Pawlowski’s release from prison is right move
It was with interest that I read The Morning Call’s story concerning Ed Pawlowski’s upcoming release. Having worked in Allentown for 20 years, I remember the day he was sentenced. I am not surprised that Ed’s behavior provided him credits via the First Step Act. I understand he has been a very good role model and helped others with prayer and daily advice through the years. As I think about the many stories we read, where people convicted of many horrible things get sentenced to way less than 15 years and get released early. As this sentence was a harsh one, I do agree with Alan Jennings, former director of Community Action Lehigh Valley, that Ed is very knowledgeable and will be able to make very good contributions to his community in his next career. I hope he receives a “second chance” as he has certainly served enough time. I also wrote to former President Biden on Ed’s behalf, in an effort to help. I wish Ed a long-awaited happiness with his family as they all start a new chapter together. Onward.
— Linda Merkel, Hanover Township, Northampton County
Military force ineffective in foreign policy
The United State’s military actions against the Iranian regime follow a similar pattern in U.S. foreign policy of using force when diplomacy and sanctions are ineffective. However history shows that intervention hasn’t produced stability or democracy. Since the tragedy of Sept. 11, 2001, the United States has attempted to constantly reshape other regions by force. The invasion of Iraq created a vacuum that fueled sectarian violence and contributed to the rise of Islamic State group. Intervention in Libya removed an authoritarian but left the country fractured to be governed by militias. After two decades of fighting in Afghanistan, the Taliban returned to power. These examples show that weakening regimes through military force deepens instability in the country rather than resolving it. Our strikes against Iran follow a similar philosophy and only strengthen the regime. The triggering of a “rally around the flag” effect allows the regime to propagandize itself as defenders of national sovereignty against a foreign adversary. The United States must prioritize sustained economic pressure, diplomacy and support for internal reform. Long-term political results are more likely to come from within Iranian society than from foreign intervention.
— Cameron Blews, Macungie
After 47 years, time to end war with Iran
To all those opposed to President Trump’s attack on Iran’s military being the start of another “forever war,” I’d like to remind them that Iran has been at war with us and the rest of the world for the last 47 years. How about ending this forever war with a win?
— Robert Bruce Matthews, Lynn Township
Letters critical of Trump may reflect majority of public
I wonder if the folks questioning the few letters published in The Morning Call supporting President Trump and Rep. Mackenzie versus the many letters that do not have considered a plausible explanation for the imbalance? Recent polls indicate Trump’s public support is spiraling downward. It would be reasonable to assume the larger volume of negative letters reflect that reality. I believe The Morning Call does a great job of providing balance with both news and editorial content. Unfortunately that equity is under attack. Trump is openly weaponizing government agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Federal Communications Commission to stifle free speech and silence media outlets that disagree with him. Combine that with all of the recent sales and mergers of media companies. Some of these outlets are being purchased by oligarchs who support Trump’s authoritarian-like rule. Free speech is clearly under siege. Meanwhile Mackenzie continually bends a knee to Trump. He has not spoken out against Trump’s abuse of power, his attacks on the media, or any of the atrocities committed by ICE, proving time and again that Mackenzie is not up to the challenge of defending the Constitution.
— Michael Neetz Sr., Emmaus
Data centers will be bad for Lehigh Valley
I am a resident of Lower Mount Bethel Township, and I am concerned about the construction of data centers throughout our commonwealth and our country. Silicon Valley has become a powerful force, it’s true. But that doesn’t mean that artificial intelligence data centers have to be approved by every municipality they come to. AI threatens to put countless intellectuals out of work, dumb our kids down and make them lazy and dependent, and also enable government overreach, manipulation and privacy infringement the likes of which nobody in history has dealt with before. Not to mention the habitat destruction and noise/water pollution. Shame on the Lehigh Valley’s rich and powerful local developers for thinking they can steamroll over our small communities and our farmland (like they’ve done with warehouses in the past) in order to grub money from the technology bros out west. Let them build the data centers in their own backyards, if they want them so badly. Protect our future and refuse new data center construction in the Lehigh Valley.
— Genevieve Terpstra, Lower Mount Bethel Township
Documentary renews pride in America
I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Netflix documentary “Miracle — The Boys of ‘80,” the story of our U.S. hockey team that defeated Russia 45 years ago in the Olympics at Lake Placid, New York. It reminded me that intense pride in America is an emotion I’ve lost under President Trump’s presidency.
I can’t sing the national anthem in a public gathering any more. If I chose to fly the flag in front of my home, I’d feel compelled to unfurl Old Glory upside down because of the distress over the leadership we experience daily. The mere mention of America’s 250th birthday celebration turns my stomach. Trump has ruined that as well. Had someone suggested during our glorious 200th anniversary that July 4 festivities 50 years later would feature a mixed martial arts fight on the White House lawn, with the remnants of the East Wing as a backdrop, I would have refused to believe it could happen.
With that being said, I’m incredibly proud of everyday citizens who are speaking out and standing up daily to Trump’s administration. The people of Minnesota have given us a shining example to follow. They refused to capitulate and have achieved impressive results.
— Thomas M. Bradley, Emmaus
The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.