Opinion category, Page 439
Michael Torres: Pa. Democrats have a union problem
When Joe Biden kicked off his presidential campaign in April 2019 at the Teamsters Local 249 union hall in Pittsburgh, he declared himself a “union man,” sounding a theme that he repeated during his more than 25 campaign visits to the state. When Election Day came, however, Biden lost the...
Leonard Pitts Jr.: It’s time to do something about books
Once again, carnage goes to school. Once again, American students are used for target practice. But conservative leaders are on the case. Recognizing the ongoing threat to our children, they know it’s time for decisive action. It’s time to do something about books. And if you expected that sentence to...
Letter to the editor: An absolute cure for the virus of sin
Our media is saturated with news of “variants” entering our society, and this is causing global stress, anxiety and panic. Variant can be defined as “a form or version of something that differs from other forms.” Each Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the most important healing variant to arrive...
Editorial: Get vaccinated to save hospital beds
There are just too many covid patients and not enough care to go around. Hospitals across the state are reporting numbers that are pushing them to the edge. UPMC facilities are reporting that they are at or over capacity. Allegheny Health Network is similarly taxed. Excela is shifting or canceling...
Letter to the editor: Don’t leave Pa. seniors behind
Senior living communities in Pennsylvania have worked tirelessly over the lengthy covid-19 pandemic to protect their residents and prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Unfortunately, while these communities have been quick to respond to the pandemic, the federal government continues to drag its feet in getting these caregivers the relief...
Joseph Sabino Mistick: A lesson on power from the smiling pope
The old silver coin that was cast to commemorate the election of Pope John Paul I is well tarnished now and still in the frame it was placed in nearly 40 years ago. Quickly dubbed “The Smiling Pope,” Albino Luciani died suddenly in 1978 after 33 days as pope. But...
Ari Mittleman: Jews need passionate allies
Gov. Tom Wolf visited the Tree of Life - Or L’Simcha in Pittsburgh on Dec. 6. Joined by Rabbi Jeffrey Myers and state Sen. Jay Costa, he announced an investment of $6.6 million in state funding to transform the devastated synagogue into a place of hope, remembrance and education. For...
Sounding off: Political posturing is not healing covid
Medical problems are best solved by medical guidance and practices; medical problems are seldom solved by political posturing. Political posturing does not heal; it creates deeper hurts and social damages. Watching news stories, reading Trib stories and letters to the editors, or driving by some local schools allows us to...
Brianna Amoscato: I took a moment in my classroom to learn tolerance
A poster with the word WEIRD written in purple ink hangs in my classroom, documenting one of the most important teachable moments of my career. At the beginning of the year, my third graders took part in a self-portrait project about the visible and invisible characteristics of ourselves. I showed...
Colin McNickle: Advice for Pittsburgh’s new mayor
Ed Gainey becomes Pittsburgh’s 57th mayor next month. And as per the Allegheny Institute’s long-running custom, it has compiled a list of recommendations for the incoming city leader and, by extension, Pittsburgh City Council. “While the city has exited distressed status and oversight, addressed its underfunded pension plans by using...
Letter to the editor: Senior center workers deserve a raise
Senior centers are places for seniors to go and enjoy a day out, socializing, playing bingo, doing crafts and having lunch. The supervisors in charge have a great responsibility, and lots of paperwork. So why are they paid so little? McDonald’s workers make more than they do. So, commissioners, put...
Letter to the editor: Why we do need to worry about the ‘unvaxxed’
In his letter “Don’t worry about the unvaxxed” (Dec. 2, TribLIVE), Michael J. Arnone asked why vaccinated people, if they believe the vaccine works, care if others are not vaccinated? Here are four reasons why it matters: • Children under the age of 5 are not yet able to be...
Editorial: Bob Nutting was selling, but sadly it wasn’t the Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates owner Bob Nutting should take note of how the public reacts to events. When the news came Wednesday that Nutting was selling three Pennsylvania ski resorts — Seven Springs Mountain Resort near Champion, Hidden Valley Resort near Bakersville and Laurel Mountain Ski Area in Ligonier Township — to...
