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Letters to the Editor

City ordinance would add costs, delays

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

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

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

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

Support urged for House Bill 1957

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed HB 1957, a joint resolution that would begin the constitutional amendment process to protect reproductive rights in the Pennsylvania Constitution. The next step is for the resolution to be passed in identical form by the Pennsylvania Senate. I call on all elected officials, especially Judy Ward, to set aside personal, moral or religious beliefs when voting on this measure. This resolution does not impose policy; it simply allows the people of Pennsylvania to decide the issue directly through a popular vote. Voting against this ...

America a challenge to ‘might makes right’

Donald Trump would have us believe that the “real” world is one governed by strength, power and force. A world where “might makes right.” A world where America can threaten, coerce or attack anyone anywhere to serve its perceived interests. Indeed, “might makes right” was the governing standard for human civilization throughout most of history. Power and strength ruled. The few at the top prospered. Life for everyone else was miserable. That is, until that paradigm was challenged 250 years ago … when America’s founding fathers charted an alternate course. Unwilling ...