Regarding the Sept. 30 article on Veridea:

It would be refreshing to inject some reality about the downside of light rail into the debate; it has been sorely missing from your newspaper in recent years.

As far as I know, there is not one single passenger rail system, light rail or long-haul, in this country that makes a profit.

The same is true in Europe, my second home.

But there appears to be a growing belief in our country that free transportation, like free medical care, is a "right" for certain groups.

Cary's C-Tran bus line, which receives a small fraction of its annual "revenue" from riders buying tickets, is already essentially free, as long as one doesn't include the additional tax burden on all taxpayers.

Having lived with public transportation in my travels around the world, I know that it is a loser and a step backwards.

New urban planners, however, love it. They want us all to live like gerbils in high-rise apartments like one finds in Moscow.

Count me out.

Kent Misegades Cary

Good Biaggi's experience

Since moving here in 1987, I have noticed and attended many nice events done for the community by the various Rotary Clubs established here in Cary. I recently attended a Wines Around the World fundraiser sponsored by the Morrisville Rotary Club held at Biaggi's in Cary.

This event once again showed me how a community service organization can provide a good time, for a charitable cause right here in the community. Thanks to all Rotarians. You make our community a better place to live.

Dick Domann Cary

The author is the chairman of the board of directors at the Cary Chamber of Commerce

Not so good Biaggi's experience

Yesterday I visited Biaggi's with my 12 year old son and came back with more than just a full stomach. I was able to give my son a valuable lesson on principles, injustice and standing up for yourself.

The hostess showed us to our table, an area where ours was the only table that was occupied. I felt it strange that she saw it fit to seat us there even though there were many empty tables in the main dining area. Many patrons came to the restaurant after us, but to my dismay no one was lead to our side of the room. After lunch, and much deliberation, I asked to speak to the manager who tried to explain away the slight by saying that it was a mistake on the part of a new employee.

The area where we sat was not open for service at that time, she explained, which added insult to injury.

I left after paying my bill.

An Indian by birth, my son was born in the U.S. and is a citizen. Both myself and my husband are now citizens of this great country. To say that I felt discriminated and insulted would be putting it lightly.

Suffice to say, I will not be eating there again.

Vasanthi Areekath Cary

Proving the value of diversity

Recent articles and columns have re-iterated Wake County's official desire to improve academic performance of local schools by limiting their percentage of low-income students.

Obviously, this works to enhance the school metrics. But there is no evidence that the swapped students are uniformly showing more progress.

Without such evidence, no success can be claimed.

Wake schools have not shown any progress (or gaps) in performances among its ethnic or economic cohorts.

William T. Lynch Apex