Opinion category, Page 443
Gary Franks: Liberal Democrats enter the new year cranky
Is it just me or do others feel that liberal Democrats are cranky, maybe even angry? Ironically, they’re cranky not because of the large number of covid deaths in 2021, high inflation, the border crisis, crime in our cities, challenges from Russia and China, or the botched Afghanistan departure. They’re...
Cal Thomas: Let’s out the men in Maxwell-Epstein case
The conviction of Ghislaine Maxwell on five of six charges of recruiting and grooming teenage girls for sexual encounters with disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein is not and should not be the end of the story. While Maxwell has been held accountable for her actions, the men who engaged in these...
Letter to the editor: Extremists on the Democratic side
It’s become a cliche for pundits to complain that extremists from both parties are causing the gridlock in today’s politics. But is that really true? Let’s look at the Democrats first. They have indeed become an extreme left party with socialists driving their agenda. The Democrats are pushing radical policies...
Editorial: Bradford pears show how government policies can stink
Bradford pear trees are beautiful. They are delicate, with slim trunks and plentiful branches. Their flowers are a blizzard of snowflake blossoms. Their glossy dark green leaves turn to warm jewel tones in cold weather. But when it comes down to it, they stink — in more ways than one....
Letter to the editor: Don’t forget Republicans’ cowardice
The next few weeks may tell the future of the U.S., and whether our democracy will survive. First, we’ll have the anniversary of Jan. 6, one of the darkest days in our history. We already know Donald Trump will hold a press conference to double down on his lies. Then...
Tom Purcell: We’ve got our eyes on you, 2022!
Hello, 2022. We hope you’re not expecting to get the honeymoon treatment that most New Years have gotten throughout history. You see, 2022, most of us are very cranky here in the USA and we have our eyes on you. It’s nothing personal, 2022. It’s just that our hopes for...
Sam DeMarco: Pittsburgh Public Schools tax increase was not necessary
Once again, Pittsburgh’s pandemic-strapped taxpayers are being asked to pony up more of their household incomes to close a purported $5.3 million shortfall, even as the Pittsburgh Public Schools Board sits on more than $145 million in surplus dollars tucked away in a “reserve” fund. That’s right. Pittsburgh Public Schools...
Letter to the editor: Penn State rewards mediocrity
Penn State rewards mediocrity, giving football coach James Franklin, a 10-year, $75 million contract. Here is a resume of his accomplishments: One Big Ten title, and that was 2016, when he had the best running back in the country; 2 wins, 13 losses against top 10 opponents; defeated Ohio State...
Editorial: New laws show common sense
In 2022, Pennsylvania has a number of new laws going into effect. Some are in response to calls for change from industry. Some are in response to gaps in service. Some are just blatant necessity. What is refreshing is the number of things that reflect cooperation from a body of...
Letter to the editor: Trump compromises Republican Party
A Trump supporter outraged by S.E. Cupp’s “bitter diatribes” (“Why run S.E. Cupp’s bitter diatribes?”? That’s awfully rich, considering that since 2016, King Donald and his court jester Tucker Carlson have engaged in nothing but over-the-top, bitter, outraged rants. Same thing, except Cupp’s “diatribes” are more elegant, nuanced and intellectual...
Editorial cartoons for the week of Jan. 3
Editorial cartoons for the week of Jan. 3....
Mallard Fillmore cartoons for the week of Jan. 3
Mallard Fillmore cartoons for the week of Jan. 3....
Lynn Schmidt: Liz Cheney stands firmly in defending democracy
Imagine being a leader exiled to an island with only one other person. Now imagine that instead of shrinking under the wound of political isolation, you become stronger. Courage somehow thrives in this seclusion. Truth, honor and integrity build the foundation of a lighthouse that becomes a beacon of leadership....
Robert Koehler: Poisoning ourselves with war
War spews hell in all directions. Just ask the guys at Talon Anvil, a secret U.S. “strike cell” recently exposed by the New York Times as a unit with a reputation for ignoring the rules of engagement and killing lots and lots of civilians with drone strikes as it plays...
Letter to the editor: Coverage shows positive changes in Jeannette
I would like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Tribune- Review, especially reporter Renatta Signorini, and also WPXI, on the great coverage of our wonderful city. Without the coverage, the public would not be aware of all the positive changes in our town. Believe me, your positive coverage...
Letter to the editor: Wage disparity and wealth inequality
The article, “Penn State names 1st woman university president” (Dec. 9, TribLIVE) illustrates how wage disparity contributes to our wealth inequality. The salaries for college instructors vary widely. A tenured full professor’s salary averages around $150,000 a year, while associate and assistant professors make less than two-thirds of that figure....
Editorial: Legislating requires thinking several moves ahead
Chess is a game that demands more than just following the rules. To master its art, a player has to develop the ability to look beyond the move being made to the next step and the next and the next. To see how this move affects what happens down the...
Letter to the editor: Government must fund metal detectors in all schools
It is long overdue that a bipartisan Washington funds metal detectors for all our schools. The killings/injuries in our schools must stop. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are 130,930 K-12 schools in the United States. The average recommended metal detector is $5,000; this equates to about...
Terry Wilcox: AARP’s drug pricing conflict of interest
AARP is the nation’s biggest and most influential advocacy group for seniors. It has about 38 million members — more than 11% of the U.S. population. From lobbying for better conditions in nursing homes to getting travel discounts for members, the organization has done much to help retired people over...
Peter Morici: Fixing Biden’s China policy
China’s global ambitions pose an existential threat to Western democracy, prosperity and security, but the Biden administration, preoccupied with domestic economic renewal and social justice, has not articulated a comprehensive policy. Cooperation on climate change could materialize, but the consequences for economic competition — fundamentally the trade and investment relationship...
Joseph Sabino Mistick: Resolutions big and small
On New Year’s Day in 1773, Anglican priest John Newton used one of his poems to illustrate a point in his sermon, and when those words were later set to music by American composer William Walker in 1835, it became the hymn that we now know as “Amazing Grace.” Newton’s...
Sounding off: Laws protect us from religious subjugation
We are one nation under the Constitution of the U.S. created in 1787 by representatives of “We, the people.” The Founders also incorporated a Bill of Rights in 1791 to protect individual rights and liberties, and citizen independence protected by freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, religious liberty and freedom of...
Stephen Carter: What to expect from the world in 2022
December’s end is when we reflect on what we hope to improve in the year to come … and also the time for my annual predictions of news headlines for the next 12 months. Usually I begin by evaluating last year’s predictions, but this year only one bears mention: For...
Nathan Benefield: Gerrymandering won’t save unpopular candidates
With state and congressional redistricting underway in Harrisburg, many politicians have blamed “partisan gerrymandering” for past election losses. But this is another instance when the conventional wisdom gets it wrong. Redistricting-watchers fearing an electoral apocalypse and those hoping for a clear path to victory need a healthy dose of reality....
Letter to the editor: Could John Peck’s behavior be factor in his loss?
You reported that an apparently disgruntled John Peck, who was defeated by Nicole Ziccarelli in his reelection bid to continue as Westmoreland County district attorney, has, according to Ziccarelli, “so far refused to cooperate with the transition” (“Westmoreland County DA-elect Nicole Ziccarelli says transition team not getting cooperation from predecessor,”...
