Opinion category, Page 62
Joseph Sabino Mistick: Let’s make it easier, not harder, to raise our children
When President Donald Trump was recently asked about giving new mothers “some kind of bonus” to increase the declining birth rate in the United States, he said that it “sounds like a good idea to me.” Vice President JD Vance has endorsed a $5,000 child tax credit, saying, “I want...
Adrian Wooldridge: The arc of history does not simply bend toward justice
Ronald Reagan was wrong. The nine most terrifying words in the English language are not “I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.” They are: “The arc of the moral universe bends towards justice.” This is a pretty phrase that was invented by a good person, Theodore Parker, and...
Parmy Olson: AI chatbots want you hooked — maybe too hooked
AI companions programmed to forge emotional bonds are no longer confined to movie scripts. They are here, operating in a regulatory Wild West. One app, Botify AI, recently drew scrutiny for featuring avatars of young actors sharing “hot photos” in sexually charged chats. The dating app Grindr, meanwhile, is developing...
Rich Harwood: Where is the ‘real America’?
Is there such a thing as a “real America”? A battle now rages over this simple question. Some Democratic Party operatives claim the real America are so-called “Trump voters,” who they say they need to better “study” in order to win future elections. Many Republican voices argue the real America...
Paul Siefken: Public media’s impact isn’t make-believe
Imagine Pittsburgh without Mister Rogers. Without public television, “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood” would not exist. There would be no Mister Rogers exhibit at the Heinz History Center or annual sweater drive at the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. No statue overlooking the city on the banks of the Allegheny. No trolley ride...
Letter to the editor: Musk is no Edison
The letter “Demonizing Musk” (March 28, TribLive) stated that Elon Musk “is the Thomas Edison of our time.” That would be the same as comparing road kill with salt and pepper to a 5-star gourmet meal. Edison did invent many things, with a supporting staff, from the ground up. Despite...
Sounding off: Musk, Trump, Democrats, Pirates among week’s topics
Musk is no Edison The letter “Demonizing Musk” (March 28, TribLive) stated that Elon Musk “is the Thomas Edison of our time.” That would be the same as comparing road kill with salt and pepper to a 5-star gourmet meal. Edison did invent many things, with a supporting staff, from...
Letter to the editor: Kudos to Deer Lakes performers
Bravo to the Deer Lakes High School Drama Club for an outstanding display of acting, singing, tap-dancing and especially comedy in “The Drowsy Chaperone.” Kudos to directors Matty Derby and Natalie Erals for the long hours it took to bring the production to the stage, and superb talent of all...
Editorial: Denning’s downfall is object lesson for other officers
Fifteen months. That is how long Shawn Denning, 44, of Delmont will spend in a federal prison. The former Greensburg police chief was sentenced Thursday on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Perhaps U.S. District Judge Cathy Bissoon was being ironic in...
Letter to the editor: Natural gas key to Pa.’s energy success
Pittsburgh City Councilwoman Erika Strassburger’s op-ed “Pa. must lead on renewable energy” (April 24, TribLive) wrongfully sidelines Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry and ignores the reality that affordable, reliable energy and environmental progress go hand in hand. Despite billions in subsidies and years of government support, intermittent energy sources like wind...
S.E. Cupp: What did Democrats do in their first 100 days?
This week, President Trump’s second term turned 100 … days, that is. And to mark the occasion, he held a rally in Michigan where he touted what he thinks of as his biggest accomplishments: tariffs, deporting alleged gang members to El Salvador and his creation of the Department of Government...
William M. Cotter: Print, digital access essential for public notice; bill would enhance government transparency
A developer wants to rezone a public park to allow high-density housing. The local school board weighs a plan to close an elementary school. City council considers selling the sewer system to a private party. Knowing in advance public officials are considering matters like these gives the public an opportunity...
Anantha Shekhar and Vishnu Vardhan: Pittsburgh at center of next-gen health care
The prevalence and financial burden of chronic disease continue to rise. We spend $1 trillion each year in the United States treating preventable illnesses such as diabetes, cancer and hypertension, which affect more Americans now than ever before. Globally, the spiraling rates of incidence and cost are even more stark:...
Letter to the editor: Ackerman best pick for coroner
I offer my full endorsement of John Ackerman for Westmoreland County coroner. I have known John for 50-plus year and worked with him serving our community as a volunteer firefighter. The role of a coroner requires someone who can bring professionalism and a human touch to moments that are often...
Letter to the editor: We need Carson as county coroner
I am writing in recognition of all Tim Carson has done as our county coroner. I oversee the Ray of Hope Westmoreland County Suicide Awareness and Prevention Task Force. I am also the Westmoreland County emergency behavioral health coordinator, so I see the impact of loss. In 2022, I approached...
No excuse for Kennedy’s lack of understanding autism
If you are not one of the people who was deeply offended by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent statements about the deficiencies of people with autism, I will assume that you do not know anyone with autism. Or at least, you think you don’t....
Letter to the editor: Data center concerns, opportunities
Your emphasis on the concern of the effect of data centers’ demand on the public’s power grid is impressive, and I am glad to see the industry is considering that in their plans. You have reported on an important new “industry” that is popping up all over our country, specifically...
Laurels & lances: Recovery & refuse
Laurel: To community resources. The storms that rolled through the region on Tuesday were harsh. Three people died, property destruction was widespread and downed trees and electrical wires left many in the dark. The fallout of that has been difficult. Some schools cancelled classes, going to remote learning, but how...
Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: Pennsylvania helped deliver Trump the presidency; he’s delivering prosperity back
On Nov. 5, President Donald J. Trump won back the White House in dominating fashion. His 312 electoral votes vastly dwarfed Vice President Kamala Harris’ total of 226. The key state in his victory? Unquestionably, our commonwealth with its 19 electoral votes. Driven by his messages of prosperity, safety, and...
Letter to the editor: Neglected incline area reflects badly on Pittsburgh
Recently, we took a dear friend visiting us from Norway to the Duquesne Incline to view “The ’Burgh” from Mt.Washington. We were disgusted; disgusted with the condition of the parking lot, walking along a narrow sidewalk next to busy Carson Street, and the rusting stairs and walkway to the incline...
Letter to the editor: Where is MAWC leadership?
By now, many have lodged complaints about their water bill, service, taste, interruptions and a litany of other reasons to be disgruntled. My plea here is a bit different. Have you tried to talk with anyone in leadership at the Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County? Do you know who runs...
Editorial: Pet owners suffered double loss from shocking charges
Pets are not just animals that live in our homes. For many people, their cats and dogs, birds and ferrets and other critters are a part of the family. There are 59.8 million American homes with at least one pet, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). And just...
Letter to the editor: Fighting tyranny again
Deservedly, Elon Musk has been receiving loud criticism from the media and the public at large. He continues to be the subject of scorn and condemnation. But in my opinion he is a puppet whose strings are being pulled by President Trump, a criminal who I believe is incompetent, cruel...
Jonah Goldberg: Trump’s economic philosophy that only a leftist could love
In an interview with Time magazine, President Trump explained how he approaches tariffs and trade negotiations. I use the word “explained” with some trepidation because explanations imply a certain delineation of reasoning, facts and logic along with opinion and perspective. If you ask me to explain my support for abolishing...
Sheldon H. Jacobson: TSA isn’t perfect, but it’s way better than the alternatives
Republican Sens. Mike Lee and Tommy Tuberville recently introduced the Abolish TSA Act of 2025, effectively calling for the privatization of airport security. Against the backdrop of DOGE and the elimination of longstanding institutions like the Department of Education and the U.S. Postal Service, it appears that if ever there...
