The legacy that will be left by the school board of the Ligonier Valley School District and its supporters is one that they will hand down to their children and to future generations once they close the schools in the Laurel Valley. They can boast that they engineered an election in order to destroy the communities of St. Clair Township; Seward, New Florence and Bolivar boroughs; and parts of Fairfield Township.
They did this to ensure that the southern end of the district would flourish.
They can boast that the children of these families were forced to ride a bus to school, which in many cases was 19 miles one way.
They can boast that they are the ones responsible for the lack of businesses in these areas, that even a carton of milk cannot be bought in these communities since the schools were closed.
They also can brag that because of their actions the real estate values depreciated, because, as one citizen stated, no one in his or her right mind would buy in an area without a school.
They can boast that with the financial power of their backers, they are unstoppable.
Beware.
Nick and Emma Saula
Seward
Prostate screening still best option
The March 4 news article, “Cancer society casts more doubts on prostate tests,” upset me. To hear that “you’ve got cancer” is upsetting and traumatic. I know, be-cause it was said to me about prostate cancer three times – in 1995, 1997 and 1999.
Even though only one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s death claim on men is second only to lung cancer.
The feeling is that prostate cancer is slow growing; mine was not. The word is that most men will die with prostate cancer, not from it. But what about the 27,000-plus men who will die this year from prostate cancer?
The word must be spread. Men age 50 and older should be screened yearly. African-American men and those with a family history should begin screening at age 40. Early detection is the best step for a cure in all cancers.
What does it matter that the screening process is not infallible? It’s the best we have right now.
As a 16-year survivor of prostate cancer, I facilitate the support group for the American Cancer Society in Cambria County. Our circle provides the opportunity for those who wish to ask questions and share experiences, which helps each of us cope and makes our remaining days more pleasant.
It is still my passion to be a voice in the wilderness urging men to be screened for prostate cancer and to urge others to take up that cry.
Today, I am cancer free because I have undergone regular screenings for prostate cancer. Maybe I could have avoided being diagnosed with cancer without having regular screening. I didn’t.
I’m still here.
James W. Armour
Westmont
Scientists wrongly chastised on issue
It’s vital for newspapers to do more than just repeat what is being said. They need to show real news judgment.
There’s an old joke that if one group tries to claim that the earth is flat, a newspaper would report, “Earth’s shape: Views differ.”
Unfortunately, that joke is far too true when it comes to the subject of climate change. The science is overwhelming and clear: Our planet is warming, and we are responsible. And yet newspapers across the country have been repeating the same, tired attacks against it.
Well, scientists are starting to pay the price, dealing with harassment and threats, just for doing their jobs. This is wrong, and it needs to stop.
I urge your paper to report on the facts, use sound news judgment, and stop repeating baseless attacks on scientists who are simply doing their best to help us understand the world.
Robert Rodino, Ph.D.
State College
Editorials
1 READERS' FORUM 3-14 | LV board legacy won’t be praiseworthy
- Editorials
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Readers' Forum 2-11 | Liberals’ slow, steady assault on America
Recently, Health and (in)Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued an edict demanding Catholic hospitals and institutions to provide contraceptives, abortifacients and other sterilization drugs under the so-called Affordable Care Act.
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Laurels and barbs
Laurel: Richland High School students who qualify will be offered a golden educational opportunity this fall. In the first such program in Cambria County, students will be able to simultaneously earn their high school diplomas and associate degrees in general studies from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
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Readers' Forum 2-10 | Pastor: Area churches are in distress
As a retired pastor, I have the opportunity to preach in many churches in the area. What I am seeing is most alarming.
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Neighborhoods urged ‘to step up’
When government officials and community groups talk about neighborhood improvements, blight elimination and trash and litter cleanups, our ears perk up.
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Readers' Forum 2-9 | Find funds to heal returning soldiers
The article, “Military finds troops ailing; problems create health care backlog,” published Feb. 2 by USA Today, impressed me so profoundly that I just can’t keep myself from bringing it to your attention.
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Take in a high school play
“Peter Pan” has already done a flyby at Windber Area High School.
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Readers' Forum 2-8 | Ambulance crew following protocol
In response to the Readers’ Forum letter on Feb. 3 by Molly Comperatore, “Ambulance assoc. bill extravagant, unethical”:
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Protect young lungs
A recent CDC study concludes that too many kids are breathing others’ smoke in cars.
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Richard Dreyfuss | Future generations will come out on losing end of budget
As the governor’s state budget undergoes intense scrutiny, there is no shortage of speculation surrounding various fiscal austerity proposals and which departments and programs will likely be the ultimate budgetary “winners and losers.”
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‘219’ optimism is driven closer toward reality
Making U.S. Route 219 a four-lane highway from Somerset to the Mason-Dixon Line is a crucial project for our entire region.
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Readers' Forum 2-11 | Liberals’ slow, steady assault on America
Recording Superstar Whitney Houston Dead at 48
Maine GOP Chairman Says Romney Wins Caucuses
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
