How is it that we Americans have become so overtaken by negativity and infighting? Is it the continual drumbeat of the biased media, siding with one group of extremists or the other, while stirring folks up with slanted and politically charged opinions masking as the truth?
Perhaps it's those popular social media sites where one can “tweet,” “retweet” or “like” some misinformed comment harvested from another biased source and passed around as “truth.”
Is it the inability of citizens to see the big picture?
Is it the violence on TV or in the movies, with grisly murders, mass shootings and bombs blowing people to pieces? All presented to you and your kids by the wonderful Hollywood elite, who pat themselves on the back at their half-dozen sanctimonious “awards” shows.
Maybe it's the violent and perverted song lyrics your children are blasting through their iPhones? Or perhaps it's the video game in which you drive recklessly over people while firing your machine gun at 100 rounds a minute.
For whatever reason, negativity and division seem to be driving way too much of what is going on in America today. We need to bring compromise and civility back into the picture. The question is, how?
Tim Kaczmarek, Natrona Heights
Give Hribal a chance
For heaven's sake, why don't we speak up to rehabilitate the life of Alex Hribal, who was unfairly tried as an adult rather than as a juvenile, which he was? Also, the punishment did not fit the crime — it was excessive. Adult killers have received lesser sentences. This is not to dismiss the seriousness of the attack, but in retrospect, it could have been avoided with a little more vigilance.
He has paid his dues. Now let's restore a life rather than create a hardened criminal. Please!
Tom Stempkowski, Hempfield
Leaders don't blame
Regarding “ Petty Republicans derailed Saccone”: Failed congressional candidate Rick Saccone's supporters are blaming everyone else for their embarrassing loss but themselves. Saccone had every possible luxury in a very comfortable Republican district but still managed to lose the race. Saccone supporters are starting to sound a lot like Hillary Clinton with their post-special election finger-pointing. Leaders take responsibility for their actions and not blame others.
Paul A. Verostko, Scottdale
Community will long be thanking Hutch
As J. Edward Hutchinson's funeral procession passed in the reverent silence of respect you could almost hear the collective whisper of thanks from the community to a man who gave his best with unselfish dedication and humility ( “Community offers final farewell to J. Edward ‘Hutch' Hutchinson, Greensburg's longtime fire chief” ). That whisper of thanks will be heard every time when seeing one of his many lasting accomplishments.
Volunteer firemen added a fitting tribute to the man who provided valued leadership to their departments for over six decades. Fire trucks and volunteers along the procession route expressed their thanks and respect on behalf of the citizens of their communities. The men, women and equipment that have served our area for so many years painted a picture that will never fade and told a story that will never be forgotten by anyone who ever had the opportunity to meet “Hutch.” It was a collective goodbye to a deserving man from a grateful community.
“Ed” or “Eddie” was a “git-r-done” man who truly did try to make a difference in everything he did. He welcomed difficult tasks. To him nothing was impossible, especially when he had good friends to help. He was a humble, hard-working man who did not seek praise but certainly deserved it for all he did for others.
I encourage everyone to re-read the long list of accomplishments of this great civic leader who affected the lives of so many. As you read this you may almost hear the sound of jets flying in the missing-man formation and a bugle playing taps to thank “Chief.” You were one of a kind, and you will not be forgotten. Our deepest sympathies to the Hutchinson family.
Bill, Maryln and Jeanne Davis, Hempfield
Politics and religion
An open letter to pastors:
In light of congressional endorsement letters you might have recently received from fellow pastors, I am moved to express the following.
Before his recent passing, the Rev. Billy Graham expressed sincere regret for associating too closely with presidential power. Graham's experience can be instructive to those of us who serve the flock here.
Our networks, congregations and moral authority are valuable resources. It is tempting to use these resources to benefit elected officials and candidates we believe to be godly and deserving. But to do so and seek direct influence on an election is a disservice to our congregations and our charge, and it diminishes our office.
Too many politicians have learned how to game the media, which seemingly no longer understands true faith. As pastors, we can serve as a safeguard by promoting honest discourse, asking hard questions and speaking truth to power.
Instead of endorsing, I encourage you to open your doors to candidates, facilitate a deeply needed discussion about the role of faith in our government, pray for our leaders and our nation to turn back to God in humility and repentance, and ask for God's wisdom in selecting leaders.
The Rev. Mark A. Dillow, Bedford
The writer is senior pastor at Crossroads Bible Church.
Left's evil brainwashing
I've really got to hand it to the left-wing/liberal/progressive politicians, news media, George Soros and the like who are the financial and driving forces behind them. They are masters in their evil, mind-altering ways. Their media wing keeps pounding us with fake news and baseless accusations du jour until many come to believe them.
Our young, impressionable ones and the millions of others who are guided by feelings and emotions rather than truth, facts, reality and critical thinking are easy prey to left-wing manipulation and propaganda. Once indoctrinated, many are organized, funded and incited to march, disrupt and riot and to block out common sense, reason, fact and truth.
Millions have been robbed of their happiness and driven to seething rage and hatred strong enough to wish bodily harm on anyone with a conservative view. Many have sadly been convinced that guns, harmless on their own, the NRA and the Second Amendment must be eliminated. In fact, these could be their only source of defense and protection from the oppressive, authoritarian, socialist government that their progressive puppeteers are on a mission to create.
This leftist brainwashing of impressionable minds is pure evil and it's a shame what it is doing to our country.
Bob McBride, West Deer
Clintons' finances and Trump's secrets
It seems to me that Jack Bologna's viewpoint depends on too much time watching Fox programming ( “Look south, liberals” ). Hillary and Bill Clinton's financials, both personal and foundation, have been an open book since Bill first ran for president. Auditors have been through those records with a fine-tooth comb. No charges or indictments have ever been filed.
On the other hand, Donald Trump has drawn an iron curtain around his finances, claiming protection of “business secrets” — secrets, for sure. Secret deals, fleecing of contractors, use of questionable loopholes? The gangster Al Capone was finally sent to prison based on his tax records. Perhaps Trump fears the same.
President Obama came into office in the midst of a great recession which could have become another great worldwide depression. His leadership, with the support of the House and Senate, stemmed the tide, steadied the ship of state and reversed the downward slide. He left a legacy of a strong, growing economy. Trump has capitalized on Obama's success by reforming the tax code to give crumbs to the middle class and the poor while filling the troughs of the rich — including the Trump family.
Wake up, Jack, and look at the truth. You are swallowing swill.
Brenda H. White, Hempfield
