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Letters to the Editor

Officials must stand up for truth, justice

It’s time for accuracy, not lies. Let’s get the record straight. Alexi Pretti was not a domestic terrorist as some Trump supporters claim. Once again the Trump administration is spreading inaccurate information and lies about Pretti and his intent. He was a nurse and citizen who was only recording the ICE brutality that existed in Minneapolis and helping a lady who was being unfairly attacked by ICE. None of the lies being spewed by the Trump administration are accurate. Video and witness accounts verify that account. When are we as sane law-abiding citizens going to hold this ...

Verobish right fit for 79th District

The Blair County 2nd Amendment Coalition has endorsed candidate Andrea Verobish for the 79th District Pennsylvania House of Representatives. She is a staunch supporter of our U.S. Constitution and our 2nd Amendment Rights. Blair County 2nd Amendment Coalition works closely with GOA-Pennsylvania Dr. Val Finnell and Suk Finnell, Gun Owners of America, a renowned national gun owners organization that has also endorsed Verobish. We believe she is the right candidate who will stand united with “We the People” to uphold our values and principles, who will fight for our freedoms as well as ...

What causes decline in students’ performance?

In my opinion, the recent decline in students’ performance is mainly driven by two developments: 1. More screen time This includes smart phone usage, social media, technology in classroom and AI in education. Today, students rarely need to struggle in learning. Whatever they want, whenever they need, it is delivered to them by their digital personal assistant. They receive large quantities of information without developing knowledge and skills. But human cognition is not designed for this. Productive struggle and “headache” accompany deep thinking is an essential part of ...

The age of not so happy times

Not long ago, a Charlie Kirk comment could cost your job or land you in jail. But Rob and Michele Reiner’s killing is TDS and acceptable. They were deranged. Did you read Reiner’s Kirk comments? For 15 years, Republicans and Trump have promised a new health care plan. And now it’s finally here. ACA subsidies are eliminated and SNAP is cut to the bone. Millions will lose health care. Republicans’ core value: life should be hard and cruel. John Joyce voted for this. Will he meet with these constituents? Tell these working people why? Democrats put forward a War Powers Act to ...

Appreciation missing in the UK

A recent trip to London included a highly recommended day at the British War Museum. While the facility was incredibly impressive and well done, the WWI and WWII displays shockingly offered very little appreciation to American intervention. If one didn’t know any better, you have been led to believe that the Brits won both wars without much assistance. It also was the off the record comments in other European countries that unless Trump-like immigration response takes place soon, the continent’s cultures will someday cease to exist. Mike Miller Altoona

Grateful for the caregivers

The weather outside has been bitterly cold lately, so I decided it was a good time to clean out papers that I needed to trash. As I sat in my kitchen, I could see the pure white snow covering the ground. The birds are surrounding the fresh seed I put in their feeder. Returning to the papers, I found a journal I had forgotten about so of course, I couldn’t help but neglect the old papers and started reading. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the stories I had written about my children, grandchildren and the family fun we had. I totally was thankful I had jotted these ...