Letters to the Editor category, Page 267

Multiple sources have reported that the White House ignored warnings from U.S. intelligence in November 2019 about a deadly virus outbreak in China. Various government agencies had briefings which resulted in a detailed outline of the threat in the president’s daily briefing in early January. For the next two months...

Regarding Jonah Goldberg’s column “Burden of proof on Joe Biden to deflect Tara Reade accusations”: Even though I wouldn’t vote for Biden, I think that he is entitled, as is every American, to be presumed innocent until he is proven guilty by a jury of his peers. He already stated...

I wish I had the mystical resources that some members of the Franklin Regional School Board seem to have, so confidently voting to continue building at the Sloan school site (“Franklin Regional board votes to restart Sloan construction project,” April 14, TribLIVE). They must have had the advantages of some...

I once believed the Jewish community worried needlessly about people forgetting the horrors of the Holocaust. But it is now becoming apparent that most Americans do not remember or even know about the horrors of the German Gestapo, which tracked down and arrested any German citizen who did not follow...

Pennsylvania’s 18th District voters face a choice to reelect a career politician, an inexperienced millennial or Jerry Dickinson. Dickinson is a man with political ambition who brings a balance of academic credentials, real-world experience and progressive ideas. Constructive and positive change will be realized if voters in the district decide...

For all of those who don’t believe how serious this virus is: Do you think all who died wanted this? Put yourself in the shoes of the nurses and other medical professionals who work to save lives. They do what they can with what they have until a cure comes....

An open letter to the auditor general and attorney general, inspired by all the letters being printed about Pennsylvania: Please investigate where all the Pennsylvania gas tax dollars are being spent. For 58 cents per gallon, our roads should be in pristine shape. They are not. Please tell us how...

Well, it looks like Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto is at it again. He is determined to put those darn legal gun owners in their proper place — under the boots of “our” government (“Pittsburgh argues it has legal authority to regulate use of firearms.” ) He seems unable to count...

Word has it the U.S. Postal Service could go bust between June and October. Although letter volume has been declining, it has really fallen off during this pandemic. For us dedicated postal workers, this would be a disaster. We, like all the other essential workers, are a vital part of...

In response to Richard Lafferty’s riposte “Economic truths about Obama, Trump” (March 18, TribLIVE) to my letter “Obama vs. Trump on national debt” (Feb. 27, TribLIVE): I agree the Bible says the “truth shall make you free.” But I will quickly follow up with the comment it depends where you...

Well done, Gov. Wolf. Your misguided actions to save us from a virus that has infected a small percentage of people has in the blink of an eye ruined lives and livelihoods. Many businesses will never recover. And don’t hand me the BS that millions would have died had you...

I was surprised to learn that, according to polls, the majority of Pennsylvania voters support Gov. Tom Wolf’s continued draconian measures during this unprecedented time. Perhaps they had just received their stimulus, unemployment or supplemental checks and were feeling generous. We must remember this supply of money is temporary and...

I am glad to see that the sports complex being built in West Deer is an essential business and granted a waiver under our current pandemic (“Construction of West Deer sports complex continues despite coronavirus pandemic,” April 30, TribLIVE). I thought all sports activities and bars were closed under current...

Gov. Wolf: Open up this state — not bit by bit or by throwing us a few scraps of freedom here and there so it ends up dragging on for months, but everything. This has gone well beyond “flattening the curve.” Get over your thrill of power or your Trump...

We’ve become a society when something bad happens, it’s somebody else’s fault. Most of the time there is something the victim could have done to prevent it. At some point, those of us at high risk of covid-19 infection need to be responsible for ourselves. The rest of society shouldn’t...

It is disheartening to read in the article “Norwin proposes 2.9% hike in school taxes” (April 21, TribLIVE) that Norwin School Board officials are being forced to raise taxes. While covid-19-related revenue shortfalls will drive many area schools to make difficult decisions like Norwin, we can’t ignore other important factors...

Mail-in voting for everyone. Are you kidding? 1) How can you be sure the person filling out the form is the person it’s intended for? 2) Absentee ballots are not secret ballots. 3) Double voting will happen. This should not be open for discussion. 4) Do you depend on the...

I’d like to make an observation that seems to go unnoticed in this time of disaster. It is interesting to me and may become a concern before this is all over. I truly understand the needs of those who don’t have the resources to fully take care of themselves. I...

When Pennsylvania officials can’t run the government effectively, why do they want to run a retail business? As if we didn’t need one more good reason Pennsylvania should get out of the retail liquor business. Pennsylvania is one of the last two states in the United States that continues to...

Recently we’ve heard a lot of politicians ignore and silence small businesses, not acknowledging that the coronavirus is both a health and financial crisis for our commonwealth and nation. Many small businesses are in jeopardy of being ruined due to being closed with no revenue coming in. If they close,...

The National Governors Association has requested $500 billion in direct aid to states as many states face enhanced budget crises due to the unexpected economic ravages of the covid-19 pandemic. No doubt the suspension of the U.S. economy has added unforeseen financial burdens to many already struggling state budgets. However,...

I am not a President Trump fan. Trump used our taxpayer dollars to send me $1,200. The president had his name put on the checks. I was appalled that he would use taxpayer money to give the impression he was giving us the money. Today, I received another letter from...

It is truly inspiring to see Westmoreland County residents come together and help guide our community through the current pandemic. Pennsylvanians are resilient and we will overcome this challenging time. As we look toward the day when things start returning to normal, reopening our businesses and getting our neighbors back...

The view from the middle is bleak! Political extremes are ruling the day. They’ve convinced people there are only two sides to every issue. America is now a place where we can no longer give credit to anyone, or anything, that is remotely associated with the “other side.” We can...

Regarding the Rev. Tony Joseph’s letter "Government shouldn’t keep us from church": These are extraordinary times. For those of you who compare this virus with the flu, there is no comparison. This virus is new and more contagious than any other virus. It has killed more people in two months...