Four Tops, Allentown symphony put on fair concert to remember<\/p>\n
I would like to share my appreciation for the wonderful concert I attended at the Allentown Fair, featuring the Four Tops and their Motown hits, accompanied by the Allentown Symphony Orchestra.<\/p>\n
It was truly an enjoyable and memorable evening of music. The Four Tops brought their incredible talent and energy to the stage, performing the Motown classics that so many of us know and love. Their music had the audience singing along and enjoying every moment.<\/p>\n
I would especially like to compliment the Allentown Symphony Orchestra and conductor Diane Wittry for their fabulous musical accompaniment. Their gifted musicians added depth and richness to the performance and created a wonderful musical experience alongside the Four Tops.<\/p>\n
The combination of the Four Tops\u2019 legendary voices, Motown\u2019s timeless music and the exceptional talents of the Allentown Symphony Orchestra made it a concert to remember. Thank you to everyone who helped make this such a fantastic event. It was a pleasure to attend, and I hope the Allentown Fair continues to bring outstanding musical performances to our community.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Randy Trilli, North Whitehall Township<\/p>\n
Speak out against changes in EPA power plant rules<\/p>\n
I am writing to focus on an issue that, as a nurse, has me concerned for our public health. In February, the Environmental Protection Agency repealed protections (that were updated in 2024) against toxic pollution emitted by power plants. This move effectively allows older rules and loopholes to allow dirty coal plants to keep polluting.<\/p>\n
Pennsylvania has 13 utility-scale coal plants! These power plants\u2019 emissions contain mercury, arsenic and lead as well as particulate matter that\u00a0 can be inhaled into our lungs and bloodstream. These pollutants have several detrimental health effects: They can lead to asthma attacks, harm brain development and cause cancer.<\/p>\n
Our children are more vulnerable to the impact of toxic air as their lungs and brains are still developing. Children may be at higher risk as they generally spend more time outside so have increased exposure. We must advocate for them to have healthy air!<\/p>\n
I urge us all to speak up about the need to protect health from these toxic emissions. Nearly 20 health, environmental and community groups have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. Court of Appeals challenging the EPA\u2019s repeal of the 2024 limits. At the same time, decision-makers need to hear that you support the EPA\u2019s making our air cleaner, not rolling back protections. Please join me by contacting your House representative, Sens. Fetterman and McCormick and make your voice heard. Our children\u2019s future health depends on us taking action!<\/p>\n
\u2014 Mary Ellen O\u2019Connell, Hanover Township, Northampton County<\/p>\n
To assure November victory, Dems must promise not to lie<\/p>\n
How can Americans trust politicians again after a recent Gallup poll shows 90% of respondents currently believe our federal government is corrupt and can\u2019t be trusted?<\/p>\n
Despite Republican President Donald Trump\u2019s habitual lies and low job approval, I am not confident in the Democratic Party\u2019s ability to win in the November election.<\/p>\n
The Democratic Party has no meaningful, trust-building message. And it certainly doesn\u2019t need a useless acronym message that fits on a stupid baseball cap. Presenting documented facts and evidence to objective, open-minded voters still matters.<\/p>\n
However, for a transforming and winning message, every Democrat must embrace and publicly profess before audiences, over and over and over again, \u201cI\u2019ll never tell a lie. I\u2019ll never make a misleading statement. I\u2019ll never betray the confidence that any of you had in me. And I\u2019ll never avoid a controversial issue.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Reggie Regrut, Phillipsburg, New Jersey<\/p>\n
Ask democratic socialists what their main goals are<\/p>\n
Democratic socialists aim to transfer control of major economic levers \u2014 such as key industries, infrastructure and essential services \u2014 into democratic hands. This can mean public or cooperative ownership, worker self-management or social wealth funds.<\/p>\n
A central goal is to dismantle the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a small elite. This involves progressive taxation, wealth redistribution and policies that close gaps in income, wealth and opportunity between different social groups.<\/p>\n
Democratic socialists advocate for robust welfare-state programs, including universal healthcare, free education, affordable housing and strong social safety nets.<\/p>\n
They support strengthening labor unions, ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions and meaningful worker participation in decision-making. This includes policies to prevent exploitation and align production with social needs.<\/p>\n
Many democratic socialists promote large-scale environmental programs, such as a Green New Deal, to address climate change through public investment in renewable energy, green jobs, and sustainable infrastructure.<\/p>\n
When you wish to learn what someone stands for, ask them, not their opponent. Listen to candidates. Do they speak of their goals or just attack through scare words? Look for character and empathy. People can learn skills. You can\u2019t learn empathy and character. America first, people first.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Michael Babb, Fleetwood<\/p>\n
Democratic socialists don\u2019t promote American values<\/p>\n
\u201cAsk not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country\u201d is an appropriate John F. Kennedy quote for our present political climate. With the Democratic Socialists of America\u2019s agenda trying to supplant the traditional values of most Americans with an ideology of socialistic values and a loss of the sense of what America is \u2014 a place where a good work ethic, family values and patriotism are the norm, not a reliance on a bigger government, one that deters any effort to build self-reliance.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s continue with freedom and free enterprise, creating a feeling of worth by doing it on your own. Yes, we must extend some help during times of stress but not provide generational reliance on government. Social Security and Medicare are not entitlements, because as workers we all paid for these benefits we obtain in retirement. These, along with a company or government retirement pension, or savings, could make for a good retirement.<\/p>\n
Most Democrats and Republicans love America and through compromise seek to do the best for Americans. However, we do see extremists supported by money spewing misinformation that many see as truths. Common sense is what is needed so you do not get caught into the ideological trap that socialism or communism works \u2014 they are proven not to work\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2014 Robert Pohlman, Middle Smithfield Township<\/p>\n