I think a few PG readers must have slept in on the Sundays when their pastors talked about visiting the imprisoned and other Jesus references to compassion for the less fortunate. 

Last week, the paper ran a feature on mothers who are in jail.  It was harsh and difficult to read, especially when a woman admitted that she loves heroin as much as she loves her child.  That's a difficult line to read.  No matter that its true. 

But these two particular readers took affront at the notion that these women deserve compassion and respect as mothers to their children. 

T. Pawlos of Crafton asks "What about the children and other family members? They are the ones hurting and embarrassed by these women's actions."   T. continues, "I don't feel a bit sorry for them."  And "They think of only themselves, now and forever, trust me."

Well, that's a nice example of Christian compassion.  If a woman embarrasses her family, she deserves no compassion.  I'm surprised T. didn't use the phrase "loose morals." 

Patricia Wilkeson of Robinson (are you surprised?) writes "I don't have any sympathy for any woman who says, "I love heroin as much as my child." I'll never understand all the "do-gooders" who support these creatures of habit."

Creatures of habit.  That's nice.  Patricia goes on "Why don't you honor those who work along with their husbands, sometimes at two jobs, to support their children and grandchildren?"

Shouldn't those working mothers stop being so selfish about their careers and stay home with their kids?  I wonder what human mistakes Patricia's own children made that result in her caring for her grandchildren? 

Then there's the line that is so very sad and reveals the bitterness in Patricia's heart.  "Alcoholics and drug addicts who have to do anything to support their habits belong where they'll end up -- on the obituary page."

I'm tempted to churn out a few sentences lambasting her as an example of how perverted American Christianity has become.  Or how successful the Republicans have been at turning the middle class against other vulnerable groups. 

But all I can think about if whether Patricia is having a nice Mother's Day.  Somehow I doubt it.

In yet another ridiculous attempt to court younger readers, the PG's Cat Specter has gotten herself a makeover. At least her photo has.  The Betty Crocker 'do is gone.  Instead, Cat has for a very predictable Pittsburgh look - Yinzerette skeeve.  You know what I mean -- pseudo skanky hair and the undernourished look of someone who gets most of their nutrition from Marlboro.  But its a hair style she paid Iszazu $150 to achieve.  And she more than likely bought her jaunty beret at Macys or one of these look alike Oakmont boutiques. 

Hey, I'm a Mon Valley girl and have five generations of steelworking ancestors to prove it.  I grew up in a river of Yinzerettes replete with big hair, loud makeup and all the accoutrements of a Saturday night hanging at Century III Mall.  It doesn't matter how many times Lamont Jones hits her with the whore stick, she ain't gonna pass.

Speaking of the jaunty beret.  Take a look at these side by side shots and tell me I'm wrong about Cat's Carrie Bradshaw aspirations ....

Advice this week is pretty much the usual fare.  She responds to a question about casual sex with the typical gender-based dismissve "boys will be boys" lines.  She rallies on a question about mother's day gifts (more is better).  I was almost disappointed until she reverted back to form on the final letter from a man who is not savvy on text messaging, but nonetheless seems to juggle a bevy of beauties he describes as "my women."  Nice.  Without questioning why he is dating high school students, she gives him this bit of wisdom:

Cat's Call: The typed word is savable, the spoken word can always be denied later.

Straight from the Yinzerette's mouth.  Sort of.