I hear from so many politicians and parents that the kids should be in school. I agree. So, with all the complaining from politicians and parents, why were employees of public schools not first on the list to get vaccinated? Every employee at public schools should have been on the list, right after health care workers. Yough School District staff were able to get the first round of vaccinations last week, and hopefully other districts aren’t far behind.

Our state senator is worried about a constitutional amendment to limit the governor’s power. Let us get through this pandemic first, then you can go for your political constitutional amendment. People are dying every day from this. The finish line is in sight.

Wear your mask and let us get our school staffs vaccinated so our kids can get back to school. Please, state lawmakers, find a way to get past the political maneuverings and get it done.

Ken Bach, Smithton

The writer is a Yough School Board member.

Unity? Let’s wait on that.

President Biden’s soul has called for the unity of all Americans. But this call must wait for the Democrats’ attempt to punish President Trump and other Republicans with a second impeachment or a shaky attempt at calling on the 14th Amendment from the Civil War.

This is reminiscent of the sincere request to let me eat this meal, and I’ll start my diet tomorrow.

George Biskup, Penn Township, Westmoreland County

Minimum wage questions

Our new administration is proposing a $15 per hour minimum wage. Sounds great! I had a few questions to propose to the readership:

If I am currently making $15 an hour due to my performance, longevity, adherence to policy, etc., should I also be entitled to a 110% increase in hourly wage?

Will my employer be able to survive the additional mandatory increase in benefits such as Social Security, unemployment and workers’ compensation benefits? How much will my employer need to increase the costs of his goods or services to make a return profit on his investment? And lastly … will he be able to successfully market his goods and services, given the increased pricing to be borne by the consumer?

I am about prosperity for all, our safety and our children’s future in the wake of mounting national debt, and possess an America-first mindset. I’m hoping someone sharper than myself, from this readership, might be able to answer my questions.

Jim Fontana Sr., Unity

History lesson on impeachment

In 1998, President Clinton was impeached on two articles of impeachment: lying under oath and obstruction of justice. Both articles stemmed from his conduct and/or testimony before a grand jury regarding sexual relations with two women.

It should be said that sexual relations are of a private matter and are not directly related to the duties and responsibilities of the president of the United States.

Twelve “current” Republican members of the U.S. Senate voted to impeach or convict Clinton of one or both charges, including Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham and James Inhofe, to name a few.

Fast-forwarding to 2021, I’m sure everyone is up to speed on the current single article of impeachment against President Trump, that being “incitement of insurrection.” Again, everyone should be fully aware of Trump’s call to Georgia’s secretary of state, continually making false claims of a rigged election, and most significantly inciting a crowd to march on the U.S. Capitol.

Sexual relations versus insurrection: I’m very curious as to how these same 12 Republican senators will vote during the upcoming impeachment trial.

Thomas Hughes, Hampton

A Reschenthaler apology would go far

I am the son of a Purple Heart recipient, and I honor Rep. Guy Reschenthaler’s military service. But Reschenthaler, R-Peters, my former state senator, has dishonored his office.

At 12:16 p.m. on Jan. 6, Reschenthaler’s tweeted: “@realDonaldTrump is the BEST president since Lincoln.”

He posted this 16 minutes into President Trump’s incendiary speech at the “Rally to Stop the Steal,” following hours of speakers like Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., who told the crowd to “start taking down names and kicking ass,” and Rudy Giuliani, who urged “trial by combat.” Incredibly, this ill-timed tweet is still posted.

More recently the congressman tweeted we “need to unite as Americans.” I strongly agree.

To promote unity, however, he should step up and 1) remove the “BEST president” tweet, 2) admit he used the poorest of judgment in supporting election fraud claims that were dismissed 60 times by the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, and 3) tell tens of thousands of fellow Pennsylvanians he’s sorry for trying to disqualify their certified mail-in votes.

It’s never too late for remorse. It shows strength and humility, qualities we need now more than ever. And a heartfelt public apology would repair Reschenthaler’s honor and legacy, and help his region and nation heal.

Jim Joyce, Emsworth

How are people believing conspiracy theories?

I can accept that we all have our own opinions and emotions about our representatives and how our government should be handled, and we are all entitled to those emotions and opinions.

But I am totally dumbfounded as to how anyone can be so gullible to buy into the conspiracy theories that some are following and using as facts, without doing any research into their viability..

How can people believe that the Sandy Hook shooting was staged and all those parents faked losing their children? That Hillary Clinton, no matter how much you disliked her, was in a satanic pedophile cult and killing and eating children? Really? And no one got pictures?

And now, that the election was not secure but one group was truly elected on the same ballot the other group were all falsely voted for. Please explain how that works.

About the only thing I think would be possible is that there really is a shadow government and they are behind the conspiracies so that they can spot all the usable subjects for their eugenics progam coming next. And then my question would be, which group are they targeting?

Now if you get it and are laughing, good. Laughter and kindness are what we need. If you are worried about which group you would fall into — sorry.

Diane Kotvas, West Leechburg

Questioning Biden’s jobs and energy plans

Dear Mr. President,

I have a question about your jobs plan and your new clean energy policy. If I recall correctly, when this was implemented during the Obama presidency, it did not end well. Think Solyndra or “those shovel-ready jobs weren’t so shovel ready.” What makes you think that it will be different this time? Please tell the workers on the Keystone Pipeline that just got laid off due to your actions.

You may also want to talk with your climate czar John Kerry about owning a private jet. I’m afraid it sets the wrong tone. But what do I know? I’m not the “expert.”

Sean Peters, Greensburg

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