As a longtime subscriber to The Tribune-Democrat, I was disappointed by the “Anger management” portion of a recent sports column describing an incident involving one of Greater Johnstown High School’s football coaches during the Nov. 20 game at Mansion Park in Altoona.
The writer didn’t report the unfortunate accident that had occurred, but rather a very biased version of the story, seemingly written in a vengeful manner.
The article did nothing but state the obvious: “What a shock it must have been,” “apparently unhappy with a call,” “a lot of extra work for the custodial staff,” “happy no one had been badly injured.”
The young man involved is an exceptional coach. For him, it’s all for and about the kids, not himself. He is very passionate about the sports he coaches, and he teaches his players very well. This combination, along with his dedication, should be celebrated, not chastised. Obviously, he did not intend for this accident to occur, and I’m sure he, too, was relieved nobody was hurt.
A great leader was once told his actions were jeopardizing his future as the leader, to which he responded: “The day I am afraid to risk that, I am no longer fit to lead.” May this be your motto, coach, as you go forward, wearing your passion on your sleeve. There are those who appreciate you. Please don’t let anyone try to “manage” your passion, for it’s a gift.
David R. Gray
Johnstown
Put your foot down on more taxes
So now the government is pondering a special tax to support the war?
Aren’t we taxed enough by having our children returned to us dead or maimed?
Now we have to pay for government to support the big oil companies’ profits?
Isn’t it taxing enough to have to decide between $3-per-gallon gas to get to work so you can eat next week, or to spend that money to eat this week?
If I was making a billion-dollar profit every quarter, I could actually buy groceries and heat.
If we Americans stand for more taxation, then we deserve what we get.
I sure wish Washington and Jefferson and the guys were still around.
Linda Crew
Central City
Consider ‘war surtax’ from all free nations
A recent news item on network TV spurred me to write. It stated that a proposal was being submitted to add a “war surtax” to U.S. taxpayers to fund the war in Afghanistan.
With the federal budget deficit bogged down by war funding, the rationale is to solve the problem with yet another tax.
The taxpayer bears the problem directly, and the overall deficit picture looks better by transferring the problem elsewhere – leaving taxpayers on the short end of the stick.
Supporting our troops, at home and abroad, is not the issue. Their performance and duty are appreciated and respected. It’s the disregard by elected politicians for our own bleak economic picture. The Iraq war and its rebuilding were to be funded by Iraq’s oil wealth. Did our politicians forget to send the bill to them?
It doesn’t matter what political party you support, or your view on the war, every taxpayer should emphatically say no to yet another tax.
Globally, our country has very little help in fighting international terrorism, whether financially or with troop support.
World organizations such as NATO and the United Nations should help lead the way. Let’s consider a “war surtax” from all free nations according to their wealth.
Total participation would show total commitment in the quest for world peace.
Remember that here in this country each voter has the right to decide what to do with any elected politician who favors a “war surtax” placed solely on the citizens of the United States.
L.G. Solomon
East Conemaugh
Supervisors’ concern is welfare of residents
As an Upper Yoder Township supervisor, I must offer some clarity to the “mystery demise” of the Menoher Heights Volunteer Fire Company.
The decision of Menoher Heights to cease operations is neither sudden nor mysterious. During the past several years, evolving personnel, financial and management concerns, coupled with inadequate fundraising efforts have weakened the organization. As a result of mounting debt and looming foreclosures, the organization has found itself irretrievably incapable to provide service.
The Upper Yoder supervisors have been aware of and have monitored these events.
It must be stressed, however, that the board of supervisors cannot and does
not administrate the activities and management of an independently owned
and chartered, self-governing volunteer entity.
Pursuant to our duty of public safety, we have met with representatives of the Menoher Heights organization on numerous occasions, where the aforementioned issues have been revealed and discussed.
Details of these deliberations are a matter of public record – nothing sudden, no mystery.
In consequence of these events, the supervisors have designated Upper Yoder Volunteer Fire Company as its first and primary responder throughout the township. This organization has consistently demonstrated its reliability and capability to fulfill this duty.
The supervisors regret the closing of the Menoher Heights organization. Our paramount focus, however, has been and will remain in the interests of best ensuring the welfare of our residents.
William J. Huston
Upper Yoder Township
Innocent minorities maligned as evil
In response to Virginia Buser’s Nov 20 letter, “Political correctness and immigrants”: Her letter articulates ignorance bred through hate. Buser, open a history book and learn that this nation was built by immigrants. I guarantee Buser’s family isn’t indigenous to this land.
I’m a proud Hispanic-American Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran. There are many immigrants serving in our military, with no promise of citizenship, and yes, Buser, they include Mexicans. The ability for such nonsense to be published is a great example of the freedom of speech that we soldiers risk our lives to protect.
What other nation is so free that one can spew such absurdity without retribution?
Many domestic terrorist organizations, such as Ku Klux Klan, urban gangs and Islamic fundamentalists, undermine our nation and government. Maybe if liberals such as Janet Napolitano (secretary of Homeland Security) would stop trying to categorize O.I.F. and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans as terrorism risks and concentrate on real criminals, events such as the Fort Hood tragedy wouldn’t happen.
Yes, the fear festered from society’s emphasis on political correctness played a role in Nidal Hasan’s ability to navigate the system. However, one person’s or agency’s disregard for procedure doesn’t define government or military as inept.
Our military family mourns our lost loved ones and Hasan will be held accountable. But spreading more hatred toward innocent minorities will only deepen the root of evil.
God bless Buser, and I hope she thinks before she issues another misinformed opinion and weighs what affect it might have on our national identity.
Jose T. Quezada
Johnstown
Facts prove Obama’s plans are not working
The Nov. 12 letter (“Quit bashing Obama for mess he inherited”) that suggested that President Obama’s “ideas, directions and solutions are designed to benefit all Americans” is simply untrue.
It also indicated that Obama inherited all of the current problems from George Bush.
Let me remind the writer that under Bush more Americans were employed and the stock market paid its highest returns to investors in U.S. history.
All this collapsed when it was evident that Obama would be elected. In addition, for eight years under Bush, terrorists were put on the run rather than being permitted to enter the United States unchecked, as was the case during the Clinton years.
Obama’s record so far:
* The national debt is increasing at a faster rate than ever before.
* Americans continue to die in Afghanistan.
* Terrorist attacks are on the rise in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and Iran and North Korea have attained nuclear capabilities.
* Unemployment stands at 20 million Americans, the highest since the Great Depression.
* Government-controlled health care will add higher costs to middle-income America and, most importantly, take an estimated $500 billion from Medicare over the next 10 years. A slap in the face to all senior citizens.
With these facts, it is more than obvious that Obama’s plans have not benefited all Americans and never will. Only those who don’t pay taxes, have never worked and have never paid into Medicare will benefit.
John Skubak
Johnstown
Cross is a symbol of God’s love
On Nov. 17, I lay awake wondering how anyone could burn a cross. The cross is a symbol of God’s love, not hate. For God so loved the world ... even the one who set fire to the cross.
Lois Robson
New Florence
