MIDSTATE LETTERS

Letters to the Editor with The Patriot-News

November is filled with important dates. Election Day. Veterans Day. Thanksgiving. And, America Recycles Day. While America Recycles Day, celebrated on Nov. 15, isn't celebrated with political speeches, parades or pumpkin pies, it does come with the reminder that we all need to revisit our recycling habits and work harder to capture and reuse valuable resources that we might otherwise... Full story »

For more than 200 years and two world wars, the flag has represented this great country. It has been said that the colors are to represent the red blood spilled, the blue, the beating and bruises endured and the white, the purity and integrity demonstrated by our soldiers sacrificing their lives. The flag is the most powerful symbol of freedom... Full story »

What a breath of fresh air from Congressman Tim Holden. Rather than cave in to the Democratic establishment, he courageously voted for the Stupak-Pitts amendment banning federal funding of abortion under health care reform, and ultimately voted against the troubled health care bill. Holden recognized that the staggering costs of this ill-conceived legislation, both in terms of monetary costs and... Full story »

The article ("Tainted juvenile convictions fall," Oct. 30) described the Pennsylvania Supreme Court's actions dismissing thousands of juvenile convictions issued by judges charged in a corruption scandal. The judges took $2 million in payoffs, and they were found guilty. Does this not represent only half of the guilt? Is there equal guilt found in the source of the $2.8 million... Full story »

Whatever happened to transparent government? Whatever happened to the public being able to view any bill online for 72 hours before it is voted on? What has happened to our country? All these huge bills being pushed through Congress have us on a fast track to government control of every aspect of our lives. People, open your eyes. This health... Full story »

Rep. Todd Platts was right to vote against the House bill with the public option included, because it will increase our taxes. You can't add millions of people to a government health insurance plan without increasing the federal deficit. The public option will decrease our treatment options and ultimately lead to the loss of private insurance. There are many things... Full story »

Today's world climate remains volatile. Since the 9/11 attacks, Americans have awakened to the ongoing threat of terrorism. However, one area that we Americans tend to put aside is maintaining our own security at home. As a jogger, I tend to see trash thrown out that has personal information clearly displayed on the streets, unsecure doors, children playing in remote... Full story »

No way should both parents be forced to do active duty at the same time. Children need at least one parent. Yes, these people enlisted voluntarily, but they never dreamed there would be war after war to tear them away. And yes, some signed up for job security but not to be used as targets for insane people in countries... Full story »

Some of the arguments against health care reform would make me laugh if they were not so serious. One of the arguments says commercial insurers will go out of business if there is a public option. These folks should look at "Medicare and You --- 2010," the official government handbook. Check pages 119-119dd, which lists all the commercial Medicare health... Full story »

I'm appalled and disgusted at various local establishments that use the patriotic holiday of Veterans Day to increase their sales and traffic flow. So many of these local companies claim to honor veterans with specials and discounts, yet when a veteran shows patronage to that store, they are declined the special or discount because they do not have proper military... Full story »

I would like to take issue with Bill Carelock's letter ("Obama deserves backing," Nov. 15). He said: "We, the people, elected the president and we, the people, should support him." Well, I was not one of the "we" who helped Obama get elected, and I don’t support him or his cronies in the Democratic Party. As for Mr. Carelock's criticism... Full story »

In response to ("Obama deserves backing," Nov. 15), is he seriously suggesting that no one criticize or have a different view than that of the president? Different view, differing opinions, that is all a part of being a democracy. This isn't the classroom anymore where someone is always running interference. This is the real world and one would hope that... Full story »

Recent letters have accused Rep. Todd Platts of being "not representative" and against health care reform that the majority of his constituents want. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rep. Platts clearly represents those of us who want meaningful and attainable reform to the health care system, not a big-government takeover of a system with which about 80 percent... Full story »

I am writing in regard to Billy Carelock's letter "Obama deserves backing," (Nov. 15). His letter states that Fox News and talk show hosts are always taking negative shots at President Obama, and he states that we, the people, should support him. He needs to realize that not all the people elected Obama, so there is going to be negativity.... Full story »

Et tu, Republicans? The recent charges against John Perzel and company, coupled with previous Bonusgate charges against Democrats, the budget debacle and pay raise have combined to make me ashamed, embarrassed and angry. I’m ashamed to be a lifelong Republican supporter, embarrassed by the ineffectiveness and manipulation of the Legislature, and angry that there is effectively nothing I can do... Full story »