Big Oil making a fool of us

February 6, 2026

Fool me once. … The oldest among us remember how Big Tobacco firms paid Think Tanks and pricey PR firms to convince our parents that smoking was safe, cool and even healthy. Fool me twice. … Now as we learn Big Oil companies have been hiring the very same PR firms and disgraced scientists for years to convince us that fossil fuels are The American Way, literally wrapping our American flag around a dirty oil can. We see the roots of this love affair. It’s been very expensive to get the public to reject clean energy. After all, we have to give up a stable economy, predictable ...

Kennedy Center should remain as-is

February 5, 2026

It nauseates me to mention the Kennedys and Trumps in the same sentence — as they are polar opposites in every way. A sycophantic, hand-picked board of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts voted illegally to add the name of Donald Trump to the memorial for our slain 35th president. The Kennedys (except RFK Jr.) lived the phrase “... ask what you can do for your country.” Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy’s family gave three sons in service to the United States. Joe Jr., a Navy pilot, was killed in Europe flying a bombing mission during WWII. JFK, a Navy Lieutenant, ...

City ordinance would add costs, delays

February 4, 2026

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the city ordinance passed last week by the Altoona City Council regarding the new licensing program for halfway/recovery and institutionalized facilities. While the goal of “safety” is a sentiment we all share, this ordinance creates a redundant and overbearing layer of bureaucracy that threatens to stifle vital services. The city must recognize that these facilities are already among the most heavily regulated buildings in the commonwealth. Providers are required to meet the standards of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and ...

US will be facing lasting damage

February 3, 2026

Trump voters were warned the Republican administration held malevolent designs on America. But hope for lower prices, safer streets by deporting criminals and decreased foreign military involvement gained their vote. Tariff taxes on Americans fuels inflation. Masked agents roaming America terrorize citizens. Court orders protecting civil rights are ignored. An innocent Minnesota mother was summarily executed. American health care funds were slashed. U.S. forces are entangled in Israel’s wars. War crimes steal Venezuelan oil. Planned attack against Greenland leads NATO allies to ...

Letters show you care about country

January 30, 2026

The news lately, especially the last year, has been enough to make our heads spin about. I’ve heard of speed reading, but we may need lessons on speed listening to keep up with the sound bites. Of course, some people don’t pay much attention to it and that’s their right; a right that they’re wasting. So many things happening in Washington haven’t happened before or for a long time. That’s why I’m asking people to write to the editor of your local newspaper when you read something that bothers you and after it’s written, hit print and send it to your congressperson. The ...

Local SSA angels deserve praise

January 29, 2026

On Monday, Jan. 12, I had an appointment at the Altoona Social Security Administration office. While awaiting my appointment time, a loud, uncooperative man continued to verbally disrespect the female SSA representative. I noticed the security guard as he kept “one eye” on the loud subject. After 30 minutes of “back and forth” disagreement, the man walked out loudly swearing. Yes, these are the Federal employees placed on furlough for 45 days while their paychecks were being held back. Thank you “rank and file” SSA Patriots. Stephen Timothy Hanczar Tyrone