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Letters to the Editor

Hillman’s doctors, nurses, staff lauded

Much has been said and written about hospital care, both locally and throughout the United States. Over the past two years, I have come to realize that our UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Altoona is a true gem. I have been totally impressed with Hillman’s doctors, nurses and support staff as they have cared for me since May 2024, when I was diagnosed with smoldering multiple myeloma. Dr. Mark Keating, my oncologist/hematologist, truly cares about his patients and is great to work with. The nursing staff and the front office staff members for all of the doctors at Hillman are ...

Remember to honor our veterans

Memorial Day will be here at the end of the month; as you are planning your holiday weekend, take time to attend one of the local parades in and around the Altoona area on Memorial Day. We must honor our veterans past and present who have served, fought and died defending our country. Just drive through any cemetery across the country and all you will see are American flags as far as you can see. These are the men and women who have kept this a free nation for 250 years. God bless the U.S.A. Mike Sanders Altoona

U.S. has broken law

Defense Secretary Hegseth has declared no quarter will be given in combat. Lethality is what is the preferred course. No rules of engagement, since these rules are Woke. The 150 school girls killed in Iran were given no quarter, as the rules of engagement were disavowed. Here are some rules and laws regarding “No Quarter.” Under international humanitarian law, declaring or threatening “no quarter” is explicitly prohibited: Hague Convention IV (1907), Article 23(d): “It is especially forbidden [...] to declare that no quarter will be given.” Customary international ...

Which party headed the wrong way?

I read the letter regarding the direction of the Democratic party. I find it interesting that the complaint is about what the Republican party is doing today. Regarding weaponizing of the legal system, it is Trump’s Department of Justice bringing unsubstantiated lawsuits against Trump’s perceived enemies: namely, James Comey, Adam Schiff, Letitia James, his own niece Mary Trump, John Bolton, Mark Kelly, Jack Smith and Eric Swalwell, to name the most familiar people. He continues to thumb his nose at the Constitution, starting a war against Iran without Congressional approval; ...

‘Singin’ in the Rain’ a wonderful night

I would like to congratulate all of the students that had a part in any of the school plays — what a great group of young people. We were privileged to see “Singin’ in the Rain” put on by the students at Great Commission School. We’ve seen their plays for the last three years and they all were like watching a Broadway show in New York City. Our grandson, Camden Hileman, was part of the stage crew and also was a part of the play. He will graduate this year but, oh the memories he will take with him. It’s wonderful to see these young girls and boys work so hard and have ...

The quest for fair, just representation

Gerrymandering is cheating. Cheating has no place of honor in private lives or the Pennsylvania Legislature. FairDistrictsPA is lobbying for passage of HB31 and SB131 to amend the PA Constitution to establish an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission in the quest for fair and just representation. A well vetted Independent Citizens Commission will provide balance to the process and job of governance by eliminating partisan power to gerrymander. With my limited depth of knowledge and understanding it appears PA State Senator Laughlin’s proposal for a “fancy football type ...