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Letters to the Editor

Is a police state coming?

I was recently in Egypt to see the antiquities. I was shocked at the obvious police presence. There were military men in white, police in fatigues and uniforms and armed men in suits always present and accompanying us when we ventured off the bus or ship. Very unsettling. Here you see the state trooper or the local cop infrequently and feel no threat. They are generally known, local people. I am horrified to see that changing. Not yet here in rural, central Pennsylvania, but troops are being sent to cities and armed military and ICE and masked unknowns are roaming the streets with ...

Gerrymandering is elephant In the room

Gerrymandering like an elephant in the room needs to be removed from the Pennsylvania Legislature. But, to do so will take the grit and might of Pennsylvania’s citizens to get the job done. House Bill 31 and Senate Bill 131 have been in each chamber’s State Government committees and need cosponsors to bring them out for a vote. Ending Gerrymandering in PA is a multistep process requiring amendment to the PA Constitution that will provide by law for an Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission. Such a commission through scrupulous structuring for balance, transparency ...

We also have the right to speak out

I applaud Pastor John Leatherman for his Letter to the Editor in regard to the recent murders of the insurance executive and Charlie Kirk. I have been waiting for someone to express an opinion on these murders. What is going on with our legal system when we allow people to minimize murders? Murder is against the laws of man and God. I — and I am sure many others — would like to reiterate Pastor Leatherman’s statement, “you have no legal right to murder someone just because you disagree with them and you have no moral right to celebrate their murder.” When are the people ...

Bigelow-Cherry good choice for MDJ

I have known Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry professionally through our work with families involved in the Blair County Court System. The cases that she handles are the most difficult, heartbreaking cases, and Suzanne handles them with ease. She has a great wealth of knowledge and advocacy. She is not only able to articulate a legal position, but she inspires families to be the best they can be. She has earned the respect of others in our profession due to her high level of professionalism, is an inspiration to others, and would make a great Magisterial District Judge. I hope on Nov. 4 ...

Fans’ treatment of coach upsetting

As a longtime avid PSU football fan, I am severely disappointed. I am appalled and deeply concerned by the consciousness and behavior I saw of students toward James Franklin as he walked off the field with his family. Franklin had to stop and separate his family from him while walking into the tunnel. He ushered them ahead of him so they would not receive abusive and degrading treatment walking with him. Current events in the country and world are legitimately depressing, but this behavior is sad and sickening in a different way. It is truly frightening, and portends poorly for ...

Bigelow-Cherry has always been prepared

As a practicing Blair County attorney for more than four decades, I have frequently worked professionally with Suzanne Bigelow-Cherry, including our work as team members on the Blair County Family Drug Court. Members from the legal community were selected by Judge Timothy Sullivan and served on the court without compensation. Family Drug Court focused on issues of mental health, drug addiction, trauma, domestic violence, abuse and neglect, all with the goal to remedy those issues, reunite families and prevent further involvement with the various court systems. In my professional ...