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Pearl Harbor will always be stark reminder

With the ongoing warfare between Israel and Hamas in Gaza capturing so much of the world’s attention, as well as developments surrounding Ukraine’s continuing struggle against Russia, it is understandable that some Americans might find it difficult to shift their attention today to the start of a war 82 years ago. However, what occurred on Dec. 7, 1941 — the day of Japan’s surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii — needs to remain ingrained in Americans’ minds in this dangerous time. There can be no assurance that America never again will be the ...

Don’t delay in divesting from China

A Republican legislator is spearheading a long-overdue effort to end state investment in companies controlled by the government of China. “For too long, Pennsylvania has invested hundreds of millions in government funds to a regime that continues to trample human rights,” state Sen. Doug Mastriano, former Republican nominee for governor, said to explain his initiative. China’s abuses are well-documented — from the erosion of self-rule and any hope for democracy in Hong Kong, Tibet and Taiwan to persecution of Tibetan Buddhists, Muslim Uyghurs and political dissidents and ...

As Christmas nears, guard against fires

“Tis the Season” were the words superimposed over the photo of the Nov. 22 front-page Mirror article “Local tree farms opening for Christmas season.’ Christmas is supposed to be — and is — a joyous time of the year for most area families, businesses and other entities of myriad kinds. And, if all peoples of the world could be as festive and generous during the other 364 days of the year as they are on Christmas Day, this planet would be a much better place. Still, unfortunately, there is a worrisome side of the holiday season that need not be so worrisome, if people ...

Authority’s approach makes sense

The Altoona Parking Authority is using the right approach in its attempt to bring in an outside company to manage parking in the downtown area of the city. Despite not being required to issue a general request for proposals — because the need only is for management services — the authority has decided correctly to invite proposals from a few companies in order to compare with a proposal already received from a Dallas-based company. Municipalities that invite comparisons to try to ensure getting the best proposal and service possible at the best price available exhibit the kind of ...

Strong stand must be taken on fake images

Legal experts say faked sexual images of real people are so new that federal law dealing with the problem is lagging. The experience of a New Jersey high school should, however, motivate Congress and/or state legislatures to implement strong measures and penalties to battle this potentially destructive, horrific and unconscionable enemy of innocence and decency. An intentionally inflicted, unrelenting nemesis such as the one in question can push a young, immature, fearful and confused mind to want to resort to suicide to escape his or her personal torment and nightmare, in much the ...

Black Friday good chance to buy local

Internet- and television-based shopping has transformed the Black Friday buying experience from the crush-of-crowds event that it used to be. Today, fewer people are willing to start lining up in front of favorite retailers long before dawn and in less-than-comfortable temperatures and other adverse weather conditions in an effort to be among the first inside to purchase “that” special gift. However, despite the evolution that Black Friday has undergone — and continues to experience each November, it seems — a sentiment expressed in the headline of a Nov. 27, 2020, Black ...