Letter to the editor: Trump ridding the world of Iranian nuclear threat
Considering that the Democrats have serious objections to the war with Iran, perhaps they could tell us which part of the war against terrorism they do support. Their theory of a just war seems to boil down to: Military force must never be deployed in America’s self-interest, and we must...
Letter to the editor: The destruction of Social Security
President Trump began the demolition of Social Security with the $6,000 additional tax standard deduction per individuals over 65 with incomes of less than $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). This is in effect through 2028. However, what the government is not telling you is that this will mean Social Security...
Letter to the editor: Help for domestic violence victims
Imagine surviving a stabbing attack by your spouse. Imagine your attacker pleading guilty to attempted homicide and going to prison. And then imagine being told that to legally end your marriage, you still need his cooperation. That is not a hypothetical, but Pennsylvania law. Under state law, a legal process...
Letter to the editor: Frustrated by phone, online barriers
I wish all these companies would put a leash on their AI. On the phone, companies won’t allow customers to talk with a live person, just repeats of useless verbiage. Online is no better. Trying to refill a prescription, I put in the ZIP code for Monroeville; it showed it...
Letter to the editor: Impact of war in Iran
Sen. John Fetterman, Sen. Dave McCormick, Sen. Kim Ward, Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, Westmoreland County commissioners … and on and on. I’m concerned: Which of these leaders is going to lead and take action on the impact of the Iran war? • No progress on an Iran solution, over eight weeks...
Letter to the editor: Regarding Blackthorne Estates, are rules optional in Penn Township?
There is a simple question at the center of the Blackthorne Estates situation (“Club at Blackthorne no longer facing legal challenges,” April 14, TribLive): Are the rules optional? Blackthorne was approved as a planned residential development with a clear structure: homes, an 18-hole golf course and a clubhouse that exists...
Letter to the editor: Deadline approaching for heating help
Spring is a season of fresh starts — and it’s also a chance to get real financial relief before a key deadline closes. LIHEAP, the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, provides grants of $200 to $1,000 applied directly to your heating bill. The deadline to apply is May...
Letter to the editor: Print vs. digital
There are always new exciting discoveries in the world today. They promise to solve problems or speed up the process of information and make life easier. It sounds good, but nobody questions the possible bad use of it. Anything can be misused. I take an eclectic view of new things....
Letter to the editor: Can’t wait to vote against Reschenthaler
An open letter to Rep. Guy Reschenthaler: Last month, I attended an event to which you had been invited. Of course, you weren’t there, but you had sent an aide. As information about older adults in Pennsylvania was discussed — their need for health care, adequate food, enough caregivers in...
Letter to the editor: Who is spreading hate, Kimmel or Trump?
We see once again that truth is stranger than fiction in both the president and first lady calling for the firing of late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel. What was Kimmel’s grave sin? He made a tasteless joke that Mrs. Trump has “the glow of an expectant widow.” The...
Letter to the editor: Chaos for visitors to the Allegheny County Jail
What started out as an effort to help those released from the Allegheny County Jail once a week is now a circus environment three times per week. It was meant for those released to grab a snack or water, charge their phones, make a phone call or grab a cigarette,...
Letter to the editor: Pardoning shooters
Once again, politically motivated terrorism has been waged against peacefully assembled politicians in Washington, D.C. (“DC gala shooting suspect aired grievances against Trump in writings to family,” April 25, TribLive). Law enforcement officers were attacked with deadly force and injured as they fought to protect potential victims who dropped to...
Letter to the editor: Closed primaries indefensible
I live in Allegheny County, pay taxes and follow the issues — but when primary Election Day comes, I’m not allowed to vote. Why? Because I’m registered as an independent. Pennsylvania’s closed primary system shuts out unaffiliated voters from taxpayer-funded elections that often decide the outcome. In Allegheny County, many...
Letter to the editor: Thoughts on the draft
I was shocked to hear last month that the draft was coming to Pittsburgh. I wondered why the government chose our city to reinstate conscription and prepare our young men for yet another war that only profits the military industrial-complex and its cronies. Then I was told it was a...
Letter to the editor: Drop boxes strengthen confidence in elections
Allowing drop boxes around Westmoreland County is not merely a matter of removing physical barriers. It requires holistic strategies: democratizing the election process, simplifying barriers of the disabled, working and the elderly, fostering public engagement and increasing voter turnout on both sides and ensuring accountability and public trust. By implementing...
Letter to the editor: Have those who advocate for voter ID ever voted?
I’m confused. There is a demand for voters to be compelled to show ID to vote at the polls to prevent the supposed multitude of people voting illegally. Have those who advocate this ever voted? For an illegal or unregistered person to vote, they will have to approach a poll...
Letter to the editor: A-Team helps those in mental health crisis
If you were having a mental health crisis, would you want someone with a gun and taser telling you to calm down? That’s often the reality any time someone calls 9-1-1 in response to a behavioral or mental health emergency. To keep our community safe, we need to be sure...
Letter to the editor: The U.S. needs a regime change too
Iran needs a regime change? Maybe the United States of America needs a regime change. President Trump needs to be impeached. Do we want more fools like Trump? Do we think the draft is coming back? Is World War III a possibility? Trump acts like a 2-year-old. President Biden has...
Letter to the editor: People’s medical needs ignored during draft?
Talk about out of bounds! Although I’m not a sports fan, I find it infuriating that the city of Pittsburgh has bent over backwards for everyone other than the medical community. Yes, this NFL Draft was an overwhelming economical boost and gained the city and businesses recognition, but folks with...
Letter to the editor: Agreements vs. contracts for sheriff’s department
As Westmoreland County sheriff, I signed an agreement to assist another law enforcement agency if they needed help with crowd control. There is no obligation on my part to assist in immigration enforcement. Had law enforcement assisted in Minneapolis crowd control, two individuals may still be alive. I do agree...
Letter to the editor: Kudos to Trib draft coverage
It’s great! Fabulous photos — Sean Stipp’s photo of the Gateway Clipper, fountain and stadium is a showstopper. Stories combine facts and people features. Pittsburgh shines in the Trib coverage. Kudos to those who worked so hard to make this event go well and to the Trib photographers, writers and...
Letter to the editor: Dangers of psychedelic drugs
The recent executive order signed by President Trump to facilitate research on the use of psychedelic drugs to treat addiction and depressive illnesses has me concerned. As a board certified psychiatrist with over 30 years in addiction and mental health treatment, I realize that all medications have risks and benefits....
Letter to the editor: Electric cars are a win all around
As communities across the country grapple with rising fuel costs, air pollution and the growing impacts of global warming, one solution is becoming increasingly clear: the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. Electric cars offer a cleaner, more sustainable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles. By producing zero tailpipe emissions, they reduce air...
Letter to the editor: Jesus, not Trump, is king
As I was driving home one day, and everyone was going about their business, I saw a man jogging and carrying a red flag, and of course the only thought that came into my mind was that of your president. On the flag was “Jesus is King.” How right he...
Letter to the editor: Iran, Israel and Trump
It is incomprehensible to believe Iran was any threat to the United States of America. In reality, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was a threat to Donald Trump. Netanyahu did not persuade Trump to attack Iran as former secretary of state John Kerry has revealed Israel has tried to do...
