Women’s rights may determine presidential election
The lyrics to an old movement song, “Pass It On,” carry the warning that freedom “doesn’t come like a bird on the wing” and “doesn’t come down like the falling rain,” then advise that “freedom is a hard won thing” and “every generation has to win it again,” with instructions to “pass it on.”
The song’s message is one which needs to be heeded today with the loss of some of our previously taken-for-granted freedoms and the concern of losing others following the 2024 presidential election.
At the top of any list of concerns regarding freedom is a woman’s right and health decision to control her own body. The U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling two years ago to overturn a half-century of precedent of Roe vs. Wade resulted in an unprecedented backlash in every corner of America. From the reddest of red states to blue and those in between, there has been an outcry over a lost freedom.
The evidence is clear in every national poll and in elections where the question of freedom was placed before voters. It is a centerpiece, hot-button issue in this year’s political contests, motivating many apolitical individuals to become active participants, making financial contributions, volunteering in campaigns and having their voices heard. It could very well be the single issue that determines who will move into the White House next January.
Glenn R. Plummer
Unity
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Trump is clearly the best choice
I watched Kamala Harris’ recent Raleigh economic speech online. Two Harris observations:
1. She believes policy problems are solved with government spending.
2. She is economically illiterate with limited leadership skills, characteristics that disqualifies her from presidential consideration.
Take, for example, fighting inflation with price controls. When inflation started raging, the government letter agencies were tasked with finding price-gouging examples. They found none. The San Francisco Fed looked, same result. The PPI and CPI price gains tracked in lock step, no gouging. Price controls never work; they lead to product shortages,black markets and small business failures.
Failed outcomes for her other policies could be demonstrated if space permitted, policies for economic growth, border security, crime, taxes, regulations, housing, health care, etc.
I have been voting in presidential elections for 60 years, and in the upcoming election we have a clear choice. I consider Donald Trump the best president during my 60 years of voting. His policy choices were simply outstanding, and his ability to get policies executed in the face of massive opposition was unbelievable. Correct policy choices and execution performance are the only criteria that matters in selecting political leaders.
So, vote Trump and be part of returning America to greatness.
Raymond Smith
Hampton
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Vote for leaders who support commonsense gun safety
Before the late 1990s, laws regulating firearms were in place and American citizens did not feel threatened by gun violence. During the George W. Bush administration, gun regulations were allowed to lapse. Gun manufacturers and the NRA were responsible for lobbying members of Congress to vote for gun legislation that protects the gun industry from litigation. Currently, a faction of our congressional leaders fails to support commonsense gun legislation.
The Fox News Poll Axios completed in October 2023 concluded that a clear majority of about six in 10 Americans currently support a ban on assault weapons. Statista Research Department findings published in November 2023 state two-thirds of Americans favor a ban on assault rifles and semi-automatic weapons as a measure to reduce gun violence. An overwhelming 90% of Americans support requiring criminal background checks on all gun buyers. The support is statistically equal between Democrats and Republicans.
In March 2024 Congress passed the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act that President Biden and Vice President Harris supported. Biden followed up with additional executive orders to support commonsense gun legislation. Their position to ban the sale of assault weapons is clear. A Pew Research poll found 63% of Americans want Congress to take more sweeping measures on gun control in light of the continued wave of mass shootings.
Gun violence is the greatest killer of American children, exceeding vehicular accidents and disease. When it comes time to vote, be there! Vote for legislators and a president who will stand strong to support commonsense gun legislation.
Sandra Fennell
Murrysville
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Priest’s resignation still painful
In May, Bishop Larry Kulick asked Father John Moineau for his resignation as pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Immaculate Conception parishes. At the time, many felt as though a knife had been thrust into them, as it was so painful and still is. Now, in August, we find the sign above Queen of Angels Catholic School no longer has the “Pray for Father John” notice as he fights cancer. Since when as Catholics do we not pray for someone, especially the sick, or discourage it? And Father John’s picture has been removed from the church where other past pastors are displayed.
The knife is in and now has been twisted. Is it the desire of the bishop to eliminate the presence of Father John from the face of the earth, or just the Irwin and North Huntingdon areas? I sit here and think, why am I a Catholic?
Donna Villegas
North Huntingdon
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Natural gas is critical for U.S.
Living in Penn Hills for most of my life, I’ve seen a lot over the years, and one thing that stands out is how often the natural gas and oil industry gets misunderstood. Many folks might not realize the true impact it has on our daily lives and families like mine.
With several of my children and grandchildren working in this industry, I know firsthand how important it is. It’s not just about the price at the pump; it’s about providing steady, reliable jobs that support families and keep our country running smoothly. I often say, you can’t run a world on intermittent resources and baselines.
The natural gas and oil industry is crucial for maintaining our nation’s independence and resilience. We need to support policies that protect and expand this industry, ensuring our country remains strong and self-sufficient.
Let’s advocate for the continued strength of our oil and gas resources and educate others about their real value. It’s vital for our future and our families.
Russell Milliken
Penn Hills
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Pray for stranded astronauts
We, as a nation, need to bow our heads in prayer. We have two astronauts “stuck” in space. They will not be able to be retrieved until sometime in February! Their first attempt to transfer the astronauts to safety failed. They need our help. Pray for divine guidance that our astronauts will be led back home on solid ground.
Jan Gentry
Mars
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Local politicians have too much taxing power
After the tax increase scam the former Greater Latrobe School Board members tried to pull last year and the one the current Westmoreland County commissioners did pull as a Christmas present to all of us, it’s obvious that the taxation powers of all local Pennsylvania politicians need to be severely curbed by the state Legislature.
Generally speaking, a lot of local politicians have no background in business, finance or any other applicable skill set, but yet are allowed to cause so much damage to thousands of people, especially senior citizens. Many have never had a real job, live in a fanciful world and lack common sense. Some are simply overwhelmed by the job and/or overly influenced by their political ideology and special interest groups. Therefore, they are not qualified for such an influential position.
It seems that after a while in office, they become power drunk and need to be curtailed. No local tax increases should be permitted unless voters approve by means of a special ballot referendum.
Such a small group of people cannot be permitted to negatively influence the lives of so many. In a nutshell, we place too much power in the hands of too few.
E. Joseph Biss
Greensburg