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User: jmacintyre Time: 09-11-2012 18:30 Product: Times_Leader PubDate: 09-12-2012 Zone: Main Edition: Main_Run PageName: edit_01 PageNo: 11 A

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Editorial

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2012 PAGE 11A

OUR OPINION: MEYERS TEAM

An argument for more debates

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ROPOSED: THE blame. Proposed cuts in the disWilkes-Barre Area trict funding – which makes up School District should less than a third of the team’s torender the debate tal budget – are a biennial about funding the Meyers event. When new board memSpeech and Debate Team moot bers are elected, someone alby using $20,000 out of this most always sees the $20,000 for a debate team as expendayear’s $7 million surplus.

Discussion: An explanation ble. The support shown Monof how the school board decid- day needed to occur during the budgeting process ed in June to cut the and meetings conannual $20,000 sup- It is obvious the ducted earlier this port would be enboard needs to year. lightening but is irrelBut the supportevant. When 25 de- better understand ers provided overbate team supporters the team, and the whelming evimade their appeal to team needs to dence of the value restore the funding at of the investment: Monday’s board explain itself to college scholarmeeting, it became the board. ships, analytic and clear the board made interview skills the cut without comprehending the consequences. that proved invaluable in landInterim Superintendent Ber- ing jobs, and a politeness and nard Prevuznak conceded he persuasiveness the board lacked any real understanding should yearn to see instilled in of what the team does. Team every student.

Conclusion: It is obvious the founders and head coaches Kim and Ruth Borland ex- board needs to better underpressed understandable disbe- stand the team, and the team lief, as the team’s recurring suc- needs to explain itself to the cesses are routinely reported in board. The team’s numerous state and national successes rearea newspapers.

Board member James Susek flect extremely well on the dissaid the board needed an ac- trict while creating top-shelf cicounting of the money. Ruth tizens. The board justifiably Borland offered to provide re- pinches pennies in this age of ceipts for the last15 years, since austerity, but there is more the team was created. She also than enough money to provide said an attempt to run the the $20,000 this year to a team spending through the school’s that has an all-volunteer coachactivities fund was rejected by ing staff.

Use the surplus this year, and the school as “too much trousit down with the Borlands to ble.”

Both Prevuznak and Board figure out how to either continPresident Maryanne Toole ex- ue the funding next year pressed shock and surprise that through small cuts elsewhere the Borlands had not been noti- or how to curb the district’s fied of the defunding. To be contribution without harming sure, the Borlands bear some the success of the team.

QUOTE OF THE DAY “This is not necessarily a somber event; I think this is more of a celebration, a celebration of humanity …”

Michael J. Fox The actor made the anniversary of 9/1 1 about helping others, participating with a host of celebrities in Cantor Fitzgerald’s Charity Day. The financial firm, which lost 658 employees in the attacks on the World Trade Center in 2001, has marked the anniversary of that day by raising funds for charities.

OTHER OPINION: CAMPAIGN MONEY

Track donor bucks on state website

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HE NONPROFIT Citizens Alliance of Pennsylvania has established a website that lists the campaign contributions from labor unions to members of the state Senate and House.

It’s an effective strategy for an organization that advocates for non-union and anti-union positions. But the website, paunionmoney.com, doesn’t come close to giving a complete picture of campaign contributions to Pennsylvania lawmakers.

A website run by Pennsylvania’s Department of State provides far more information, although it is more complicated EDITORIAL BOARD

to navigate. The portal, at www.campaignfinanceonline.state.pa.us, covers state elective office holders and candidates. Its reports include names and contributions from all donors, those who gave as little as $100 to high-rollers who donated hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This is a far better resource for anyone who wants to know who is behind candidates for office. The research takes longer than glancing at the list compiled by the Citizens Alliance, but it is time well spent because it tells the whole story.

