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Letters to the Editor

Cove teacher was within her rights

Janelle Parker, a teacher at Spring Cove School District, recently expressed her First Amendment Right of Free Speech on Facebook about Charlie Kirk and his murder. She also expressed her opinion of Donald Trump in a negative manner, which is also covered under the First Amendment. Her First Amendment speech was quickly responded to by angry comments and a demand for her to be fired at a school board meeting. These people were also expressing their First Amendment rights while demanding that Ms. Parker be denied hers and she be punished for using her rights of free speech. ...

Saint Charlie? You’re kidding

The assassination of Charlie Kirk was a truly disturbing event. Kash Patel’s militaristic reference to “the watch” and “Valhalla,” however, was exquisitely alarming. Further, the military honor guard for Kirk’s casket was bewilderingly offensive, as he had no military/governing right to the honor. Is the honor guard meant to indicate MAGA/presidential validation of the ethno­theocratic movement Kirk promoted? The Nazi and neo-Nazi movements glorify and mythologize racial and religious purity/conflict. How can we perceive Patel’s reference other than as a call ...

UPMC experience was reassuring

I was admitted to UPMC Emergency Department on Sept. 3, 2025. I was greeted by the most awesome nurse that had my confidence immediately. I was in so much pain and had many other symptoms. I was moaning and my nurse kept saying “you’re all right” no matter what I did. This was so comforting and my body was not cooperating with what he needed for my treatment. If you go to UPMC, Altoona Emergency Medicine, it will be all right. Dorothy Lansberry Hollidaysburg

Microsoft action leads to questions

Microsoft’s actions appear to indicate that they are in bed with computer and chip manufacturers to force consumers to buy new computers. Windows 10 support officially ends on Oct. 14, 2025; however, for a price, they are offering extended security updates for up to three years, but only if you have enterprise pro in commercial use or education. In other words, if you are the average home user and your computer may even meet all of the Windows 11 requirements, but your chip is not supported, go buy a new computer or risk using unsecured technology. That is my situation. ...

Denial of free speech cannot be tolerated

It could be argued that being a school board member is one of the most important positions in the country. The future of our nation rests within our schools and the boards have controlling power over those futures. At the very least, the boards should provide guidance that fosters adherence to democratic principles, yet we have board members and board candidates who actively spurn the First Amendment, which guarantees free speech. The shame should be placed on free speech deniers, not those who exercise that speech. Ironically, in the local example of free speech denial, the ...

Trump supporters follow company line

Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in Utah. This is a tragic thing to happen, but this is the America we live in today. After the shooting, President Donald Trump came out immediately, blaming far left violent Democrats. If you do violent acts supporting Trump, he praises those who do these violent acts. Trump said the January 6 rioters, who tried to overthrow the government, damaged our Capitol, wanted to hang Mike Pense, injured and caused the death of police officers were peaceful protesters, were in no way violent and were true Americans. Trumpers and Magas agree with what ...