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Letters to the Editor

Federal budget packs a punch

The immense budget bill winding through Congress is a concern. What does it mean for us? It hacks government services we rely on for a dignified life. For instance, rural, elder and pediatric medicine are very dependent on Medicaid funding. This bill will drastically reduce this funding, hurting our community. Check with your doctor, nursing home and pediatric clinics. It further chainsaws federal consumer protections, government oversight of corporate abuses of workers, environment and retirees. Who does it benefit? Corporate/capital gains taxes are cut. Carried tax credit for hedge ...

Raystown facility merits full staffing

Lake Raystown is the crown jewel of tourism. Its flood control achievements, coupled with other projects there, are well-documented successes. But shocking to many, including myself, happened this year with the closing of different locations within the federal facility, possibly because of a staffing shortage. As a result of these unexpected closings, is it likely a ripple effect has caused many area businesses and vacation planners to be negatively impacted? It is worth mentioning what occurred in Georgia, where we reside. Near us is Lake Lanier, built and operated by ...

Firearm suppressors don’t silence gunshots

The provision in the budget bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives allowing firearm suppressors, often mistakenly called silencers, does not mean school shooters would go undetected. Contrary to the nonsense we see in spy movies where suppressed firearms make a “pfft” sounds, a rifle chambered in .223 / 5.56, the cartridge most common in AR-15 platforms, the unsuppressed sound reaches about 165 db, while a suppressed shot might register around 135-145 db. Meanwhile, a jackhammer registers at 120-130 db. The suppressor merely helps firearm users minimize hearing ...

Suppressors help reduce hearing loss

The U.S. House passed a bill in late May that removes firearm suppressors from the National Firearms Act. It would also eliminate the $200 tax to own one. This is good news for the millions of gun owners across America because it can help reduce hearing loss for those who hunt and shoot. Firearms typically produce noises of 140-170 decibels for more powerful rounds. A 22 LR produces approximately 145 decibels unsuppressed; suppressed it is reduced to 115 decibels which is still louder than a rock concert. The average suppressed firearm still produces noise levels in the 130-140 decibel ...

Funding cuts hit on freedom of speech

It felt like a punch in the gut when President Donald Trump cut all funding from the VOA (Voice of America). The VOA has been sending our news all around the world for over 80 years and they didn’t dress us up in our Sunday best when we erred. It didn’t matter if a Democrat or Republican was in the White House. VOA kept broadcasting the truth. It’s the only news many countries were able to get that wasn’t their countries’ propaganda. They heard the truth about their own countries, too. Now all funding has been cut from NPR (National Public Radio) and PBS (Public ...

Credit for Caring Act critical legislation

I am writing to thank Rep. John Joyce for supporting Alzheimer’s legislation last year, which led to three vital pieces of legislation passing. I also urge the congressman to cosponsor the Credit for Caring Act (H.R. 2036), a critical piece of legislation that would provide essential financial relief to millions of unpaid family caregivers. Despite their invaluable contributions, many caregivers face severe financial hardships, with over 40% having annual household incomes below $50,000 and bearing out-of-pocket costs exceeding $10,000 per year. The Credit for Caring Act ...