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

PRASHANT SHITUT President and CEO/Impressions Media MARK E. JONES JOSEPH BUTKIEWICZ Vice President/Executive Editor Editorial Page Editor

MALLARD FILLMORE

MAIL BAG

LETTERS FROM READERS

Cut lawmaker salaries, tax breaks to help deficit

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s I see on television and read in the newspaper, the Republicans are calling for cuts in Social Security and other programs to cut the deficit.

I have an idea for all congressmen and congresswomen. To lead by example, first cut your salaries by 10 percent and get rid of a lot of your perks.

Also, get rid of the Bush-era tax cuts.

They were instituted more than 10 years ago so the wealthy and corporations could use the money they would have paid in taxes to create jobs. It’s been more than 10 years now; where are all the jobs? An example: the Boeing Corp. reportedly received a $600 million tax refund last year, yet paid its CEO almost $20 million and earlier this year announced thousands of layoffs.

Something is wrong here. Is this President Obama’s fault, too?

Leonard Gorto Dallas

GOP chairman confident of ID law implementation

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he unorthodox method of “testing” the ease of obtaining a photo ID card, as reported in Mark Guydish’s Aug. 14 article, in no way indicates the willingness and ability of our commonwealth to assist every voter in acquiring a valid photo ID. Nor is this legislation a “burden on the state,” as is asserted by Sharon Ward, executive director of the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center.

The passage of this law is part of the commonwealth’s responsibility to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, and the state has both the willingness and ability to effectively implement this law, just as other states across the nation have.

Despite erroneous and sensational media reports, the new voter ID law is not a means to disenfranchise voters. The ongoing reporting of how this legislation will keep people from the polls is both factually and morally wrong.

Worse, the fear it has created among voters actually might keep them away from the polls because they are ill-informed as to how to comply with the law.

Rather than pointing a finger at one Pennsylvania Department of Transportation center out of nearly 1,700 sites statewide, it would be more productive to focus on what the commonwealth is doing holistically to provide every voter the necessary means to obtain a photo identification card.

Although publicly derided for its efforts, the Department of State has done admi-

rable work to educate citizens about this new legislation. Attending more than 100 neighborhood events statewide, offering free photo ID cards for voting purposes and making necessary adjustments to the system, when needed, so that voters can efficiently obtain identification – these are just a few of the ways the Department of State is serving as the solution, not the problem, for the people of Pennsylvania.

With nearly two months until Election Day, and through the continued support of the state’s efforts to educate Pennsylvanians about this new legislation, I am confident that all voters will be well-prepared and able to cast their ballots Nov. 6.

Rob Gleason Chairman Republican Party of Pennsylvania Harrisburg

No need for roundabout at Dallas intersection

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t is said that “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Who decided that the intersection in Dallas is broken? The intersection works. It is safe.

If you ever have driven a roundabout, you know that all traffic from each intersecting road must enter the roundabout and travel in one direction until you reach the road you want; there are no left turns.

For example, in the proposed roundabout you could not turn left from Church Street onto state Route 415; you would have to turn right into the roundabout, which vehicles from five other roads are entering, until you could finally head south on 415. Can you imagine what that will be like at peak traffic hours?

Six main roads come into the roundabout, including business exits – that is, if any of the businesses survive after this year-long construction is completed.

A roundabout is not safe. There are no traffic lights to guide you, and getting into the roundabout depends on the courtesy of other drivers.

During construction, traffic will be diverted to other roads that were not built for the traffic increase, and while I am on the subject, why not use the money to repair our roads and bridges?

DOONESBURY: FLASHBACK

Pennsylvania seemingly has the worst bridges and roads in the country, and if you don’t believe me, just drive across Pennsylvania’s borders. Spending millions on a roundabout that is not necessary instead of on roads and bridges that are falling apart is outrageous.

Vesta Fountain Dallas

Writer believes speeches show Obama as apologizer

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n John Watson’s column “And the Oscar for hype goes to GOP convention” (Sept.

2), he stated “(Mitt) Romney criticized (President) Obama ‘for apologizing for America’ – which he hasn’t.”

The following 10 apologies from President Obama in his first four months of office regarding foreign policy and national security issues clearly contradict Mr. Watson’s statement.

