Opinion category, Page 239
Letter to the editor: Pittsburgh diocese could have saved St. Lad’s
What a difference in two dioceses. The Diocese of Greensburg rebuilds churches; we wreck them (“120-year-old St. Ladislaus church is coming down in Natrona,” Sept. 1, TribLIVE). The Diocese of Pittsburgh could learn a lesson. They have grown woke to St. Ladislaus Catholic Church’s beauty, its history, its popularity. It...
Jonah Goldberg: Israel and Ukraine? Americans should remember it’s the same war on two fronts
In normal times domestic political fights over foreign policy breakdown more or less along a conventional left-right divide. These are not normal times. The right is largely united around the need to support Israel in its war with Hamas, but increasingly divided about backing Ukraine in its war with Russia....
Letter to the editor: Parents should get kids in school
If kids won’t go to school here in Pennsylvania, aren’t the parents responsible, under the law, for getting them there? I sort of remember, when I was little, my mom telling me that if I didn’t go to school and played hooky instead that the police would come and arrest...
Letter to the editor: Petrush qualified to be judge
When electing a judge, experience and qualifications matter. Judith Petrush has both. I have been a practicing attorney in Westmoreland County for more than 50 years. During that time, I have sat across the courtroom from many prosecutors in both federal and state courts. Some of them stand out as...
Editorial: Ghost poles bill would exorcise utility danger
Utility poles make so many things possible. The National Electrical Safety Code says the standard height of the poles is 35 feet. They serve as the intersections for the utilities supporting modern life. They can carry various kinds of electrical lines, from the highest powered transmission lines to industrial lines...
Letter to the editor: Blame our bad news on the ‘swamp’
Recent news headlines: “Surges of violent crime cripple American cities.” “Gangs of young people destroy retail stores.” “Food and gas prices hit record levels.” “Over 60% of Americans now live paycheck to paycheck.” “Bidenomics takes 2.1 trillion from American 401(k)s.” “NewYork hospitals overflow with illegal immigrants.” “Fentanyl smuggled from Mexican...
Elwood Watson: The pull of racism in America
More than a century ago in 1900, Black intellectual extraordinaire W.E.B. Du Bois stated the problem of the 20th century would be the problem of the color line. He was right on target. This prophetic message remains relevant today in the 21st century. If the past several years have taught...
John M. Crisp: We’ve always known how to create good public schools
Let’s talk about school choice. But first consider this old saw: “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the government and I’m here to help.’” President Ronald Reagan popularized this expression in 1986. I first heard it at a graduation ceremony in the late 1980s,...
Letter to the editor: Don’t need TV to know which president was better
The news media sure can twist stories around to fit their politics. I wish they would just report the news. If you watch one channel, they try to make you hate President Trump. If you watch another channel, they try to make you hate President Biden. I watch all the...
Letter to the editor: Support Yakopec, our full-time judge
As we approach this November’s election, I write in support of District Judge Cheryl Peck Yakopec. She has been working full time her entire career. She does not get sidetracked or distracted with a private law practice, side hustle jobs or planning special interest events, either. Not only can she...
Editorial: Can courthouse be the anchor store for Downtown Greensburg?
In a mall, the little shops that dotted the wide corridors made the experience entertaining for many. The trip might not have seemed complete without a pretzel from a kiosk or browsing the cheap costume jewelry at a spot where you could also get your ears pierced. But the big...
Letter to the editor: Fracking needs to stop
University of Pittsburgh researchers recently found that children living within a mile of a fracked well had 5 to 7 times the chance of developing lymphoma; within 10 miles were 4 to 5 times more likely to experience severe asthma attacks; and babies had lower birth weights. Other studies indicate...
Tom Purcell: Hoping for a happier autumn
Autumn is upon us, but it is making me a little bit sad this year. I have always loved autumn. I love the brilliant colors, the chilly air and the smell of oak burning in a fire pit. Whereas spring is about new life and fresh starts, and summer about...
Michael A. Hellman: Equality delayed is equality denied
In a proud moment on May 2, Pennsylvania House legislators passed House Bill 300, The Fairness Act, to extend protections for all Pennsylvanians against discrimination because of “race, color, religious creed, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age or national origin by employers, employment agencies, labor organizations and...
Bobby Ghosh: No, Palestinians can’t just leave Gaza
Why don’t they just leave? As Israel’s furious retaliation for last weekend’s Hamas attack devastates large swaths of the Gaza strip, killing hundreds and maiming thousands of Palestinians, it is not unreasonable to wonder why the 2.3 million civilians living in the tiny enclave don’t flee to safer ground. The...
Letter to the editor: Orenstein’s knowledge
Regarding the letter “Orenstein’s priorities” (Oct. 1, TribLIVE) about District Judge Xander Orenstein’s handling of Yan Carlos Pichardo Cepeda, an accused fentanyl dealer: On the contrary, clearly Orenstein does not know what they are doing. Based upon reporting, Pichardo Cepeda was to be released with an electronic monitor. Again, based...
Letter to the editor: Karaica excellent choice for district judge
In a few short weeks, you will get to choose the next district judge for Magisterial District 05-3-03, which includes Cheswick Borough, Frazer Township, Harmar Township, Springdale Borough and Springdale Township. I believe your best choice for District Judge is Mitchell Karaica. Since the primary, Karaica has completed the certifying...
Editorial: Is there a bad guy in PNC Bank layoffs?
Layoffs are an unfortunate reality of doing business. They happen for lots of reasons. They may be due to cash flow problems. They might stem from the seasonal nature of an industry. Sometimes they are just about trying to trim the fat as close to the bone as possible to...
Letter to the editor: A look at views, stances of Hamas
They believe God gave them the right to own and bear weapons like assault rifles. They don’t recognize any rights for the LGBTQ community. They banned drag queen shows and believe transgenderism is a mental disease that needs to be eradicated. They believe the government should be built on a...
Editorial cartoons for the week of Oct. 16
Editorial cartoons for the week of Oct. 16....
Mallard Fillmore cartoons for the week of Oct. 16
Mallard Fillmore cartoons for the week of Oct. 16....
Letter to the editor: Plastic bag ban another ‘show’ by Pittsburgh leaders
Regarding the article “Pittsburgh businesses, shoppers prepare for plastic bag ban” (Oct. 9, TribLIVE): Sales of plastic garbage bags have skyrocketed after bans on plastic shopping bags in every case. Paper bags have a higher carbon footprint than plastic. This information is available everywhere. All you have to do is...
Letter to the editor: We must all stand against bullying
Regarding the editorial “Change the language of bullying” (Sept. 24, TribLIVE): The Bureau of Justice Statistics Report highlighting the growing number of young people targeted at the hands of those who inflict hurt and pain is immensely troublesome. Bullying diminishes one’s spirit; it makes a child feel they are less...
Editorial: PennWest has an identity crisis
On Monday, enrollment data for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools — the ones with that “(insert name here) University of Pennsylvania” tag — was released. The numbers aren’t great; but, unsurprisingly, there is always room to spin them depending on how you choose to look. Across the...
Letter to the editor: Poland’s ‘Liberum veto’ in action here
I know most people find history boring. Please indulge me. In the 1700s, Poland was ruled by a king and a parliament made up the country’s largest landowners. The parliament operated under the “liberum veto.” Any member of the Polish parliament could single-handedly veto any piece of legislation. Sound familiar?...
