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Opinion

Cry the beloved European elite?

Editorials

Nothing bothers the European elite as much as American conservatives praising the European foundations of their shared, but threatened, Western civilization. Europeans especially resent having their social-welfare state system critiqued by upstart, crass Americans. Their pique only increases as they push back against the condescending American idea that the U.S. could possibly offer any constructive advice, much less help a more civilized Europe follow the “American model.” Americans, in turn, are worried that Europe is not just stagnating but is on a trajectory of permanent ...

Budget’s size unmoored from reality

Editorials

We agree with one assessment of our state budget The Center Square reported on in Tuesday’s edition of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette: The cost of the new budget is too high. That view, expressed by the Commonwealth Foundation and other conservative organizations and officials, is grounded in simple realities. Pennsylvania has to compete for employers and for families — and in the past decade to two decades, too often comes up short to states with lower tax burdens. Pennsylvania also is confronted by the same reality found across America: the cost of health care continues to be a ...

Local resources offer support as families face rising hardships

Local Columns

With its many cultures, languages and traditions, the United States has long been considered a melting pot. As the holiday season approaches, perhaps it can be compared to a pot roast: each recipe has its own flavors, textures and ingredients, just as each community has its own ideals and beliefs. Still, most would agree that a few key ingredients — tolerance, acceptance and compassion — are essential. What is no secret, however, is how dramatically the economy has shifted since the pandemic. Many have watched friends, neighbors and strangers face one hardship after another. As ...

Praise given to handwritten Christmas cards

Editorials

We’ve all come to dread checking the mail. And not just when property taxes are due. Most of the year, the only post we get is bills, which are depressing, or advertisements, headed straight for the trash. Our mailboxes, once filled with interest and promise, have become a breeding ground for junk. Once a year, that changes. Yes, each day’s haul overflows with glossy printouts and holiday gift guides, but they’re also stuffed with photos and letters from friends and loved ones, a return to the joyful nostalgia of those days when the mail was our primary means of ...

Friends of the Library bag book sale dates set

Local Columns

The next Friends of the Library bag book sale is coming up. On Thursday, Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can fill a bag for $7 (bags provided at the door). Choose from books for all ages, DVDs, music CDs, magazines and puzzles. Gift baskets are also available for sale, sold separately. Only cash or check is accepted. The Friends have their book sale dates for the upcoming year. Mark your calendars. • Monday, March 23, 9 a.m. to noon (Friends members only) • Tuesday, March 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Wednesday, March 25, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Thursday, March 26, 9 a.m. to 7 ...

‘Tis the season to read some more books

Local Columns

Season’s “Readings” everyone. My wish for everybody is a holiday filled with books. If you are looking for a small way to help the Mifflin County Library this holiday season, there are three ways to do that. The first way to help MCL is to get a library card. You may not think that having a library card is a big deal, but it is. A library card opens a world of books to you, and sometimes right at your fingertips. With your library card, you can check out and take home any book in our collection. Along with that, your library card opens all of the books that we have in our ...