1. To the Muslim world, Jan. 27, 2009: “We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect.”

2. To the G-20 Summit, April 2, 2009: “You’re starting to see some restoration of America’s standing in the world.”

3. To France and Europe, April 3, 2009: “There have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive.”

4. To France, April 3, 2009: “When you start sacrificing your values, when you lose yourself, then over the long term that will make you less secure.”

5. To the Turkish parliament, April 6, 2009: “The United States is still working through some of our own darker periods in our history.”

6. To the Americas, April 16, 2009: “The United States has not pursued and sustained engagement with our neighbors.”

7. To the Summit of the Americas, April 17, 2009: “We have at times been disengaged, and at times we sought to dictate our terms.”

8. For CIA mistakes, April 20, 2009: “We have to acknowledge potentially we’ve made some mistakes.”

9. For the war on terror, May 21, 2009: “Unfortunately, faced with an uncertain threat, our government made a series of hasty decisions. I also believe that all too often our government made decisions based on fear rather than foresight; that all too often our government trimmed facts and evidence to fit ideological predispositions. In other words, we went off course.”

10. In Washington, D.C., May 21, 2009: “Rather than keeping us safer, the prison at Guantanamo has weakened American national security. It is a rallying cry for our enemies.”

Bill Ostrowski Exeter

User: jmacintyre Time: 09-20-2012 21:33 Product: Times_Leader PubDate: 09-21-2012 Zone: Main Edition: Main_Run PageName: edit_01 PageNo: 11 A

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2012 PAGE 11A

Editorial

OUR OPINION: OUTREACH

McCawley fed greatest of needs

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HERE ARE FEW things nobler, more vital and more likely to leave a person emotionally drained than working a shift in a soup kitchen. Seeing the swath hunger cuts through our society – seniors and infants, able-bodied and ailing – can hurt the hardest heart.

Ann Marie McCawley didn’t work a few shifts on such a mission of mercy, she worked a few decades. And she didn’t stop at opening canned goods and filling plates, she managed the whole operation – for 25 years.

On Thursday the petite, unassuming McCawley stepped down as director of the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, leaving behind a legacy of dedication scarcely seen these days in any field.

Asked of her impact on the kitchen and its clients, she responded simply. “I never looked at it that way, I was always just there.”

Which, one suspects, is the only way a person could do the job for so long.

It is glib to say no one should go hungry in the world’s rich-

T O D O N AT E The St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen 39 E. Jackson St, Wilkes-Barre.

Phone: 829-7796 online: stvincentwb.org

est country. It is equally glib to dismiss clients of such kitchens as freeloaders. St. Vincent’s isn’t a government welfare project, its compassionate outreach by the Diocese of Scranton. The kitchen doesn’t ask the cause, it treats the symptom. Personal history, politics and religion are left at the door.

McCawley’s retirement shines a light on this need, and on the kitchen’s need for donations: Please give.

It also shines a light on a woman who rarely sought publicity.

German scientist Georg Lichtenberg once noted: “If people should ever start to do only what is necessary, millions would die of hunger.”

Thank you, Ann Marie McCawley, for doing more than was necessary, and for doing it a quarter of a century.

QUOTE OF THE DAY “When we started out, we basically served the homeless. Now, we are serving a great deal of the working poor – people who just can’t make ends meet.”

Ann Marie McCawley The retiring director of St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen reflected on 25 years serving the area’s hungry.

OTHER OPINION: U.S. REACTION

Apply diplomacy to Mideast chaos

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F THE TURMOIL in Iraq and Afghanistan does not make the point, then the seeming chaos in the Arab world should invoke the operative word: humility.

For all of the economic and military power of the United States, there are limits to what can be accomplished, ordered or presumed. This has been the case for decades, but the world’s capacity to go its own way is all the more evident.

Banishing the Middle East of despots has cleared the way for bloody sectarian strife. The civil chaos and religious violence in the Arab world has the horrific echo of the Balkans, when Yugoslavia disintegrated into long-suppressed political, ethnic and sectarian clashes.

