— On June 2, VFW Post 155, Geistown Borough, held its annual motorcycle run on behalf of disabled veterans. The proceeds went to a veterans home in Ebensburg.

The bikers had a $5 breakfast cooked by VFW members and served by the ladies auxiliary. The ride went to the home in Ebensburg, on to various VFW posts, then back to Post 155 for a nice dinner and chances to win prizes.

It was very successful.

There was one hitch. People tore down  fliers advertising the run. The notices had been posted around town by post members and other veterans.

These same people then bad-mouthed what the post was trying to achieve.

It seems someone was unhappy because a life member of Post 155 had been asked to set the route, rather than someone else.

This act probably kept some bikers away.

Childish actions by adults. Go figure.

Butch Sheehan

Geistown Borough



Budget cuts imperil student safety

Over the years, the iconic yellow school bus has served as a safe and efficient mode of transportation for millions of Pennsylvania schoolchildren. Unfortunately, Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed education budget could have the unintended consequence of ending this mode of transportation in many school districts across the state.

The governor’s proposal would eliminate the existing school transportation formula and include bus transportation funding in a block grant, which may prompt school districts to eliminate bus routes or even end busing altogether.

Student safety would be jeopardized.

Data show that students are 20 times more likely to arrive safely at school by bus as compared to if a parent drives them.

School buses also reduce fuel cost for families, reduce emissions and minimize congestion on roads.

Jobs and small businesses could also be impacted. Our company, Miller Motor Co., employs 71 people and services the Forest Hills and Windber Area school districts. If Corbett’s budget and his cuts to school transportation funding are ap-proved, 700 independent bus contractors across the state employing more than 60,000 Pennsylvanians face the threat of being put out of business. Many are small, family-owned businesses, such as Miller Motor Co., dating back to the early ’60s.

Lawmakers need to consider the long-term implications of Corbett’s budget and the devastating impact it would have on the safe transportation of students to school, working families with school-age children and Pennsylvania jobs.

C. Franklin Miller

Salix



How can leaks go undetected?

President Obama has said that he finds it offensive that anyone believes his White House leaked top secret national security documents.

I assume Obama sits in on, or gets accurate copies of, top-secret intelligence briefings.

I also assume Obama and his aides read major newspapers. If you read top secret documents in The New York Times, documents that only high-level officials are supposed to have access to – duh – don’t you think that would ring some bells for the Obama team? Are we to believe Obama’s team didn’t notice this?

Oh, but it does make Obama look tough on foreign policy.

It took Democrat Sen. Dianne Feinstein, after a couple of leaks, to go public that top-secret national security documents are being leaked and it must stop now.

Something stinks, and the stink is coming from the White House.

Ed Fabo

Johnstown



Save religious liberty, vote Obama out

In regard to “America needs to look to God, attend church” by Victoria Murton on June 8: I agree.

She has hit the proverbial nail on the head, although some readers would not agree with her, as they have stated in this forum that they object to being preached to.

We all need our religious freedom, which our president wants to take away from us. We as citizens must not let this happen.

And the only way we can accomplish that is by voting him out of office.

It doesn’t matter to God how you see him, only that you acknowledge his existence.

I’m very pleased that Murton stands up for her religious convictions and is not fearful of retaliation from anyone, least of all Readers’ Forum writers.

Nancy Arnone

Moxham

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