Letters to the Editor category, Page 5

The writer of the letter “Soft-on-crime policies have tragic consequences” (Sept. 26, TribLive) says Democrats are soft on crime and let criminals out on the street. Did you forget the Jan. 6 Capitol riots and President Trump pardoning everyone charged with or convicted of crimes related to the day? Many...

I recently proposed an amendment to our borough’s backyard chicken ordinance, but instead of giving the idea fair consideration or allowing residents to weigh in, our borough council dismissed it almost immediately. Their reasoning was that enforcement would be “too costly” and that allowing backyard chickens would somehow “destroy the...

After being reminded that local leaders are always looking for suggestions on how to improve our communities, I thought I’d offer a few ideas. Hopefully, one or two are useful. First, I realize budgets are limited and everything can’t be accomplished overnight. Perhaps in conjunction with other future projects, something...

In his column “Steelers not getting their money’s worth from T.J. Watt” (Sept. 20, TribLive), Mark Madden observed: “Look at the Steelers’ roster and stat sheet. Paying name veterans too much money to underperform seems a developing theme.” Also telling is that since Cameron Heyward was drafted in the first...

I’ve heard and read the quote “there is no place for political violence” many times in the past week or so. It’s been said by elected government officials, pundits and podcasters. While political violence does seem on the rise, and it is not unique to the left, I find it...

I had started this letter with a plea that we need to stop the culture wars, that those in power are fanning the flames of hate and division among the working class so they can get rich off of our backs. But instead of continuing that thread of thought, I...

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is a heartbreaking loss to all who knew him and to the countless people he inspired. From founding Turning Point USA as a teenager to becoming a leading voice for conservative students nationwide, Kirk devoted his life to encouraging the next generation to speak with...

Conservatives once warned that unchecked government power would corrupt, that concentrated authority would inevitably be abused. Their creed was restraint: limited government, balanced budgets and careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. MAGA has abandoned that creed. Where conservatives preached discipline, MAGA embraced indulgence. Where they fought to limit spending, MAGA exploded...

The senseless killing of Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, is a tragic consequence of the Democratic Party’s failed policies. She fled her war-torn homeland seeking safety, only to be brutally stabbed on Charlotte’s light rail. The man charged in her death, who has a lengthy criminal record and mental...

Regarding the letter “Democrats have become party of evil” (Sept 20, TribLive): I think it’s wrong to make a generalization on an entire class/group of people, regardless of their political affiliations. We know that’s not true. It’s like saying if you’re a doctor of color, you had to be a...

The Pennsylvania Legislature is stalemated in passing a new budget because the socialist Democrats are holding out for more money for mass transit and education. I think this is code for “let’s funnel more money to the bus drivers’ and teachers’ labor unions,” to whom they are beholden. Why should...

I ask that you stop and think. Thinking can be hard, which is why we all judge at times. We have been divided to the point we cannot even talk about the present state of affairs with friends and family members. We have the power and ability to speak and...

I’ve read that some guy named Charlie was the latest victim of senseless gun violence. But now is not the time for pointing fingers, assigning blame or addressing root causes. The only action appropriate at this time is sharing our thoughts and prayers with his family. Isn’t that what the...

After defeating King George in the Revolutionary War, the Founding Fathers emphasized “states rights” in the Constitution for fear of too strong of a central government and another king. Only those “expressed” powers stated in Article 1, dealing with the executive branch, are for the federal government. All other powers...

As we wind down the spring “whine and cheese” bellyaching on the Pirates, now comes the fall edition (the Steelers). Trib columnist Mark Madden wrote a re-Mark-able column, “Stop supporting the Pittsburgh Pirates” (Aug. 4, TribLive), stating how stupid Pirates fans are for supporting that unworthy team. When I need...

The Pennsylvania Legislature’s inability to come to a budgetary compromise once again proves that it is one of the worst waste of our tax dollars. This august body is the second highest paid legislature in the country and it is unable to accomplish its main function, providing an on-time state...

A boy died by suicide at Franklin Regional High School Sept. 14. Parents lost their son. Kids lost their friend. Teachers lost their favorite student. Shockingly, social media posts said things like “could have been prevented,” “parents should have done something” and “behavioral health makes them like zombies. You cannot...

I found on the Sept. 14 Opinion page some very balanced commentary concerning the tragedy of the Charlie Kirk shooting. Here is hoping the current administration begins to use a bit more tact in its comments, assessment and mandates that are proposed. Another opinion that stands out is the letter...

I found the Associated Press article “After Charlie Kirk’s killing, a growing chorus of conservatives wants his critics ostracized or fired” (Sept. 14, TribLive) very misleading, shifting focus from where it belongs. The line “Some conservatives are seeking to upend the lives and careers of those who disparaged Charlie Kirk...

I have a conspiracy theory of my own. Before I ramble like President Trump, let me start by using a political cartoon that appeared in the Trib. There were three drawings: a old man saying he can’t afford heat or medicine, an old woman saying she can’t afford food and...

Public comment periods during Westmoreland County commissioners’ meetings are meant to give everyone an equal chance to speak — under the same rules and time limits. Unfortunately, that standard is not being upheld at the commissioners’ meetings, as of late. On more than one occasion, individuals have been allowed to...

Transparency is the foundation of democracy, yet our Westmoreland County commissioners continue to ignore a simple request: livestream and record public meetings. In 2025, when technology makes this inexpensive and easy, their silence raises real concerns. Livestreaming is not a radical idea. It allows working families, seniors, and those with...

“No taxation without representation.” That phrase lit the spark of the American Revolution, born out of resentment toward British tariffs. Time and again, tariffs have proved to be more than just economic policy — they are political tinderboxes. In the 1800s, they split North from South: Manufacturers demanded protectionism, farmers...

Trump. Shapiro. Hortman. Hoffman. Kirk. From the president to our governor to state lawmakers and now, an activist and nonprofit leader, violence against political figures in America is metastasizing seemingly by the day. When we justifiably fear harm to ourselves and our families for voicing our beliefs, the free society...

Regarding the article “Westmoreland commissioners decline to consider ballot curing for November election” (Sept. 11, TribLive): Why should “mail-in voters” get a “re-do” when they make a mistake on their ballot? They have the ballot for what, at least 24 hours before they can send it back? And up to...