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Opinion

War with Iran costly in lives and money

Letters to the Editor

Do the math. Whether you consider Mr. Trump’s war stupid may depend on how you vote, but there’s no denying it is insanely, inhumanely, expensive. According to The Guardian, the Times of India and other reputable international news sources, a geolocated video Feb. 28 confirmed a U.S.-fired Tomahawk Missile costing $15 million was launched from the USS Spruance by Commanding Officer Leigh R. Tate and Executive Officer Jeffrey E. York. (Mr. Trump blamed Iran). The missile struck a school in the village of Minab, killing at least 175 children, at a cost of $85,714.29 per child. ...

High fuel prices require explanation

Letters to the Editor

Somebody, anybody please explain why our country’s gasoline prices are so high? We are told by anyone and everyone in both political and media arenas that this country doesn’t need oil from anywhere else, especially the Mid-East oil producing nations. Here in Altoona, we have so many gasoline storage tanks taking up most of Canon Station that gas should be a dollar cheaper than anywhere else due to shipping savings. We are told that the USA is an oil exporter, yet we depend on world oil prices to affect us? We don’t allow world prices to affect eggs, apples, oranges, beer or for ...

County must ensure CYF stays strong

Editorials

The Blair County commissioners are justified in breathing a sigh of relief these days that their efforts on behalf of the county’s Children, Youth & Families department have paid off. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services has restored the full operating license of the Blair agency following nearly four years of intense local anxiety over the ultimate fate of CYF and its vital mission. Going forward, the challenge will be to ensure that CYF does not return to the problem existence within which it had languished for so long. Accomplishing that will necessitate close scrutiny ...

Address crime, not 2nd Amendment

Opinion

It’s time to put the debate over the 2nd Amendment to bed once and for all. I will cite two historical incidents in its support. The first is from our recent history and the second involves a recent foreign nation’s historical event. First, the 2nd Amendment is the principal reason Japan did not invade mainland USA to open WWII. The Emperor and Japan’s military wanted to, but were persuaded by Admiral Yamamoto not to. Instead, Japan adopted the “island hopping strategy” and attacked the U.S. Navy base in Hawaii. Yamamoto predicted this strategy would also likely fail. ...

Property tax bill was killed again

Letters to the Editor

On March 23, Pennsylvania House Democrats killed property tax elimination — again. When Republican Rep. Mark Gillen offered an amendment to HB 1257 that would have begun eliminating property taxes, House Democrats used a procedural maneuver to declare it unconstitutional and avoid a straight up-or-down vote. The roll call tells the story: 99 Yeas, 100 Nays, split exactly along party lines. Rep. Solomon and every House Democrat voted to block it. When Rep. Jonathan Fritz rose to speak in favor of the amendment, the acting speaker cut him off mid-speech. This is not new. ...

Hard work appreciated

Letters to the Editor

I’m sending many thanks to the parishioners of the five churches in Hollidaysburg who continue to host free “Soup Saturday” through the winter months. The fellowship at these Saturdays last all week as we go from one church to the next. Many friends meet and exchange news of their families and life happenings over a bowl of delicious hot soup prepared by loving hands. We really appreciate all your hard work and ecumenical service to all of us. Blessings on all who participated. Another example of how Hollidaysburg shines as a community of families and friends. Kudos to: St. ...