Letters to the Editor category, Page 349

Only 17 states require safety testing, and 33 states require emissions testing of automobiles. States like Florida told the federal government in the’90s they wouldn’t do the emissions, even in large cities like Orlando. They still don’t have it. I think it’s time to end both of them. Walter Parker...

For several weeks I’ve tried, unsuccessfully, to learn freshman Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s view’s on Trump’s insults of the late Sen. John McCain, then on the president’s actions as found in the Mueller report, and recently on how he feels about the statement from more than 800 former federal that Trump...

It’s a shame that you don’t get to see a pitcher complete a great game he was pitching. On May 14, the Pirates’ Joe Musgrove was throwing a shut-out one-hitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks, seven innings, one hit, five strikeouts, two walks and … get this … 75 pitches. Manager...

Capitalism & taxes Letter-writer Joel I. Last (“Fairness in taxation,” May 2, TribLIVE) argues for “a more capitalistic view of fairness in taxation.” His suggested mechanism is to “calculate the amount of taxes needed and divide by the number of taxpayers, and tax everyone the same regardless of income.” Let’s...

What’s the big deal about some Hollywood types buying a college education for their kids who are unable to enter on their own? Affirmative action has been doing this for years. Where are the lawsuits about affirmative action? We need more Democrat/socialist candidates in the 2020 presidential race. Why doesn’t...

I find North Huntingdon Township to be a fine place to live and raise a family. One of the many reasons I feel this way is due to our police department. I have lived here since 1976 and have always felt comfortable and safe. It started when I met Officer...

It is not often that a building has a central place in the hearts and minds of a community, but the former Grandview Elementary School in Tarentum is such a place. Still actively educating young people as Highlands Elementary School, it stands as a reminder of our history, while enriching...

I agree completely with letter-writer Marion Sedlako regarding the wisdom of spending $10,000 for SummerSounds entertainment from Russia (“SummerSounds doesn’t need Russian band,” May 10, TribLIVE). I wasn’t aware that was being planned, but I have wondered, in the past, why the SummerSounds program director bypasses some of the great...

I loved the May 16 political cartoon with Tim Conway and Harvey Korman. (I don’t always like the cartoons.) It brought a smile to my lips and a tear to my eyes. God bless! Margaret Serene South Buffalo Township...

I oppose Mayor Bill Peduto’s opposition to the Pennsylvania Senate gun bill (“Bill Peduto, Philly mayor: Why we oppose Pa. Senate gun bill,”). You say the bill “gives the gun lobby the ability to sue local governments … whenever they do not like a local gun law.” Obviously, you don’t...

In the letter “Voting and voter suppression” (May 14, TribLIVE), Robert Jedrzejewski asks you to check out a Wikipedia article. I would like to add that Wikipedia is a free internet encyclopedia that is created and maintained by general users who can change anything on it. Ergo, if it’s on...

I couldn’t agree more with letter-writer Dwayne Buffer (“Pittsburgh’s homeless should come first,”). He says it like it is. It sounds great for Democrats to spew about inviting with open arms thousands of illegal immigrants. Where are they going to stay, and more importantly, where are they going to work?...

Our commonwealth has the fourth oldest population in the nation, and our fastest growing population is individuals 85 and older. Many of these residents will increasingly need intensive around-the-clock care for such diseases as Alzheimer’s and dementia. And make no mistake: This segment of our population will continue to grow....

Here we go again, another proposed tax increase in Buffalo Township (“Freeport Area looking at tax hikes for proposed $33.5M budget,” May 2, TribLIVE). The Freeport Area School Board must have had dreams on how to spend more money again. Buffalo gets an average increase of $80, while residents of...

In response to the letter “SummerSounds doesn’t need Russian band” (May 10, TribLIVE) about Leonid and Friends performing at St. Clair Park in June: For 20 years Gene James and company have strived to bring the finest entertainment to Greensburg for the enjoyment of all. My husband and I have...

I am not usually an apologist for the Pennsylvania Turnpike, but you have unfairly found fault with the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission for zapping commuters whose entrances to the turnpike were missed by the electronic detectors (“E-ZPass penalty charges irk Pennsylvania Turnpike drivers,” May 3, TribLIVE). When the system was established,...

The following was sent to Gov. Tom Wolf: Dear Sir, As our Pennsylvania state governor, please consider the following laws that would benefit the voting citizens of Pennsylvania: 1. Voting citizens 65 years of age and older can vote via mail if they choose without having a medical problem or...

In response to Georgia’s “heartbeat” bill, pro-abortion activist and occasional actress Alyssa Milano has exhorted her social media followers to engage in a #sexstrike. “Our reproductive rights,” says she, “are being erased. Until women have legal control over their bodies we just cannot risk pregnancy.” Apparently, abstinence is the sole...

Letter-writer Megan Reck claims claims her family moved to Plum with the hope that her kids would be able to attend quality schools (“Changes needed on Plum school board,” May 14, TribLIVE). Well, at least partially due to Steve Schlauch and Sue Caldwell’s leadership on the Plum School Board, we...

Though not intentional, our trips to Ireland and the United Kingdom bookended the Brexit dilemma. We visited Ireland June 23, 2016 when the U.K. voted to leave the EU and ironically were in London March 29 when that exit was to occur. It didn’t, and so the debate continues, and...

The NRA called yesterday. It was my choice not to answer the phone; however, yesterday was different. I was listening to the news regarding the Colorado school shooting and firsthand accounts from students. I opted to answer the phone knowing it was the NRA. I asked how could they call...

Many readers, politicians and media types do not understand that freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences. Yes, we live in a country with many freedoms and the right to exercise those freedoms. But there are consequences, both good and bad, for exercising those freedoms. Colin Kaepernick exercised...

I had the privilege and thrill of attending a “Carol Burnett Show” reunion show taping in Hollywood in August 2001. The whole cast was assembled, including the beloved Tim Conway, one of the great comedians of our day. My wife and I managed to be seated in the front row....

Stamp Out Hunger Westmoreland County Food Bank appreciates all the hard work by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) during the 27th annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive held May 11 across the nation. We recognize that it is not easy for them to deliver mail and collect food...

“Heartbeat ban” is an attempt to outlaw abortion. At least 15 states to date are trying to enact laws that ban abortion as early as six weeks of gestation or when a heartbeat can be heard. Most women don’t even know they are pregnant six weeks into a pregnancy. My...