Letter to the editor: Why isn’t Ward investigating 2021 election?
According to the article “Senate GOP hires firm to review Pennsylvania’s 2020 election” (Nov. 19, TribLIVE), Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward wants a forensic investigation to determine what flaws exist in our election system and to fix them through legislation, at a cost of up to $270,000 of taxpayer money....
S.E. Cupp: Democrats think selling their accomplishments will keep Congress in 2022?
Less than a year out from the 2022 midterm elections, in which Democrats could lose their control of Congress, President Biden’s approval numbers are under water. The party is already facing historical headwinds, given that the controlling party usually suffers in the following midterms. Making matters worse, a number of...
John Stossel: ‘Private’ makes ‘public’ park perfect
People want “public” rather than “private.” Public is … free, right? Wide open. Sharing. Available to everyone. All good things. “Private” is … selfish, closed, for the rich. Clearly, public must be better. But then why do the words “public toilet” make me cringe? I think: dirty, smelly, ugly, maybe...
Letter to the editor: Biden interfering with ‘supply’
Regarding Jeffrey T. Hices’s letter about supply and demand (“Why gas prices are high,” Nov. 30, TribLIVE): The president has no business interfering with and interrupting “supply,” yet on his first day, he issued 17 executive orders. Besides revoking the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, one of those orders...
Letter to the editor: Give your presence to seniors
If you have a senior citizen that you care about, remember this: It is not presents that they want or need; presence is what is priceless. Remember to visit and let them know that you care. A phone call is nice, too, if you aren’t close enough to visit. Words...
Letter to the editor: Punishment doesn’t fit crime
On Nov. 30, I was pulled over and issued a traffic citation for expired vehicle registration . I am guilty, no doubt about it. But I find it ridiculous that my negligence of not renewing the $97 annual registration has escalated to a citation totaling $204 (fine $75, EMS $20,...
Lori Falce: The reckless negligence of arguing about school shootings
On Nov. 30, Oxford High School near Detroit was the latest scene of a wholly avoidable tragedy when, authorities say, a 15-year-old boy brought a gun to school, opened fire in a hallway and shot 10 students and a teacher. Three students died that day. Another was gone by morning....
Letter to the editor: Why free markets work
Letter-writer Stewart Epstein (“ ‘Socialist’ labels on Democrats a dishonest strategy,” Nov. 17, TribLIVE) presents a convincing argument but a superficial understanding of the benefits and pitfalls of socialism versus free-enterprise capitalism. Ever wonder why a pure socialist economy has never been successful in any large-scale society? Or why people who...
Paul Kengor: Where we’re headed — abortion and the states
Roe v. Wade is facing unprecedented challenges, as seen during Supreme Court oral arguments last week in Dobbs v. Jackson. The chances of abortion being sent back to the states are higher than ever. As that prospect looms, pro-choice politicians are stepping forward to protect legal abortion in their states....
Laurels & lances: Gifts, goodbyes and lights
Laurel: To new light in a dark corner. On the last day of Hanukkah, the Tree of Life received a special gift. After three years of the synagogue property sitting empty after the October 2018 shooting that claimed the lives of 11 worshippers from the three congregations that called the...
Judith Bannon: Biden must end failed trade policy that has hurt Pennsylvanians
President Joe Biden recently made his first return to his hometown of Scranton since being elected president one year ago. This time, he came to tout legislative priorities that are focused on bolstering the nation’s infrastructure and continuing to create jobs as our nation emerges from the depths of the...
Letter to the editor: An ode to Alex Jones
It’s not what it is It’s what I want it to be No biz like show biz To nix reality I’m the Lizard King Kid Lord of the Flies I’ll flip my lid If you refute my lies It’s a quo pro quid A Triumph of the Id There’s gold...
