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Letters to the Editor

‘Let us strive to exemplify virtues’

The French philosopher Voltaire said those who can make us believe absurdities can make us commit atrocities. In light of the tragic events of the past few weeks, this admonition is more relevant than ever. The inherent evil in these tragedies and the callous reactions afterward are a result of the moral bankruptcy and the disregard for the human dignity and the preciousness of life. Each victim in these atrocities was a light in this world, extinguishing that light and the darkness that follows is a clarion call for prayer. This to has been met with derision and ...

Stoltz would serve Northern Blair well

I support Kevin Stoltz for magisterial district judge for Northern Blair County. While serving as mayor, Tyrone Borough, I enjoyed a close working relationship with Stoltz’s mentor/friend, former Blair County Judge Fred Miller. Like Miller, Stoltz will quickly become an asset to our communities. He is honest, dependable, and incredibly hard-working. A lifelong resident, Stoltz has worked hard, rising through the ranks since graduating from Bellwood-Antis High School. He served in the United States Army, learning discipline, leadership, working with others. Experience provided him ...

Citizens don’t need high-powered weapons

There is no equivalent comparison between a car and a gun. A car exists to help convey a person from one place to another. A gun exists to kill. A car must be registered and insured and the user must be licensed. Maybe all guns should be registered and insured and the user licensed. Yes, cars can kill, but when the driver gets in, that is not usually the purpose. When a person aims a gun, the purpose is usually to kill. If the purpose is to shoot for food, great. If the purpose is to shoot another person, it would be great if the gun was not a high power, large ...

Presbyterian Village provides good care

My friend had a health crisis on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2025. I was unable to care for her, and I called the Presbyterian Village Health Care Center. Very quickly, two nurses appeared. This was our lucky night. We received phenomenal care as they prepared us for the ambulance. The patients are so lucky to receive such good nursing care at Presbyterian Village Health Care Center. Clarence Kessling Hollidaysburg

Cove teacher was within her rights

Janelle Parker, a teacher at Spring Cove School District, recently expressed her First Amendment Right of Free Speech on Facebook about Charlie Kirk and his murder. She also expressed her opinion of Donald Trump in a negative manner, which is also covered under the First Amendment. Her First Amendment speech was quickly responded to by angry comments and a demand for her to be fired at a school board meeting. These people were also expressing their First Amendment rights while demanding that Ms. Parker be denied hers and she be punished for using her rights of free speech. ...

Saint Charlie? You’re kidding

The assassination of Charlie Kirk was a truly disturbing event. Kash Patel’s militaristic reference to “the watch” and “Valhalla,” however, was exquisitely alarming. Further, the military honor guard for Kirk’s casket was bewilderingly offensive, as he had no military/governing right to the honor. Is the honor guard meant to indicate MAGA/presidential validation of the ethno­theocratic movement Kirk promoted? The Nazi and neo-Nazi movements glorify and mythologize racial and religious purity/conflict. How can we perceive Patel’s reference other than as a call ...