Will Jefferson Park offer Cracker Jack to fans?<\/p>\n
Now that the IronPigs\u2019 field is no longer Coca-Cola Park, maybe we will be able to buy Cracker Jack even though it is part of the Pepsico family. What\u2019s a ballgame without them?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Robert C. Nickisher, Upper Macungie Township<\/p>\n
Hold Israel accountable for settler violence<\/p>\n
Finally the United Kingdom and other countries are holding Israel accountable for turning a blind eye to settler violence and illegal annexation of Palestinian land, as well as the harassment and murder of Palestinians.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, our nation seems to protect Israel any time condemnations come forward in international institutions such as the United Nations or International Criminal Court. Israeli settlers and Israel Defense Force members are able to travel back and forth between the United States and Israel without being held accountable for illegal acts and war crimes committed against Palestinians and Lebanese civilians.<\/p>\n
It is time for our country to get on board with the rest of the world and detain and question any individual involved in these alleged human rights violations and war crimes.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Frederick Bainhauer, Lower Macungie Township<\/p>\n
Trump is right about voting like he\u2019s on the ballot<\/p>\n
While supporting one of his endorsed midterm candidates, Trump recently implored a South Carolina audience to vote as if he was \u201con the ballot\u201d in November. Although our intentions and objectives differ vastly, I must agree that everyone should vote mindful of the chaos, corruption and national disrepute Trump and his congressional Republican enablers, including Ryan Mackenzie, have wrought.<\/p>\n
Because these Republicans, with the assistance of the Supreme Court, have silently allowed Trump to trample upon constitutional safeguards, international alliances and even, recklessly, our White House, they must be removed from office. Only a new Democratically controlled Congress can restore the mandated \u201cchecks and balances\u201d now desperately needed to halt a further backslide towards authoritarian rule during the remainder of Trump\u2019s term. We have a narrow window of opportunity to begin turning things around considering all of Trump\u2019s wildly disfavored policies and broken promises.<\/p>\n
Although history \u201ckeeps the receipts\u201d and undoubtedly will view this Trump administration infamously, we must have accountability now lest all this aberrant behavior be normalized into a country we no longer recognize. Yes, Trump, in the guise of his cowardly Republican cohorts, is indeed \u201con the ballot.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2014 Jeffry Gilbert, Salisbury Township<\/p>\n
Brooks will fight for public education<\/p>\n
I am writing in response to the recent article, \u201cRyan Mackenzie touts first-term accomplishments in reelection bid.\u201d Though he serves on the House Education Committee and its Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, Mackenzie can tout no accomplishments for 7th District students, particularly those with disabilities.<\/p>\n
Although Mackenzie admits that the Education Department cannot be eliminated by executive order, as a retired teacher, I am dismayed that my representative does not unequivocally express opposition to Trump\u2019s explicit goal of dismantling the department.<\/p>\n
I know firsthand the doors opened by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, providing services and program oversight for students with disabilities and their families. Splintering the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services damages the power of IDEA. The \u201cOne Big Beautiful Bill,\u201d supported by Mackenzie, threatens fair and appropriate education and the least restrictive learning environment for students with disabilities. Students with disabilities and their families deserve a 7th District representative in Washington who goes to the mat for them.<\/p>\n
Seen speaking at \u201cTrumpapalooza\u201d and passing the campaign donation hat, privileged Mackenzie has no ear for his own constituents. In November, the 7th District needs to vote for Bob Brooks, a listener and doer who takes education seriously and will fight for his constituency.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Debra Condon, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
President Trump\u2019s behavior is like a bratty child\u2019s<\/p>\n
As a retired teacher, I often reflect on behavioral patterns of our current president that violate basic patterns that we teach our children from preschool onward, behavioral patterns such as:<\/p>\n
Not to lie.<\/p>\n
Not to call people names.<\/p>\n
Not to call people \u201cstupid.\u201d<\/p>\n
To accept rules and abide by them.<\/p>\n
To listen to others and learn from different viewpoints.<\/p>\n
To show respect for law enforcement personnel.<\/p>\n
Our president acts like he never learned these basic behavioral patterns. He lies regularly (see \u201cLiar\u2019s Kingdom\u201d by Andrew Weissmann); he refers to previous presidents as \u201cstupid\u201d; he recently called Canadian officials \u201cnasty people\u201d; issues unconstitutional executive orders like his attempt to cancel birthright citizenship or to change our voting practices; he surrounds himself with Cabinet members who would not dare to disagree with him; and he insulted Washington law enforcement when he pardoned Jan. 6 rioters who attacked them.<\/p>\n
Instead of teaching good basic respectful patterns of coexistence as president of the United States, he leads the world with patterns of disrespect and spoiled brat behavior. He destroys the dignity of this office with such unacceptable behavior and his party allows him to act like this.<\/p>\n
\u2014 Margaret Bilheimer, South Whitehall Township<\/p>\n
Who appreciates the needs of sick, hungry children?<\/p>\n
How well is the U.S. supporting children of the world? As president, George W. Bush effectively saved the lives of millions of people, many of them children, many living in Africa. HIV\/AIDS was spreading rapidly during his term. Bush funded medical programs providing education, personnel and medications. Food programs aimed at children, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, blended alongside HIV\/AIDS prevention and treatment. Bush supported these programs and overcame political obstacles.<\/p>\n
When Bush speaks at Lehigh University this fall, I hope he is shown appreciation. Contrast his leadership with the \u201ceconomizing\u201d of President Trump, who defunded USAID programs that benefited children. Millions of children sink toward starvation now. American farmers have also lost a large reliable market.<\/p>\n
American funding is also cutting back on food programs as children enter a new school year. Are there no loaves and fish for the starving children?<\/p>\n
\u2014 Peg Church, Bethlehem<\/p>\n
Election letters<\/p>\n
Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the Nov. 3 general election must be received by 10 a.m. Oct. 22.\u00a0 Election-related letters will not be published after Oct. 29.<\/p>\n