Grudges that dated to the 13th century were rekindled for political gain and inspiration for atrocities.

This time it was a disgusting anti-Islamic video that was exploited.

The U.S. debate over the appropriate response cannot start with the default answer.

The U.S. military was in Iraq in 2006 and 2007 when that country turned on itself. AfghanisEDITORIAL BOARD

tan still bleeds.

The role and opportunity for U.S. diplomacy has never been more apparent. Comfortable working relationships with authoritarian rulers precluded getting to know the outsiders.

As circumstances bring them to power, they can be virtual strangers.

Leaven the economic and political tensions with ancient religious feuds and we and our allies can be clueless. Arming opponents of a hated regime might be a good thing, but identifying which faction in the midst of rebellion should receive the aid is no easy decision.

The tragic murder of Libyan Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens illustrates the loss for both sides. The U.S. lost a credible, articulate voice for its interests, and the Libyan people lost a caring, knowledgeable ally.

Disengagement from the Middle East and Arab hot spots is not an option. Diplomacy has never been more important.

The U.S. must be willing to engage and listen.

The Seattle Times

PRASHANT SHITUT President and CEO/Impressions Media MARK E. JONES JOSEPH BUTKIEWICZ Vice President/Executive Editor Editorial Page Editor

MALLARD FILLMORE

Creating an interdependent world one person at a time THE RECENT unrest in Middle-Eastern countries, fueled by the offensive video denigrating the prophet Muhammad, again brings to the forefront the volatility and hatred among people who know little about one another.

The fact that a video made by a small group of U.S. citizens could ignite such a vehement reaction against all Americans seems incomprehensible. Americans who have known nothing but democracy and religious tolerance since our country’s founding find it difficult to understand how those who have recently achieved some freedoms during the Arab Spring could turn against a country that supported their efforts to become more democratic. This is particularly the case in Libya where we supported the revolution that ousted a despot only to have our embassy attacked and our ambassador killed by a mob.

Clearer heads seem to have prevailed, as government officials in the Middle East are acting to protect U.S. embassies. Our administration also is condemning the video while walking the fine line between those who abuse human decency by producing it and their right to do so under our U.S. Constitution.

All of these actions, though, suggest how little most in the Middle East know about Americans and visa versa. How can we overcome these chasms of ignorance? While diplomatic efforts to ameliorate this recent incident continue, in the longer run much can be solved through personal interaction among people of different cultures and religions despite the countries and institutions which tend to separate us.

It may be a naïve approach, but it does work. In August 2001, for example, my wife,

MAIL BAG

COMMENTARY

LETTERS FROM READERS

The power of our votes can help restore morality

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thors of a textbook designed to promote Muslim and Jewish peace efforts. At the time, Tariq was in a strange land with people who were just coming to grips with the MICHAEL A. MACDOWELL fact that so many of their fellow Americans had died in the worst terrorist attack in our country’s history. And yet, after only l4 days Tina, and I met a shy l8-year-old from Bethlehem in the Middle East. When he walk- on a campus far from home, Tariq had so many new American friends that he felt ed onto Misericordia’s campus, he was 10,000 miles from his home. Tariq Adwan, a comfortable staying with them after the traumatic events of 9/11.

Muslim, had come to the U.S. to study bioI recently used this story as part of a talk I chemistry at the University. His father, Sami gave at the Scranton Cultural Center in Adwan, was a professor of education at celebration of Interdependence Day. OrgaBethlehem University. Dr. Adwan and his nized by Dr. Sondra Myers, the Scranton friend and colleague, Dr. Ben Baron, a Jew who taught at the University of Tel Aviv, had celebration of Interdependence Day was one of many worldwide that provided impetus to co-authored a series of supplemental textthe fact that global interdependence of peobooks for Muslim and Jewish high school ple and countries isn’t an aspiration of idealstudents in Israel and Palestine. These ists. Rather, it is a brute force of facts that – books illustrated the commonalities and like it or not – binds us together. interdependence among the cultures and Do small steps like those made by Tariq religions of the Middle East rather than Adwan and his new friends at Misericordia their differences.

