Opinion category, Page 217
Ron Grossman: Today’s backlash against Jewish people is steeped in a long history of hatred
At the first reports of a massacre of Israeli civilians, I shuddered, fearing the worst was yet to come. Sadly, I was right. Before sundown on Oct. 7, Israel was being blamed for Hamas’ killings, mutilations and kidnappings of Israeli civilians. As a historian, I know only too well the...
Letter to the editor: Steelers set up for failure
Here we go, Pandas; Super Bowl, here we go. I’m suggesting a name change for the Steelers: the Pandas. This organization is rudderless and unrecognizable and has now fired offensive coordinator Matt Canada midseason despite applauding his work the previous two games. Their failure to recognize the obvious, that Kenny...
Sounding off: Battling politicians, Israel, economy among week’s topics
Violent rhetoric unacceptable It’s time for all good people, regardless of party, to stand up against political violence and violent rhetoric. Recently, it has been reported that Rep. Kevin McCarthy purposely shoved a fellow representative in the back, Sen. Markwayne Mullin was ready to physically fight with a union leader...
Letter to the editor: Oil and gas delusions
No region has suffered more than ours from oil and gas industry exaggeration and falsehoods. By deluding policymakers into believing that gas development creates jobs and prosperity, the industry diverts taxpayer dollars into its own pockets, receives regulatory favors that put our health at risk, and short-circuits efforts to explore...
Editorial: What is the cost of special elections?
Pennsylvania seems set to end 2023 the same way it began: with a special election on the horizon. After the 2022 election, the Democrats appeared to have the majority in the House of Representatives. That was only theoretical, as three key seats in Allegheny County needed to go back to...
Letter to the editor: Violent rhetoric unacceptable
It’s time for all good people, regardless of party, to stand up against political violence and violent rhetoric. Recently, Rep. Kevin McCarthy purposely shoved a fellow representative in the back, Sen. Markwayne Mullin was ready to physically fight with a union leader during a hearing and Rep. James Comer verbally...
LZ Granderson: Costs of climate change falling on states that can’t afford them
Between 2018 and 2022, many of the states with high rates of poverty — Oklahoma, New York — were also the states that suffered the most damage from extreme weather. A new climate study indicates things are going to get worse for those places and for poor people. The federal...
Gary Franks: How abortion, welfare reform relate to election results
Is it possible that welfare reform and my small contribution toward that effort in 1996 as the Republican chairman of the Welfare Reform Task Force may have inadvertently contributed to the election of a Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate in 2022, a Kentucky governor and a Virginia state legislature in 2023? Sounds...
Rabbi Ari Lev Fornari and Rabbi Shawn Zevit: Fetterman should join call for cease-fire
As rabbis, we have been proud to have John Fetterman representing us as a strong voice for humanitarian values in the Senate. We come from a faith that teaches that each and every person is created in the image of the Divine. We understand Fetterman to be someone who shares...
Jason Kavulich: Aging in Pa. will only get better
Pennsylvania is home to more than 13 million people, according to the 2020 Census, with more than 2.5 million of those residents being aged 65 and older. The growth rate of the commonwealth’s older adult population is more than 20 times higher than the growth rate of its entire population....
Cal Thomas: Solution to debt — cut spending
Congress just passed — and President Biden just signed — the latest short-term government funding bill to keep the government running. The bill, which essentially kicks the can down the road, ensures that taxpayers will continue to pay for a bloated government until January, Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Patty Murray,...
Letter to the editor: We should value life over guns
When Russia attacked and killed Ukrainians, we acted by sending weapons and supplies. When Hamas attacked and killed Israelis, we acted by sending weapons and supplies. When our own domestic terrorists or criminally insane kill Americans, we act by sending thoughts and prayers. Why are we unable to act as...
Lori Falce: Black Friday and the importance of a capitalist Christmas
Black Friday is the start of the holiday shopping season. It is an all-out assault on gift-giving that begins before the turkey is even cold. Actually, it often starts when the turkey is downright frozen as Black Friday deals start to be shared online weeks early and some stores give...
Laurels & lances: Fired, charged and honored
Laurel: To a not-so-fond farewell. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ performance on the football field this season has not exactly lived up to the organization’s storied history. It’s an unfortunate reality that has prompted fans to call for heads. They blame quarterback Kenny Picket. They blame head coach Mike Tomlin. But, more...
Letter to the editor: Biden has not done a ‘very good job’
In his op-ed “I sent $1,000 to the Dean Phillips’ Democratic presidential campaign — here’s why” (Nov. 13, TribLIVE), Bruce Ledewitz stated that “Joe Biden has done a very good job as president.” Where has Ledewitz been for two years? He says that “Millions of Americans have doubts about Biden,...
Paul Kengor: The turkey — Ben Franklin’s bird, my bird
Last week, I admiringly but grimly eyed up the seven turkeys I’ve raised over the past six months. I literally hatched them. Well, maybe not literally I. That credit goes to their mother. The hen conceived them — with help from the male — and laid them. After she did...
Kim Anderson: Well plugging must continue for health of Pa.
Seeing the sign for Hillman State Park in Hanover Township, Washington County, I turned off the main road onto a dirt one and followed it deep into the woods for about four miles. On this beautiful fall day, I noticed the colors of the trees and the brisk air. I...
Letter to the editor: Where can the county find Black jurors?
The spurious opine “Jury of peers?” (Nov. 10, TribLive) seems to be an example of a lawyer citing figures to make a specious argument. In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau found that Westmoreland County had a population of 353,057, including: • White 94% (331,874) • Black 2.9% (10,239) • Hispanic...
Jonah Goldberg: On Thanksgiving, step away from the outrage industry
One of the remarkable things about our political and cultural battles is how many of them are fought on behalf of other people. For instance, there are plenty of Americans with deeply personal investments in the plight of Israelis or Palestinians, due to familial or historic ties. But millions of...
Mayor Ed Gainey: Grateful for the people who make Pittsburgh the greatest
This year as we gather around tables with our families, friends and neighbors, I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on the year and lift up and celebrate those in our lives that we are truly thankful for. When I came into office, I knew that I...
Elizabeth Stelle: Don’t believe the hype — hydrogen hubs won’t create jobs or ‘green’ energy
Leading Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Gov. Josh Shapiro, are gleefully celebrating hydrogen hubs as a political two-for-one deal: good-paying union jobs coupled with clean, renewable energy. However, hydrogen hubs will create neither jobs nor clean-burning energy. Instead, these overhyped projects provide publicity to Biden and Shapiro, who are...
Letter to the editor: Westmoreland County should buy American
I recently discovered that Westmoreland County has sold us out. They have been buying Nissans for fleet vehicles for parks and roads bureaus with our tax dollars. The county believes that because these cars are assembled in American, that makes it OK. However, these plants are not union-operated, and the...
Editorial: Thanksgiving is gratitude and empathy
What are you thankful for? Is it the people who will gather around your table? Is it the ability to provide the food that will fill the plates? Perhaps it is your job or your home. Maybe it is something that makes life a little more enjoyable — a new...
Letter to the editor: Mike Johnson and Democrats’ turmoil
Regarding the letter “Johnson as speaker bad news for America” (Oct. 31, TribLive): I find the left’s take on new House Speaker Mike Johnson quite interesting. The writer begins by rightfully stating how much turmoil there is in the world but descends into the usual liberal rhetoric about abortion, gay...
Michael Evans: What if we’re not feeling thankful?
Thanksgiving is upon us, and with it comes many mixed emotions. Houses will be filled with or vacant of loved ones, family and friends. There may be food, traditions and laughter. Or it could be this year is going to look different than years past due to the complexities of...
