MIDSTATE EDITORIALS

Our Views and Yours with The Patriot-News

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by Thomas Friedman More and more lately, I find people asking me: What do you think President Barack Obama really believes about this or that issue? I find that odd. How is it that a president who has taken on so many big issues, with specific policies — and has even been awarded a Nobel Prize for all the hopes... Full story »

If a tree falls in the forest, does it make a sound? Ask members of a group poised to keep development from encroaching on the Appalachian Trail through Monroe and South Middleton townships and you’d likely get a somber nod. Thudding trees lead to graters and dozers, hammers and homes. And that’s how the dominoes will clatter down if... Full story »

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Pennsylvania’s 2009 election was more of a referendum on voter apathy than President Barack Obama. With the Republican sweeps in Virginia and New Jersey, some are thirsty to claim Pennsylvania went red too (or at least back to purple). After all, Republicans won 6 of the 7 statewide judge races. But it’s futile trying to make predictions about next... Full story »

We have long believed that problems associated with alcohol consumption were not influenced by having Pennsylvania in control of liquor and wine sales.  It turns out allowing the private sector to handle alcohol sales is not associated with increased alcohol consumption or with increased traffic fatalities involving drivers under the influence. That is the conclusion of a recently released... Full story »

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by Michael Herron The Keystone Corridor rail line is the key to the economic revitalization efforts of all the communities it serves. It is as true today as it was 80 years ago. The development of rail service fostered the development of towns along the corridor after the Depression. Improving existing rail service and enhancing station accessibility and amenities would... Full story »

by Robert J. Bresler In a recent episode of HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Larry David berates his airplane seatmate for wearing shorts on the plane. He is offended only because he thinks the man’s legs are ugly. Of course, Larry David cannot complain about this casual attire because Mr. David, a major Hollywood celebrity, dresses like a semi-slob in most... Full story »

An Associated Press story in The Patriot-News, “Case highlights elder abuse,” (Oct. 18) discussed how aging and wealthy New York socialite Brooke Astor was exploited by her son, Anthony Marshall. In October, Marshall was convicted of defrauding his mother and stealing millions of dollars from her $200 million fortune as she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. This case is a... Full story »

The ballots for mayor of Harrisburg have been cast and counted, but now the real work begins — and not just for the next mayor, Linda Thompson.  It is time for the city and region to come together to make sure Harrisburg continues to grow and prosper. Thompson deserves and needs everyone’s support or, at the very least, open-mindedness.... Full story »

Congratulations, Mayor-elect Thompson. This should be a time of celebration after such a historic election. You deserve it. To become the first new mayor in 28 years is quite an accomplishment. Not to mention you are the first woman and African-American to hold the office.  Unfortunately, there isn’t much time to pause and reflect on your victory. No time... Full story »

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by Lynette Long Recently, a 15-year-old high school student was gang-raped after leaving a homecoming dance in Richmond, Calif. Bystanders used their cell phones to photograph or videotape the event rather than call for help. In Deerfield Beach, Fla., five boys surrounded seventh-grader Michael Brewer, doused him with alcohol, and set him on fire in mid-October. Brewer survived the attack... Full story »

Forgiveness is a rare commodity in American life — so rare that when victims of heinous crimes forgive the offender, most Americans are completely bewildered. The murders of five Amish girls at Nickel Mines, Lancaster County, in 2006 shocked Americans to the core. But when the Amish forgave the killer, shock turned to disbelief. Thirteen years earlier in 1993, Amy... Full story »