Tariq came to Misericordia because of Dr. help to alleviate tensions among deeply divided people? Do gatherings and disCarol Rittner, a member of our Board of cussions in Scranton and elsewhere by peoTrustees and a friend of both Mr. Adwan and Mr. Baron. Sister Carol, a chaired schol- ple who are deeply concerned about the future of an interdependent world help to ar of Holocaust Studies at Stockton State lessen the vehemence and violent demonUniversity, knew the gentlemen because of strations in the Middle East? Of course not, their respective work in the Middle East but they are clearly steps in the right direcpeace process.

On the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2001, Miser- tion.

Most importantly, they remind us that icordia held a prayer service in our outdoor while despots, tyranny, and religious fundaamphitheater. Afterwards, Tina and I asked mentalism can sway minds momentarily, in Tariq if he would like to stay at our house the long run interaction and understanding until he felt more comfortable with the among people can hopefully change them events of the day. His answer was, “No, I would rather stay in the residence hall with permanently. my new friends.”

His statement struck an obvious chord.

Michael A. MacDowell is president of Misericordia Here was an l8-year-old Muslim brought to a University in Dallas, Pa. He has been a champion of Catholic college by a nun, who was close the spirit and culture of Interdependence Day since its inception. friends with a Muslim and a Jew – co-au-

alter Camier’s letter to the editor (Aug. 24) lamented the fact that America is losing its sense of moral-

ity.

He cites valid examples. And he correctly places the blame in many of the right places. For further proof, Mr Camier need look no where but the front page of the same edition of the Times Leader. There he will find an article about another politician, Matt Cartwright, who has “come out” with an evolved position on homosexual marriage. After thinking long and hard for two months Cartwright can find no reason to oppose homosexual marriage.

Well, first and foremost is that God regards those unions as sinful. It’s the type of behavior that leads to moral corruption that abounds all across our country and world. A good Christian should know that and act on the tenets of his/her faith.

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Mr. Cartwright could learn from his opponent Lauren Cummings. She respects God and His Word more than the whims of culture and society.

Mr. Camier cites the watering down of culture and real values. The problem is we keep electing moral midgets who are willing to do and say anything for a vote. Sadly, there are few good men, even fewer politicians, who are real enough to stand up for truth and moral and ethical principles. This applies to individuals and na-

DOONESBURY

tions, as well as vote-seekers.

We are the ones to change our culture and moral decline. We have the vote.

Don Morgantini Wright Township

Constituent supports Kaufer to upend Mundy

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he constituents of the 120th district deserve Aaron Kaufer as their new representative. He is pro-life and will defend the unborn. His opponent Phyllis Mundy recently received a donation of $250 from Planned Parenthood. See votesmart.org. Why should we continue to have in office a representative who is anti-family and supports the killing of its future citizens? On Nov. 6 vote for Aaron Kaufer. On behalf of the unborn who cannot speak for themselves, they deserve better.

Ada Magni West Wyoming

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2012 PAGE 11A

Editorial

OUR OPINION: PITTSTON AREA

Union VP merits boot for his gaffe

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ITTSTON AREA icy of no personal electronic deSchool District teacher vices in school.

Forget the utter impossibility union vice president Rocco D’Angelo should of enforcing such a rule with today’s inconspicuous cellphones do two things quickly: • Issue an apology to district and cameras. And forget the notion of actually using such deparents and students.

• Step down as vice presi- vices to engage students in a lesson. D’Angelo is fundamentally dent.

Well, there is a third action he saying teachers should have the right to misbehave should consider: without fear of beLearn the definition of A teacher always ing caught on cam“irony.” should behave as era.

D’Angelo penned a Here’s a thought: letter to union mem- though on camera.

A teacher always bers following the jus- It’s called “being should behave as tified disciplining of a professional.” though on camera. teacher who had berIt’s called “being ated a student. The missive starts out well-inten- professional.”

