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Letters to the Editor

Children should be allowed to explore

I read with interest about the dilemma regarding the “attractive nuisance” posed by the restored Beaverdam Branch of the Juniata. I grew up in Coalport beside an unspeakably polluted creek which we were absolutely forbidden to go near. At age 86, I am here to tell you that no force on Earth will keep children away from water. The country, and even Blair County, must be full of rivers that are longer, swifter, rockier and more dangerous than the Beaverdam Branch and yet are not fenced. Very little children ought to be supervised. If they are not, a stretch of still water may not ...

War with Iran costly in lives and money

Do the math. Whether you consider Mr. Trump’s war stupid may depend on how you vote, but there’s no denying it is insanely, inhumanely, expensive. According to The Guardian, the Times of India and other reputable international news sources, a geolocated video Feb. 28 confirmed a U.S.-fired Tomahawk Missile costing $15 million was launched from the USS Spruance by Commanding Officer Leigh R. Tate and Executive Officer Jeffrey E. York. (Mr. Trump blamed Iran). The missile struck a school in the village of Minab, killing at least 175 children, at a cost of $85,714.29 per child. ...

High fuel prices require explanation

Somebody, anybody please explain why our country’s gasoline prices are so high? We are told by anyone and everyone in both political and media arenas that this country doesn’t need oil from anywhere else, especially the Mid-East oil producing nations. Here in Altoona, we have so many gasoline storage tanks taking up most of Canon Station that gas should be a dollar cheaper than anywhere else due to shipping savings. We are told that the USA is an oil exporter, yet we depend on world oil prices to affect us? We don’t allow world prices to affect eggs, apples, oranges, beer or for ...

Property tax bill was killed again

On March 23, Pennsylvania House Democrats killed property tax elimination — again. When Republican Rep. Mark Gillen offered an amendment to HB 1257 that would have begun eliminating property taxes, House Democrats used a procedural maneuver to declare it unconstitutional and avoid a straight up-or-down vote. The roll call tells the story: 99 Yeas, 100 Nays, split exactly along party lines. Rep. Solomon and every House Democrat voted to block it. When Rep. Jonathan Fritz rose to speak in favor of the amendment, the acting speaker cut him off mid-speech. This is not new. ...

Hard work appreciated

I’m sending many thanks to the parishioners of the five churches in Hollidaysburg who continue to host free “Soup Saturday” through the winter months. The fellowship at these Saturdays last all week as we go from one church to the next. Many friends meet and exchange news of their families and life happenings over a bowl of delicious hot soup prepared by loving hands. We really appreciate all your hard work and ecumenical service to all of us. Blessings on all who participated. Another example of how Hollidaysburg shines as a community of families and friends. Kudos to: St. ...

Counter-protesters not worth mentioning

In response to the Mirror article on the No Kings rally of March 28, let’s set the record straight. I was there — proudly exercising my First Amendment right. This was my third march, and each one has been deeply meaningful. The turnout was staggering. People showed up in force to stand against the rapid erosion of our democracy. The positively charged atmosphere was exactly what a healthy civic action should be: peaceful, informed, welcoming and energized. The handful of counter-protesters? Hardly worth the headline. Their intentions weren’t subtle — they pushed through the ...