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Letters to the Editor

The cost of freedom

Now that all the parades, fireworks and enjoying the Big Boy train that traveled throughout the country to celebrate the 250 years of the signing of the Declaration of Independence are over, I started to wonder how many wars we have endured since then in order to keep our nation a free country. I am ashamed that my history lesson was at a loss for me, so I took the time to search for that information and would like to share it with you. The wars included: The American Revolutionary War, The War of 1812, Indian wars, Mexican War, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World ...

Let Freedom Ring concert praised

I just wanted to give a shoutout to P&J Productions, Penn State Altoona, the City of Altoona and First Frontier of Blair County for a wonderful musical tribute, “Let Freedom Ring” on June 27 and June 28 at the PSU Altoona Misciagna Family Center. What an amazing showcase of local talent, from the singers to the young dancers, this patriotic performance was a wonderful lead in to the 4th of July weekend and a great tribute to our country and those who have served to protect it. Thank you for an amazing show! Karen Isenberg Altoona

Are lawmakers ignoring constituents?

TV daily news gives a snapshot of the day’s events and various commentators present their views. Some lean to the left and some to the right, and Fox News admits it presents opinion disguised as news. The Declaration of Independence starts with “we the people.” The people of the United States have often held opinions contrary to their government’s actions. Public demonstrations exerted pressure from “the people” which ended the Vietnam conflict. Locally, there have been two marches protesting the government’s reduction of Medicaid reimbursements for nursing homes. This ...

An attack on most vulnerable species

On July 10, the Trump administration finalized a rule that removes the longstanding regulatory definition of “harm” from the Endangered Species Act. This is the most monstrous attack ever on our nation’s most vulnerable species. For decades, that definition recognized that wildlife can be harmed not only through direct physical violence, but also when habitat destruction prevents animals from feeding, breeding, sheltering, or raising their young. Destroying an animal’s habitat is harm. Removing habitat destruction from the definition of harm will make it easier for reckless ...

What follows after Big Boy?

We collectively experienced something very profound — the arrival of Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” in “Railroad City.” I was heartened by the throngs of long-distance travelers who appreciate heritage we often take for granted. Activities reminded me of Conrail’s much beloved, but long dormant, Rail Fest, a staple of my youth before Norfolk Southern’s takeover. This past week, pilgrims, promoters and politicians ventured to Altoona for something akin to a spiritual journey. But what now? As a historian, I not only think about past patterns, but hypotheticals. The hard truth ...

Education can reduce sexual abuse risks

Education can reduce sexual abuse risks While it is commendable that PA Representatives Jim Rigby and Kyle Mullins are advocating for passage of legislation to properly fund centers that “heal” children from abuses, more focus is needed on prevention than making predators pay for the healing. Reacting to a crime doesn’t prevent it. A proactive approach requires open and honest age appropriate and individual readiness education about sex, human sexuality, relationship boundaries, privacy, intimacy reproduction, diseases etc. Bodily systems are not to be weaponized and children ...