D’Angelo then went from pettioned, urging teachers “to conduct ourselves in a professional ty to demeaning: “I fear that students and parents will now, manner.”

“We must all be on our ‘A’ more than ever, try to implicate game and ride this one out as a us in their misplaced blame for group proudly showing our uni- their own inadequacies as party,” D’Angelo wrote. “Since we ents.”

There are people who look for all seem to get painted with the same brush by the public, let’s any opportunity to bash teachtry giving them nothing nega- ers, and parents who blame their children’s failures on teachers. tive to paint with.”

Good advice any time, not on- But as surely as all teachers do ly after a public embarrassment. not bully students, all parents But then D’Angelo wrote the and students do not use teachers sort of thing that gives the public as scapegoats.

It’s that “broad brush,” and something “negative to paint D’Angelo’s use of it insults every with” – thus the irony.

The teacher’s verbal abuse of a taxpayer in Pittston Area, and student had been recorded on a every teacher in his union.

He proved himself undeservcellphone, which is why the discipline was swift once the evi- ing to be a union officer; if he dence was provided. D’Angelo’s doesn’t voluntarily step down, response: Strictly stick to a pol- members should compel him to.

QUOTE OF THE DAY “The Romney campaign is just getting started.”

Rudy Giuliani The former New York mayor, who unsuccessfully sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2008, attended Wednesday’s debate in Denver, saying it represented a new start for Mitt Romney’s campaign because of the attention the debates garner from American audiences.

OTHER OPINION: ELECTION 2012

Romney shines in first debate

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HIS WAS A debate for the green-eyeshade crowd. If you tuned in Wednesday night to see President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney offer inspiring visions for the future, you heard more numbers than you did paeans to America.

The bottom line on engagement with an American public not five weeks from Election Day: Romney was alert, energized and confident. Obama slumped his shoulders, smiled mostly to himself and for some reason kept staring down. He was that guy at the meeting who’s surreptitiously checking his email.

The exciting 2008 candidate of hope and change? Gone.

Even the larger-than-life American eagle hanging behind the two candidates seemed perplexed.

This was, though, a serious exchange blessedly shy of rehearsed jabs.

Romney moved fast to keep EDITORIAL BOARD

viewers from straying to ESPN. By 9:12 p.m., he already had evoked Vice President Joe Biden’s gaffe of the week: Romney suggested that under Obama’s policies, the middle class has been “buried.” Not until 9:24 did Obama retort with his own one-liner – that the American economy was sound when his fellow Democrat Bill Clinton was president.

Throughout their economic discussion, the two men probed repeatedly at each other’s perceived vulnerabilities: that Romney, a man of immense personal wealth, favors the rich. And that Obama, having pledged four years ago to halve the federal deficit, failed.

But as the night wore on, it was Romney brimming with ideas and offering that he would rather work out specific solutions with Congress next year, not issue ultimatums to the legislative branch today.

Chicago Tribune

PRASHANT SHITUT President and CEO/Impressions Media MARK E. JONES JOSEPH BUTKIEWICZ Vice President/Executive Editor Editorial Page Editor

MALLARD FILLMORE

MAIL BAG

LETTERS FROM READERS

Reader: Don’t limit love if you want my vote

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his is in response to the letter to the editor from Don Morgantini (“The power of our votes can help restore morality,” Sept. 21).

I will continue to vote against any politician who claims that, because “God” says so, they will continue to deny the right to love.

You, sir, have the right to believe what you wish, as I do.

Consider your vote cancelled.

Kevin O’Dwyer Kingston

Obama’s mismanagement makes ‘winners’ of some

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hen I graduated college in the early 1990s the economy was in a recession, but my friends and I managed to find jobs in our field of study. At 26, I was married, had two new cars, bought land and built on it the following year. This was common among my friends and many others, so it was difficult to set yourself apart and get ahead. It was just as competitive then as it is today.

But it turns out today that you do not need to be competitive to succeed; all you need is for others to fail. I came to this realization by watching the unemployment numbers over the last four years and getting aggravated. Then I realized this is a good thing – for those who have jobs.

