Sounding off: Politics, border top letter topics for week

Vote out county commissioners

Taxes paid by Westmoreland County homeowners are monies we entrust to our commissioners to spend wisely. County commissioners are stewards of our money. Unfortunately, commissioners Sean Kertes, Doug Chew and Ted Kopas have not done their jobs. They have, along with previous commissioners, squandered our money and now are bailing themselves out with a 32% tax increase — 32%!

The average household, not individual, income in Westmoreland County last year was $75,076, while Kertes is paid $98,942, and Chew and Kopas each are paid $95,418, according to the article “Westmoreland commissioner criticizes 3.5% raises for elected county officials” (Dec. 14, TribLive). They can easily afford a 32% tax increase while the average homeowner struggles to pay.

Folks, don’t get mad, seek responsible citizens to lead the county. At the next commissioner election throw Kertes, Chew and Kopas out. Vote for commissioners who will be responsible stewards of our money.

Kenneth Powell

New Kensington

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Vote for Kennedy

Normally I don’t talk politics, but in this case, I am. I am a loyal Democrat and have been for many years. And I will vote for the best possible candidate who I feel will do the job — regardless of what party.

Joe Biden is too old and looks it on television. Donald Trump is like the Wicked Witch of the West who won’t be gone by using water on him. And all of those butt-kissing Republican politicians who think he is the second coming are in for a rude awakening. Forget Kamala Harris, totally.

During the Super Bowl there was a political ad for the son of Bobby Kennedy. He should become president just like his uncle, JFK. It’s time for a change. We can bring back Camelot with younger people, ideas and enthusiasm and put a stop to all of the Republican pandering that is going on.

Lincoln, T. Roosevelt, Reagan, Eisenhower and McCain are all spinning like a lathe in their graves because of Donald Trump and his minions. What a disgrace. Have some intestinal fortitude and brains and vote for the “young Kennedy” for president.

Robin R. Prady

North Huntingdon

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U.S. needs to stand up to protect innocent Palestinians

On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas fired over 5,000 rockets into Israel, causing 1,200 deaths and destruction to the Jewish homeland.

We are moved to tears as we continue to witness daily human suffering of tens of thousands of deaths and injuries of men, women and, yes, children in Gaza. No individual should live under constant fear or threat from any aggressor.

The Palestinians are not Hamas. They did not initiate the assault that started this war. Israel cannot justify their relentless daily attacks on the innocent Palestinian people while communities and lives are destroyed in the name of eliminating Hamas.

Our country, rightly so, has given Israel aid and support since the inception of the Jewish state in 1947 in the amount of over $150 billion. We do so in solidarity of shared values and support of a democracy. This war should not give Netanyahu the right to inflict war crimes on the Palestinian people in the name of extinguishing an enemy of the state.

Our country needs to address the ongoing suffering this war is causing. The United Nations is trying to do that. The U.S. needs to get on board and facilitate a permanent ceasefire so that humanitarian aid can be administered to those suffering before there is total genocide of innocent people.

Katie Forsythe

North Huntingdon

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Border problem shows our government is not working

Someone please tell me why the border problem has not been solved. Please tell me why! We have people from all over the world streaming across our southern border, and it seems like no one cares. This side says it’s the other side’s fault and vice versa, and as usual, nothing gets done. It has to stop.

I guarantee they (Middle Eastern, South American, Chinese migrants) are here. And I think they are going to hit us: electrical grid, water supply, fuel supply — it’s all there, waiting to happen.

It is apparent to me that the two-party system of government does not work today. I don’t have the answer, but I know three things. First and foremost, we need term limits. Far too many people in our government “marry” these jobs, and it is difficult to get them out, even when it is obvious to the whole world that someone is pulling their strings like Howdy Doody.

Second, we need age limits or at least mandatory medical and psychological tests at a certain age.

Last of all, we need voter ID. There is nothing wrong with this, and in my opinion, it would not harm, segregate or disenfranchise any legal U.S. citizen.

We have to wake up our government and get something done.

Jerry Todaro

Greensburg

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Constitution and the border

This is for the writer of the letter “Republicans turn backs on Constitution” (Feb. 21, TribLive) and others who have forgotten our founding documents. All of them.

Might I recommend that you reread the Constitution of the United States of America. Pay special attention to Article IV, Section 4. While you are reading, make sure to read Amendments VIII and IX. Do this a few times so it sinks in.

Then after you are done with this, get a copy of the Declaration of Independence and read it also. Pay special attention to paragraph two. It begins, “We hold these truths to be … .”

And now a word from Dr. Benjamin Franklin on Sept. 17, 1787. When asked by Elizabeth Williams Powell, “Well, doctor, what have you given us, a republic or a monarchy?” Franklin’s response: “A republic, if you can keep it.”

I will let you, sir, be the judge of what is happening as we watch this invasion of our southern border, from all comers, with no proper mandated constitutional response from our federal government.

Buster Brown

Parnassus

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Republicans shouldn’t compromise on abortion

In Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court ruled a person may choose an abortion until a fetus (genetically complete human being) becomes viable. “Viability” is an arbitrary term used to determine when it is legal to terminate human life. Factors such as fetal lung development, heartbeat and the ability to feel pain are a few of the arbitrary factors attached to defining viability.

Republicans are currently floating another factor to add to the list of arbitrary terms, “electability.” To win elections, Republicans are proposing a compromise strategy to allow abortions up to 14 weeks. This is nonsense. Pro-life Republicans are repeatedly elected to public office. Compromise and appeasement are not virtuous political strategies; ask Neville Chamberlain.

Christians are bound to a higher authority than the Supreme Court and state legislatures. Christian standards and virtues should never be compromised for political expediency or to win elections. If we are ever to regain and secure the blessing of nature’s God, we might consider returning to and adhering to his laws.

Kris DeJeet

Salem

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Why is Westmoreland a sanctuary county?

Did you know Westmoreland County is a sanctuary county included with another 19% of Pennsylvania counties? (See cis.org/Map-Sanctuary-Cities-Counties-and-States.) How and why did Westmoreland become a sanctuary county, subject to transportation of illegal immigrants into our area and provided support by the federal government through non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with our tax dollars?

If you find this disturbing, you should contact our county commissioners to ask if this is in the best interest of our county.

Richard Herd

Hempfield