Peaceful protest is important in democracy

In June I wrote a letter to the editor in which I called out Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s misrepresentation of events during the No Kings Protest near his office.

Another No Kings Protest is happening this Saturday. Mike Johnson, the speaker of the House, is characterizing those planning to attend as haters of America.

I am asking my congressman to make a public statement that Speaker Johnson is incorrect. At a time when political violence is real, we need voices of reason and truth. Rep. Mackenzie should be one of those voices.

Peaceful protest is one of the great features of a democratic society. The legacy of people power spurs us on as a voice in shaping our country that we live in and love.

Congressman Mackenzie should come out and say that peaceful protest is a tool for giving voice to the people and say that Americans choosing to join in peaceful protest are protected in this country.

Mackenzie should do what is right for the 7th Congressional District, the state and the country,

Ruthie Kornit Shleifer

Northampton

Hodges has made real impact on South Whitehall Township

Monica Hodges has been a magnificent addition to the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, and we need to keep her there.

Monica has championed a number of positive, forward-looking efforts, including supporting a balanced township budget, ensuring financial accountability and long-term stability, crucially with no additional tax increases. She also backed a prospective ballot initiative focused on preserving South Whitehall’s valuable green space, and also advanced park improvement projects that have both beautified and enhanced the usability of public spaces.

In our neighborhood, we’ve seen real, tangible results including tennis courts resurfaced after years of neglect, windshields installed for improved playing conditions and pickleball lines added, making the space more versatile for all ages.

As promised, Monica has also supported transparency and modernizing township communications, engaging the public and keeping the residents informed. Elsewhere, Monica played a key role in hiring an outstanding township manager and police chief, strengthening the township’s leadership team.

Probably most importantly, Monica has brought a more balanced and thoughtful approach to development in South Whitehall. Projects like the Kay Builders development on Walbert Avenue are now being met with careful, measured oversight, not automatic approval.

In conclusion, Monica Hodges has made a meaningful, lasting impact on our township. Let’s reelect her and keep South Whitehall moving in the right direction.

Steven Silvonek

South Whitehall Township

Why are Europeans healthier than Americans?

My wife and I recently returned from a trip to Turkey and Greece. We’ve also traveled to Italy, Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. Each country has its own charm, but what stands out most is the general health of the people. Obesity is uncommon. While some may be slightly overweight, it’s nothing like what we see in the United States. Americans are easy to spot abroad, not just by clothing or accent, but by weight and overall health.

Several factors seem to explain this difference. Many European nations ban growth hormones and routine antibiotics in livestock and take a cautious approach to genetically modified foods. People walk more and eat fresher meals. Pharmacies are common, but hospitals aren’t on every corner.

We should ask ourselves: Why are so many Americans overweight, sick and dying younger than previous generations? Why do we spend so much on health care with such poor results?

Regardless of politics, both President Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have raised valid concerns about the health of Americans and the influence of the food and pharmaceutical industries. Other countries are doing better. It’s time we asked why.

Jeff Barber

North Whitehall Township

Fight for democracy by joining No Kings rally

For over two centuries the US has been a democracy; it succeeds because of checks and balances among its branches. But it’s obvious that there’s been a slow but significant erosion since January. Everyone knows who is responsible for the deployment of unwanted military forces in our major cities. President Trump’s appointment of unqualified and unskilled people to head agencies is proving to be embarrassing and possibly even deadly. (Think of someone having no scientific background and causing deaths of children because he advocated antivaccine positions).

Our president seems to require only one attribute for office: Loyalty.

Agencies that should be apolitical are told what to do and whom to prosecute. The words “retribution” and “revenge” are important. Never is there “what can I do to help the average citizen?” or “Is it legal to arrest people without due process?”

But can the average citizen push back?

Definitely!

On Oct. 18, another peaceful No Kings protest across the nation is planned. Wouldn’t a unified pushback with 10 million or 20 million marchers be significant?

Tom Kushinka

Hilltown Township

Don’t believe mailer: Justices are against gerrymandering

I don’t want to get desensitized to lying. Recent mailers regarding the retention vote of three Pennsylvania Supreme Court justices have fogged the facts. OK, unfortunately we expect that. But one mailer is an actual all-out lie. That, I will not let pass. This mailer accuses these three justices of gerrymandering the congressional district map. An article from independent journalists with Spotlight PA calls out this mailer. The fact is: In 2011, the GOP-controlled Legislature drew the congressional map. The current court, including the three justices up for retention, threw out that map stating it was horribly gerrymandered and ordered it redrawn. It was, and that was the map we used until it was redrawn following the 2020 census. Gerrymandering has been described as the politicians picking their voters instead of voters picking their politicians. Today, bills in the Pennsylvania Legislature seek an independent citizen commission to draw the maps. Common sense.

Vote yes to retain the justices that have a record of calling out gerrymandering.

Nancy Blaha

Bethlehem Township

ELECTION LETTERS

Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the Nov. 4 general election must be received by 10 a.m. Oct. 27.  Election-related letters will not be published after Oct. 30.

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.