Support amendment to limit election spending<\/p>\n
As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, let\u2019s take time to reflect on a pressing obstacle to our independent self-government today. Money in politics is a structural problem, and it requires a structural solution.<\/p>\n
For decades, federal court decisions have limited the ability of Congress and the states to set reasonable limits on election spending. The mechanism for this kind of change is already written into the Constitution: the amendment process. The solution is to restore the people\u2019s ability to set fair, equal limits on election spending.<\/p>\n
Under Article V, two-thirds of Congress can propose a constitutional amendment, which then must be ratified by three-fourths of the states. Twenty-five states have already passed resolutions calling for an amendment. Pennsylvania has an opportunity to join them through a resolution before the state Senate, SR 126.<\/p>\n
The process is demanding by design. The founders set a high bar to ensure that constitutional amendments reflect broad and lasting public agreement. Most Americans, regardless of political affiliation, believe that unlimited money has too much influence in our elections. We as Pennsylvanians must urge our state senators to support SR 126 and move the amendment process forward.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Adam Perez, Allentown<\/p>\n
Trump administration taking wrong path on solar power<\/p>\n
As the Associated Press article by Jennifer McDermott that appeared in The Morning Call on June 16 points out, the marketplace has spoken and the marketplace for energy production has chosen solar over coal. Renewables such as solar and wind are outpacing fossil fuel electricity generation worldwide. Yet the administration chooses to go backward and kill renewable projects and support fossil fuel extraction.<\/p>\n
We need a comprehensive energy policy that protects the environment and people, keeps electricity affordable and meets future demand. Detractors of renewables cite the intermittent aspect of solar and wind. But enhancements to the grid, including upgraded or new power lines, can get electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed. It is sunny and the wind is blowing somewhere.<\/p>\n
There are many grid projects waiting in interminable limbo for multilayered approvals to be built. Congress needs to pass comprehensive permitting reform to get these projects moving, while keeping environmental and social justice safeguards in place. As electricity demand increases, the most cost-effective sources of supply will be needed, and investors already know where to put their money. Government policies that promote and facilitate renewables are a win-win.<\/p>\n
\u2014 John Gallagher, Bethlehem Township<\/p>\n
Wealth tax is a bad idea<\/p>\n
The proposed Lehigh County \u201cintangible assets\u201d or \u201cwealth tax\u201d is a terrible idea. We do not need more disincentives to saving and wealth accumulation, especially for those wishing to retire comfortably where in most cases 401(k) savings will not be adequate. This tax, which targets those with incomes over $200,000 per year, is a middle-class tax hike and will cause flight of professionals and small businesses and owners from the county. Intangible assets are subject to wide changes in valuation. Publicly traded stocks are subject to sudden large changes. Privately held assets and companies are extremely hard to assign values to and can only be reliably assigned when they are sold. As a result, people may have to sell assets or businesses to pay the tax. With legal precedents and prior court rulings, such a tax will surely be litigated. Please kill this idea.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Peter C. Dent, Allentown<\/p>\n
Concerts at Allentown park very enjoyable<\/p>\n
Thanks to Allentown for sponsoring the wonderful West Park Concert Series. Every concert, which is free, features one of five local bands, all made up of very talented musicians and led by professional conductors. The programs feature a variety of music, which is often explained before being played. What a great opportunity for a young audience, and everyone, to receive this music education while hearing a great concert. Treat yourself to a memorable evening in West Park. Thank you to all the bands and Allentown.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Carol Kelley, Allentown<\/p>\n
Reflecting pool problems typical of Trump<\/p>\n
The reflecting pool debacle is the latest example of President Trump\u2019s perfidy and incompetence. This project is standard issue Trump: pure hype, utilization of cronies, excessive cost, bragging about the result, and ultimately abject failure. What sets this apart from the others though is his use of National Guard and Park Service police to arrest alleged \u201cvandals\u201d demanding they receive \u201cyears in jail.\u201d This is from the same guy who pardoned people who were part of the mob that stormed the Capitol, assaulted police officers and smeared feces on the walls. They were patriots, according to him. The hypocrisy is boundless.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Gary Brienza, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
Class reunion a success<\/p>\n
I would like to publicly acknowledge and thank the many Dieruff alumni and guests who recently gathered to commemorate the Class of 1976. Far exceeding attendance expectations, Dieruff graduates from our country\u2019s bicentennial year fittingly reunited on Flag Day, June 14, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their graduation. The enthusiastic willingness of former students to travel in from out of state paid tribute to the hometown community in which they were raised and to the school at which they were educated. For many, the occasion served as an annual get-together; for others, it marked their first glance back in time to be reacquainted with their Dieruff classmates. For all, however, the overwhelming success of the milestone event affirmed that, after a half-century, the school\u2019s motto still echoes loudly today: Once a Husky, always a Husky!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Joanne Ogrydziak, Allentown<\/p>\n