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Opinion

Future of America a horrifying thought

Letters to the Editor

Think of the United States of America as that big, beautiful blimp, the Hindenburg airship in 1937, admired by everyone looking up to it everywhere it passed. The whole world admired the innovation and accomplishment it had come to represent. A spark ignited the gases that kept the big, beautiful blimp aloft and it was destroyed, along with more than half of the people aboard. The big ugly destructive Republican budget bill is like the spark that started the fire that destroyed the Hindenburg. The structure is consumed and no longer supports the lives of the people dependent on it. ...

Weather spikes cause concern for our future

Editorials

People here feel and express sorrow for those in this region and state, as well as those in other parts of the country and around the world, who increasingly seem to be beset with catastrophic weather events. Even in this region, which has experienced virtually nothing when compared with what others have experienced — destruction, injuries and deaths, thousands of people and families having been afflicted — many individuals and families here also have experienced difficult circumstances due to Mother Nature’s fury and ravages. While this region’s winter snow events are mild ...

Heros can be found in many places

Letters to the Editor

The Altoona High School class 1963 will celebrate their 80th birthdays on Aug. 2. The Friday before, a group of graduates will get together at Finelli’s Italian Villa. When I come home, I like to go to Finelli’s; it is so friendly and hospitable. Growing up I really didn’t know Frank Finelli since he is younger. He told me once that when he played football for Roosevelt the ’62 football team were his heroes. It never entered my mind that we were heroes. Looking back, I do remember that the older players at the high school were also my hero’s when I played for Roosevelt. ...

Deporting cheaper than Alligator Alcatraz

Letters to the Editor

Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t President Donald Trump run on deporting all illegal migrants “by the thousands?” If that was his agenda, why are we setting up places like Alligator Alcatraz? With the money used to open, and keep the migrants here, he could have deported them. That whole thing is a slap in the face of those who migrated here legally. Why spend all that money, time, and energy to keep them here? I truly believe our government, both sides of the aisle included, doesn’t have enough brain power to tie their own shoes, starting with the White House down ...

Tariff consequences and solutions

Opinion

At World War II’s end, the USA initiated policies to rehabilitate the devastated economies of Europe and Japan by reducing or eliminating tariffs on imports from those countries. Over the ensuing 80 years, the economies of those countries rehabilitated themselves. During that same period, those countries also instituted policies to discourage exports from the USA. Consequently today, the US faces trade barriers when we export, but allows almost unfettered access to the US consumer via imports. Taken together, these policies create an annual trade deficit in excess of $1.2 ...

Community support makes Altoona special

Letters to the Editor

On behalf of the Blair Regional YMCA Race Team, we want to express our gratitude for the incredible community support of the 52nd running of the Angie Gioiosa Memorial 4th of July Race. Your enthusiasm, encouragement and kindness created a truly special atmosphere for the runners, walkers, volunteers and spectators. From cheering on participants to offering helping hands, hoses and smiles, your support played a vital role in the success of the event. We are especially grateful to local residents, businesses, public safety officials, sponsors and volunteers who went above and beyond ...