in the hopes of obtaining citizenship.

Bob Levey: It also doesn't offer any failsafe protection against terrorism. Why couldn't a newly minted U.S. citizen blow up a building?

Alexandria, Va.: Bob, if you truly think that a liberal slant -never- gets into the Post, you are truly, truly blinded by your own views. Re the Washington Times, even your own media reviewer, the illustrious Howard Kurtz, says he thinks the WT is a good paper that often gets good scoops. Enough of your bashing the competition, there should be room enough in this town for two papers.

Bob Levey: I agree with Howie. The WT often gets good scoops. But that has nothing to do with whether the WT leads with its views. It does, every day--and it ANNOUNCES that it will. Even if you insist that The Post is Liberalville, have you ever seen this newspaper announce in advance that its news columns are biased? Sounds absurd, doesn't it? Because it is absurd. But it's the daily norm at WT

Bob Levey: Thanks, gang, for a very lively hour. We'll do it again next Friday, same time.

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