— Friar Stephen Baker is dead. I hope the media are satisfied now. For several days, the media published on the front page the same old story. Only the number of alleged victims who were coming out of the woodwork was changed.

The world loves a dirty story, and the media are only too eager to feed it to them again and again. I wonder how those in the media who are responsible for printing the same old story would like it if their personal sins were flaunted day after day on the front page.

If Jesus were still walking the earth and would encounter the gang in the media ready to stone the wretched friar, I suspect he would bend over and write stuff in the sand with his finger and, one by one, the media people would put their tails between their legs and sheepishly walk away.

Where were all these countless victims when those alleged abuses were taking place? I come from a family of seven. If any of this would have happened to one of us, our dad would have gone storming to the proper authorities and brought the matter to a head in no time flat. Was there no one among the alleged victims trained to do likewise?

I know we should not judge. But if the friar spends his eternity in hell, should we not put part of the blame on the shoulders of the media who drove him into despair?

Richard Ruth

Johnstown



Pro wrestling – sport or spectacle?

Am I the only person who didn’t know that professional wrestling is all staged?

I’ve always disliked the sport, thinking it was barbaric and inhumane. I was baffled by the fans who supported such an awful “sport.” Who wants to watch someone get beat up for fun? What does the winner get out of the deal, a large buckle that proclaims to the world that he is the biggest bully in the arena?

Recently, this myth has been dispelled for me. Professional wrestling is more like an extended fight scene in a movie. The winner is predetermined and moves are choreographed so the contestants do not get seriously hurt. Sure, they really do take some punches, but they are not really as powerful as they seem.

The spectacle is punctuated with the addition of blood capsules to further add to the drama. Through a combination of illusions and theatrics, we are tricked into believing these people are getting seriously wounded.

Some of the moves, if attempted by amateurs without extensive training, could kill or permanently injure, which is why these athletes work so hard to get the moves right. Sometimes a move can go wrong, resulting in a real injury.

These men are merely performers intent on putting on a good show for their attentive audience.

I have new respect for these athletes since it takes more than muscles to be a professional wrestler. I guess you learn something new every day.

Megan Riner

Dysart



We must all pitch in to stop bullying

We can make a difference in our schools all across America.

Society is faced with sexual abuse, mental illness and gun control issues. Another problem is mouth control – bullying. Kids can be cruel. Before another tragedy strikes, let us do everything we can to stop it now. Social skills are needed to teach our youth how to relate to others.

Students must deal with drugs, alcohol and smoking; boyfriend/girlfriend relationships in middle school; jealousy; threatening and demeaning others who may be overweight, dress poorly, are autistic, have epilepsy or Down syndrome, are shy, blind, gay, have medical problems or are handicapped in any way.

Children of all ages need to have friends and be accepted. There are more children in our society with these problems than ever before. They are stepping stones for those who start bullying. We ignore it, deny it, say it couldn’t happen in our schools or our child wouldn’t do that.

Parents, take time to listen and look around. Bullying is there in most schools.

Does anyone ever think of the child who is being treated so cruelly? If you knew your child was engaging in this brutal activity, do you disregard it as kids being kids?

What if it was your child or grandchild who was being bullied? Sticks and stones can break bones, but bullying can kill or scar a child at any age for life.

Charlotte Allen

Richland



Kudos to Trovatos for best grocery store

I would like to thank the Trovato brothers for many years of great food and service. They operated one of the best grocery stores in our area – Richland Giant Eagle.

Privately-owned business is gone. Thank corporate business for nothing.

The personal service from the Trovato brothers will be missed.

Peter Gallo

Johnstown

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