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‘Abundance’ is abundantly confused

The hot-selling book “Abundance” is written by liberals who bash liberals, or more precisely, try to make them feel guilty. Sure, authors Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson shed some blame on conservatives for why America doesn’t build as easily as it used to. But it’s those liberals in expensive cities, the authors insist, who are callously driving less-than-rich families to move elsewhere. Klein and Thompson argue that Democrat-run “superstar” cities have failed to provide enough affordable housing because of all their building rules and regulations and pesky zoning ...

Pass ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ then do major reforms

As Senate Republicans turn the One Big Beautiful Bill, passed by one vote in the House, into a major taffy pull, two questions hover in the background. Where is our country headed? Will Republicans retain their razor-thin margins in the House and Senate in 2026? Satisfaction regarding the direction of the country has improved markedly since President Donald Trump took office. In December 2024, per Gallup, 19 percent said they were satisfied. At the beginning of May, this stood at 38 percent. This is the highest satisfaction percent since February 2020, during Trump’s first term, ...

Why Father’s Day still matters

It’s easy to take Father’s Day for granted. The third Sunday in June appears on calendars, marked by backyard grills and last-minute cards, but too often, the day slips by with little more than a quick phone call or a tie wrapped in paper. In a world that moves fast and prizes the new, Father’s Day offers a pause — a reminder that some of life’s most important roles are lived quietly every day and often without thanks. Father’s Day is more than a calendar formality. It’s a day set aside to recognize the men who give shape and steady hands to families and communities. In ...

Civics should be required reading

It’s low-hanging comedic fruit, ripe for the picking by late-night television talk show hosts. Folks out shopping or strolling a city street are stopped at random and quizzed on their knowledge of civics, democracy and American history. An excerpt from an actual interview: Question: “What country did we fight in the Revolutionary War?” Answer: (Long pause) “France!” Question: “What did the Emancipation Proclamation do?” Answer: (After mispronouncing “Emancipation Proclamation”): “I don’t know.” Question: “You’ve heard of it?” Answer: “I have ...

Debate on marijuana needs to be its own merits

A column in last week’s Chamber Connection, published in the Wednesday editions of the Sun-Gazette, by Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jason Fink raises a number of excellent questions about the resurfaced push to legalize recreational marijauna in Pennsylvania. Will employers be able to find staff that ensures safe workplaces — particularly when machinery and heavy equipment are used? As one of the last states in the Northeastern U.S. to not legalize recreational marijuana, would it make more sense for Pennsylvania leaders to recruit industries and ...

Cellphone law could be tougher

The expression “time flies” is familiar to most people. However, time cannot “fly” fast enough regarding Pennsylvania’s new handheld-cellphone ban for individuals operating motor vehicles on commonwealth roadways. Until the full teeth of the law replaces the wishy-washy provisions currently in place, innocent drivers or vehicle passengers could die or be maimed — just because only a warning will be issued now, rather than a monetary penalty from violators’ wallets or pocketbooks. The possibility of a fine, rather than a warning, could deter some drivers from risking ...