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Congress, IRS, feds to blame for tax woes

“Overtime-tax claims top expectations” was the headline of an April 6 Wall Street Journal article, followed by the message “Some payers may be claiming deductions beyond law limits, preparers suggest.” But who is to blame for all that? That’s easy. It’s Congress, the Internal Revenue Service and the federal government in general. It’s the same culprits who failed to calculate the terrible impact on certain casino employees nationwide who are being hit hard this year — and presumably will be hit hard beyond this year — because of Congress’ shortsighted action ...

Iran conflict not comparable to past

A recent letter published in the Mirror letter stated that U.S. engagement with Iran, while unpopular, is necessary. The letter writer offers the American Revolution and WWII as keen examples of this phenomenon: namely, that American engagement in these conflicts, while necessary, was not initially popular. But these examples are incomparable to the current situation in the Middle East. The American Revolution’s historical origins differ significantly from the U.S.-Iran conflict. The Revolution emerged from a disagreement among colonists over whether British rule or self-rule could ...

SAVE Act won’t cause issues for women

Producing a photo ID is dangerous to women? Really? A letter titled “The SAVE Act is dangerous to women” railed against the SAVE Act and President Trump, but I noticed no mention that Real ID itself was dangerous to women. Or that any “photo identification proving citizenship” was dangerous to women. It also mentioned the need to “scrounge up marriage certificates, divorce decrees and other proofs.” I’m sure women needed to provide these documents before now, which anyone should have available, for any other service or privilege. I’m sure that the SAVE Act is the only ...

Compliance with rules a worthy goal

Logan Township isn’t alone in having been remiss about enforcement of some local ordinances. Not enforcing some of such laws — or not enforcing them to the fullest extent intended when the laws were enacted — is much more common in Pennsylvania and elsewhere across the nation than most people can imagine. However, an appropriate question remains consistent: Why have laws on the books if they’re not going to be enforced? Still, as Logan officials have pointed out, it’s appropriate that the goal be compliance, not burdening residents and others with fines. An overly ...

Joyce’s opinion on ICE funding unbalanced

On March 29, John Joyce’s congressional newsletter criticized the Senate for passing what he described as an inadequate Department of Homeland Security funding package because it did not include additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. The newsletter framed the decision as reckless and suggested that fully funding these agencies is essential to protecting Americans. That argument, however, is one-sided and leaves out many facts. First, immigration enforcement errors have resulted in the unlawful detention of United States citizens. ...

Compassion, integrity necessary to govern

The “Chaos of Trump” is now full-blown. If it continues to be unaddressed and unchecked, it will become more difficult to correct. Hasty judgment and dangerous decisions have already resulted in a multitude of deaths. When the majority in power stands idle and permits the Constitution to be violated by the president and his staff, it tears at the structure that supports our valued freedoms. “We the people,” not a dictator or king rule this land. Many were never fooled by the lies and there is a growing awakening among those who ignored the many lies because they focused only ...