Those who are only now claiming, “The country is going in the wrong direction,” are at least seven years late.

Many of us who grew up in company towns – steel and coal – in western Pennsylvania were taught valuable lessons by our families and members of our communities. Respecting others and demanding respect in return were the most fundamental.

The history of the often-violent and sometimes-deadly labor movement was included in our lessons. Safe working environments, reasonable hours and fair wages were the respect that the workers sought, and eventually received.

Decisions made by some corporate executives during the past decade have shown a total disregard and lack of respect for others. They must believe that they are more important than farmers, utility workers, tradesmen, coal miners, doctors, nurses – the list goes on.

In 2002, corruption in the Texas-based Enron Corp. resulted in its employees losing retirement funds and investors losing millions of dollars. The fiasco in the banking and mortgage industries sent the economy into recession in late 2008; many Americans lost not only their jobs but their homes as well. Recently, much has been written about the greed in the health-care insurance industry.

If our country is to get back on track and headed in the right direction, every American must know the importance of respect.

And we must demand that those in positions of power who refuse to do so are held accountable.

Perhaps a new labor movement of sorts is needed.

Stephen J. Verotsky

Johnstown



Remember sacrifices made by firefighters

Being a volunteer firefighter can be a dirty, tiring, thankless job. And, as we were made aware of recently, sometimes a life-threatening one.

The small, close-knit community of Westover lost one of its own on Oct. 24 when Lt. Roy Westover Jr. sustained a fatal heart attack while fighting a fire. He left behind three young sons who had already lost their mother a few years ago.

Considering Shade’s fire protection dispute and two tragic fire-related deaths in the area lately, I think it’s about time we recognize our local firefighters as the everyday heroes they are. The next time you see a volunteer fire company’s fundraiser, remember Westover’s sacrifice and the tremendous efforts of all these courageous men and women. Take the time to thank them and support their organizations while we still can.

A memorial fund has been established in the deceased firefighter’s memory.

Send all donations to Roy E. Westover Jr. Memorial Fund, First National Bank, 297 Beaver St., Hastings, Pa. 16646.

Debbie McGarvey

Cresson



Under Obama, life we knew is history

Bob Nagyvathy (Oct. 28, “USA is quickly becoming USSA”) is right on, as is Leo Lanzendorfer (Oct. 28, “Health-care plan is already ailing”).

Most Americans know what President Obama and George Soros are trying to do and, unfortunately, will get it done. There are too many people not paying taxes, instead living off the rest of us. They do not want this to change and will welcome a socialist government so as to continue to feed from the public trough.

If they knew what was really coming their way they would probably go find a hole in which to hide.

There is nothing I can say now that hasn’t been said many times before regarding the direction Obama is taking us.

There is little we can do to stop him short of insurrection or intervention by the armed forces. Either way, the life we knew – living in a once great country – will be history.

In short, baring a strong movement by those who earn a living with their backs and/or minds and who love this country and are ready to go down swinging, we are screwed.

Chuck Cordoro

Somerset



GOP has ideas, directions, solutions

Concerning Nat Boscola’s letter on

Oct. 31, “Bush’s blunder was worst decision ever”: I strongly disagree with many of his views.

Boscola said about President Obama, “It’s a little early in his presidency for any reasonable person to be angry with him.”

Is he kidding? In Obama’s first 10 months as president, he has nearly quadrupled the deficit. His reckless spending has this country in debt that we may never get out of.

Boscola insists that people who are writing negative articles about Obama are still upset about the election. I did not vote for Obama, but when he was elected, I accepted it. And why not? I want Obama’s policies to work so that my children have more opportunities than I did. I am upset about his radical policies and views; this has nothing to do with my bitterness about the election.

Boscola also stated that the Republican Party has no new ideas, no direction and no solutions. Perhaps Boscola is spending too much time watching MSNBC and CNN News. If he tuned to Fox News a few times he would hear that the Republican Party has a direction for the Afghan war, such as a surge in troops that worked in Iraq.

As for ideas on health-care reform, not revamping the entire system, including tort reform and allowing customers to purchase health care across state lines are all great ideas.

Yes, the GOP has solutions about government – we need less of it. I believe this is what our Founding Fathers envisioned.

Mike Kush

Westmont