With the Obama administration increasing regulations, cost and uncertainty on business, businesses refuse to hire. His policies in four years have propelled me above 28 million of the unemployed and underemployed. The ideological beliefs of big government and wealth distribution have destroyed the middle class and made the poor poorer. While I am accumulating wealth and paying down debt, 28 million have been accumulating debt and are spending their savings. In the last four years I went from being in the top 20 percent of wage earners to the top 15 percent just by maintaining my current employment.

The end effect is seen in the unemployment number: above 8 percent for the last 46 months. A majority of graduates from college will not have a chance. They will be stifled by accepting lower-paying jobs and jobs outside their fields of study. They will be removed from future competition and never regain this lost wealth. Remember where I was at age 26.

With Pennsylvania Democrats who still believe their party is that of the JFK era and the young voters thinking “wouldn’t it be cool to have a black president” – not my

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words but those of a 21-year-old who voted in the last election – Pennsylvania will go Democrat and help secure another four years.

President Obama will continue his policies of fundamentally transforming America and people will accept the new normal of high unemployment and record high recipients of food stamps, welfare and disability. And just like that, they will become wards of the state – permanently removed from the pool of competition – propelling me toward the top in the next four years.

Thank you, Obama, and good luck in November; I am counting on you.

Jason Bella Exeter

Democratic loyalist lists reasons to retain Obama

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ith the 2012 presidential election right around the corner, the choice for president is clear. President Obama has shown during his administration that he is fully behind us; Mitt Romney has never been with us.

While President Obama was working to successfully rescue the auto industry (and more than a million jobs), Romney said we should let Detroit go bankrupt.

While Obama has doubled Pell Grants and invested in community colleges so more young people can obtain a degree in order to get a good job, Romney’s plan would drastically reduce the number of Pell Grants.

While Obama passed Wall Street reform by passing legislation stopping unfair and misleading credit card rate increases and fees, setting higher standards for taxpayer bailouts and setting more rules for banks that want to play “financial roulette,” Romney wants to roll back those regulations and let banks and Wall Street gamble with people’s money.

While Obama signed the American Recovery Act, which is partially responsible for triggering 30 consecutive months of job growth, Romney opposed the recovery act and said we should let the housing market hit the bottom.

We saw the true Romney while he was

DOONESBURY

speaking to a group of wealthy donors when he stated that “… there are 47 percent who are with him (Obama), who are dependent upon government, who believe that they are victims, who believe the government has a responsibility to care for them ... My job is not to worry about those people. I’ll never convince them they should take personal responsibility and care for their lives ...” According to the Tax Policy Center, the vast majority of those people not paying income taxes either pay payroll taxes, are elderly, make under $20,000 a year or are active-duty combat solders.

While there are many other issues I could mention, I feel these are the most important issues that demonstrate Barack Obama is the right choice for America.

Thomas M. Shubilla President Luzerne County Young Democrats Plains Township

Suit against VA hospital dismays this proud vet

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am writing in disgust regarding the person suing the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center near WilkesBarre.

This individual apparently deployed to a combat zone and returned with mental issues. Join the club! Some of us served two, three or more year-long tours and, yes, many returned with emotional problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder. This is no excuse for becoming addicted to drugs and committing crimes.

Even more repulsive is the audacity to blame one’s actions on an agency that exists to serve.

I do not work for the VA nor am I related to anyone who does, but I have received services there for the past eight years. My experiences have been positive, and I have been treated by professionals at all levels. I am grateful for the privilege of receiving medical treatment at such a facility, and Northeastern Pennsylvania veterans are very fortunate to have a health care center of this caliber in our region.

Some veterans travel great distances to receive treatment at the Wilkes-Barre VA; however, a veteran is not compelled to go to the VA and may choose his or her own health care-delivery system – which begs the question in this case, if this person was dissatisfied.

This lawsuit debacle seemingly demonstrates abuse of the legal system and is an embarrassment to at least one veteran – but I doubt that I am alone.

Teri DelBalso Wapwallopen