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Darkest days afoot in today's America
To the Editor:
A partial list – Our abortion rate in 2023 exceeded 1 million for the first time since 2012, a substantial rise even with the overturning of Roe v. Wade. All while one to two million waiting prospective parents seek infant adoption.
We withheld military support to our ally Israel, called for the removal of its leader in the middle of a war, and tried to dictate how the war was run.
The U. N. put Israel on a blacklist of countries and organizations that harm children in conflict zones.
Shortfalls in capacity and capability leave our military weaker today than at any point in the past 10 years while our enemies grow stronger. In addition, WOKE ideology has undermined our military readiness.
Open borders are causing historical alien deaths, fentanyl killing 100,000 Americans, women and children being sex trafficked, a 2600% rise in terrorist list apprehensions, and tens of millions of illegal immigrants. Terrorist attacks beyond belief executed across our nation are imminent.
China is buying land next to our military bases, flying spy balloons over our sensitive installations unobstructed, and has thousands of military men in our nation today.
The planned installation of $104 million of solar panels on the roof of the Pentagon and 31 other military installations with no stated requirement that the panels be made in America using American technology. A serious national security issue if they come from China!
FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has numerous detainment camps (estimated 800) throughout the United States. Some camps have been recently constructed and/or renovated and are fully staffed. The existence of the camps coupled with presidential executive orders giving the President and the Department of Homeland Security control over "national essential functions" in the event of a catastrophic emergency has resulted in concerns that the camps will be used to forcefully detain American citizens for unconstitutional purposes.
We are funding Russia's war against Ukraine. Analysts by Global Witness reveal that in the first nine months of 2023, the US imported 30 million barrels of fuel from Russia. "These purchases contributed an estimated $180M in 'direct tax revenue' to the Kremlin as it wages a brutal war on Ukraine."
Our Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) is seriously depleted. Politico - "Biden's administration sold off more than 40% of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve last year to help limit the 'rising fuel prices'.... CNBC, May 21, 2024 - "Biden to release 1 million barrels of gasoline (from Strategic Petroleum Reserves) to 'reduce prices at the pump' ahead of July 4."
Dec. 2023 consumers under Biden were seeing prices an average of 19% higher than Dec. 2019 under Trump. Homes/cars were unaffordable, and credit cards maxed out once again.
Typical Democrat leadership like Energy Department's nonbinary official Sam Brinton charged in 2 separate cases for stealing suitcases at U.S. airports but holds a 'high-level national security role'.
Aren't you tired of the downward spiral of our nation? Is anyone against making America great again? 2024 will be our last chance!
Arthur Keller
Beavertown
Put stop to unfair, unnecessary taxation
To the Editor:
Why are there so many unfair, unnecessary taxes in use by the government at the federal, state, and local levels? It's no big secret that the wealthy hate paying taxes so they lobby elected officials with money to pass unfair tax bills that require low-income and working-class taxpayers to unnecessarily pay higher taxes so the wealthy can pay less.
A good example of this is the federal and state tax on gasoline that pays for the roads. Most of the damage to the highways is done by the heavy corporate-owned trucks and most of the new highways are built to benefit the same vehicles. The Corporate Susquehanna Valley Truckway (CVST) is a local example.
Another example of tax reduction that benefits the wealthy is federal income tax rates. In the 1950s, the maximum tax rate on all kinds of income, including capital gains and dividends was 90%. In the 1980s, the tax on capital gains and dividends was no longer regular income and was taxed at a much lower rate. In addition, the tax on regular income was lowered to 28%, and the corporate tax rate was lowered significantly from 52%. Currently, that tax rate is 21%, and income from wages and salary (regular income) is taxed at 37%. Also, capital gains and dividends are taxed at much lower rates.
At the state level, one of the most unfair, unnecessary taxes is the sales tax, which hurts the poor. Another is the flat-rate income tax which hurts the low-income and working-class taxpayers, but both of these taxes benefit the wealthy taxpayers.
At the local level, the earned income tax affects the working-class taxpayers, but not the investment income (capital gains and dividends) of the wealthy. Per capita, and occupational taxes are unfair taxes too.
How long will this unfair taxation last? It is up to the voters to elect political leaders and local representatives who will work for them, not the wealthy and the corporations. In 1980 the national debt was less than $1 trillion, but now the national debt is over $34 trillion. What happened? Tax rates were reduced too much for the wealthy and the corporations and it did not help the economy at all!
David L. Faust
Support McCormick for safer future
To the Editor:
Dave McCormick's leadership during the global financial crisis as U.S. Treasury Under Secretary for International Affairs under George W. Bush showcased his ability to navigate complex challenges. His expertise in economics, finance, and global affairs uniquely positions him to address the multifaceted nature of national security crises.
With prior service in key roles on the National Security Council and in the Department of Commerce, McCormick has a proven commitment to safeguarding U.S. interests, demonstrating a deep understanding of domestic and international challenges.
In a constantly evolving threat landscape, McCormick's extensive experience is crucial. He has consistently shown dedication to national security, employing a strategic and measured approach to complex issues while upholding the integrity of military commitments.
Pennsylvania needs a senator who can adeptly navigate national security intricacies, and McCormick's background qualifies him for this task. His commitment to protecting the nation and collaborative problem-solving make him the ideal candidate to champion policies prioritizing citizen safety. I urge fellow Pennsylvanians to support Dave McCormick for a safer and more secure future.
Juanita Byler
McVeytown
Give compassion to all kinds
To the Editor:
I love Mifflin County and its residents. My husband and I have returned to this area twice in the last 60 years. However, I continue to be troubled by the disparities here as well as across the country. As we live and work in this community, I am reminded of the words of the late pastor, Tim Keller, as he quotes Reinhold Niebuhr in the book, Counterfeit Gods.
"Human beings have very little real control over their lives. Ninety-five percent of what sets the course of their lives is completely outside their control. This includes the century and place they are born in, who their parents and family are, their childhood environment, physical stature, genetically hardwired talents, and most of the circumstances that they find themselves in. In short, all we are and have is given to us by God. We are not infinite Creators, but finite, dependent creatures."
As I reflect on this quote, I am reminded of the words of Jesus Christ, "To whom much is given, much is required," and am struck with the need for compassion toward all people in today's world.
Gratefully,
R. Ann Kanagy
Make good-faith efforts in immigration issue
To the Editor:
I submit the following as my personal experience as it applies to the immigration issue and is in response to Juanita Byler's May 22 submission to "Readers' Opinions."
Her immigration status was undisclosed. I met "Isabel" (not her real name) when I signed up to become a volunteer tutor for an ESL student working to improve her English language skills. Isabel was focused and determined and displayed an unbroken resolve to take in every educational opportunity afforded her. Her desire to become a U.S. citizen was ever palpable. Through this tutoring program which was administered through TIU11 Adult Education, I had an opportunity to put a real face to the data I worked with every day in my regular job. I became vividly aware that Isabel desired citizenship in a country where she and her husband could raise their son and provide him with hope, dreams, and opportunities - NO more or NO less than the things I have desired for my children and grandchildren.
I don't pretend to have answers to the immigration issues. That's for minds larger than my own. I only urge good-faith effort, honest intention, and a serious willingness to compromise on both sides of the aisle as congressional leaders grapple with this ongoing issue. This personal and human interaction with Isabel was limited to a brief period in both of our lives, but it left an indelible imprint on my life in a positive way.
Sharon K. Byler
Belleville