Sounding off: Readers' thoughts on upcoming elections

Fetterman best choice for veterans, and all of us

This issue is not red or blue. It’s a “red, white or blue, what did veterans do for you?” issue. I’m a 100% disabled veteran and the CEO of the nonprofit Wellness for Veterans. I assist veterans in obtaining their entitled benefits, so I understand how important it is to have a senator who strongly supports veterans’ health and welfare.

I attended a Dr. Oz rally to inform him of the responsibilities he would have toward Pennsylvania veterans. He gave me a couple minutes. To give both parties a fair shake, I also attended Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s rally. He gave me 20 minutes of undivided attention and has personally kept up correspondence since.

I grew up in a small town — Wilmerding — so I understand the challenges that Fetterman faced while he was mayor of Braddock. He changed Braddock for the better, proving his dedication and caring to his constituents.

After seeing both candidates, it’s clear that Fetterman is the right choice for all Pennsylvanians, especially veterans. His agenda for veterans is crystal clear, unlike Oz, who is not from Pennsylvania in the first place. I will be voting for Fetterman, and strongly encourage you to do so as well.

Steven A. Miller

Upper St. Clair

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Oz will be a compromiser

According to a Max Greenwood article in The Hill, 63% of independents prefer a candidate who “compromise across party lines” and find “common ground between Democrats and Republicans.” Of the Senate candidates in Pennsylvania, Dr. Mehmet Oz stands out as the one that can find compromise and common ground without deviating from his principles.

We need immigration reform and to secure our southern border to prevent the flow of fentanyl being brought across it. Most people agree that nothing has been done.

Crime is rampant in many parts of the country. We must find common ground, to support our police and to put and keep criminals behind bars.

We need to reduce government spending and our deficit. Republicans and Democrats are terrified by our out-of-control spending and the inflation it is causing.

Energy independence is not a partisan issue. We need an approach that reduces greenhouse gases while not putting our economy at a disadvantage.

Who do you think is most likely to be able to achieve consensus and compromise? John Fetterman has a history of refusing to work with anyone who does not share his views. Oz has a history of working with people with different backgrounds and opinions.

John Wohlin

Delmont

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What’s true, false about Fetterman, Oz?

In the world we now live in, you can’t tell what is true or false. You want to believe the media, but you can’t. It would be nice if things were screened for the truth before they were broadcast, but that will never happen.

I am trying to decide who to vote for. Being an independent, I choose not to vote party.

I would like to know what is true about John Fetterman. He has tattoos of the dates people were killed because of violence in Braddock when he was mayor. He taught GED classes in the Hill District and Braddock. He has talked about releasing a third of the prisoners in Pennsylvania prisons. Why? He says he strongly believes in sanctuary cities. Does this mean he will make Pennsylvania a sanctuary state so busloads of immigrants can come here? I’ve heard he never worked until he got into politics. Word is his parents gave him an allowance into his 40s. How much of this is true?

Now Dr. Oz, I’ve seen very little about him. He’s rich and owns lots of houses, and he is or isn’t a resident of Pennsylvania. I would like to know more. Is he a moderate, more left or right?

We have become a country of greedy, lazy political liars. I am not proud of what our country has become. I felt safer in Vietnam than in some areas of our country.

Calvin Fatchet

Freeport

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How open-minded of Republicans to pick Oz

I had no idea that the Republicans in Pennsylvania were so open-minded. Rather than pick a West Point graduate who served our country in the 82nd Airborne, they chose an out-of-state individual who chose the Turkish military rather than serve in the U.S. Armed Forces. I had no idea they were so liberal; they should applaud this resister to U.S. military service for the U.S. Army . Perhaps they can visit him at his home in Bryn Athyn once it is built in a year or two.

Gary Fine

Weston, Fla.

The writer is a former Greensburg resident.

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Vote Republican to save our future

Before you vote, remember who shut down our country for two years and longer … the Democrats.

Besides those on the national level like President Biden, Nancy Pelosi and other swamp creatures, we have to look no further than our own state.

In Pennsylvania we had Gov. Tom Wolf, Lt. Gov. John Fetterman and Attorney General Josh Shapiro shutting down the state and using state licensure blackmail threats to make small business owners obey.

I thought they worked for us? Why and how did we let them take control of our lives? Why do some call them our “leaders?” I think they could care less about us and only care about maintaining their jobs and power.

These politicians have ruined many small businesses and hurt our children’s education forever and have seriously jeopardized the future of this country in favor of socialism and “equity.”

A vote for any Democrat is a vote to ruin the future for our children and grandchildren. They push critical race theory, defunding police, not prosecuting criminals and transgender boys sharing locker rooms with natural born females, and spend our tax dollars on pork projects and boondoggles.

The only sane vote this year and other years to follow is to vote Republican. They’re not pure either, but they are the lesser of two evils.

Until we can get term limits and eliminate political action committees, the only clear choice is to vote Republican. This means voting “no” to Shapiro, Fetterman and all Democrats.

Save America and vote for our grandchildren’s futures. Vote Republican, and may God bless the USA.

Leonard Stanga

Harrison

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Let your vote reflect sanctity of life

Michael Pardus’ letter “Say no to ‘Let Mom Die‘ laws” (Oct. 3, TribLIVE) is a gross exaggeration. The vast majority of abortions are done for reasons other than saving the mother’s life; there are very few “lifesaving” abortions. Life is sacred. Kudos to anyone who strives to protect life from womb to tomb. Let your votes reflect those truths.

Deb Bucciero

Export

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Mastriano will best serve people of Pa.

I am writing to inform the general public and those in the TV news business that the governor of Pennsylvania can only propose a law concerning abortion or any other subject. He cannot enact any law by himself. All laws must be enacted by both houses of the Congress and then sent to the governor for signing or vetoing.

Sen. Doug Mastriano’s opinion on abortion is just that, his opinion. Just as he has his opinion, so does everyone else. Whether you are for abortion or against abortion, do not be swayed by untruthful television ads, and do not allow untruthful news reporters to affect your vote. Use some intelligence and search for the candidate that will serve the people of Pennsylvania the best.

My idea of the best candidate is the one who was willing to serve in the U.S. military to protect the U.S. Constitution from all enemies both foreign and domestic, as well as protecting the Pennsylvania Constitution. Both documents say what they mean and mean what they say. Follow them, and Pennsylvania and America will be a much better state and country.

John Watson

North Huntingdon