Letters to the Editor

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/19/2010
To all the people who think that the tax cut for the rich should be extended, here is something to think about.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/18/2010
Speaking from the standpoint of having had to raise a family, I know cutbacks were necessary from time to time in order to “make ends meet.” The recent budget cuts to our library systems have impacted operating budgets of librarie ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/17/2010
Weekly, the public is being fed one side of the proposed home rule charter form of government for Luzerne County.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/16/2010
Do you believe things will return to normal in the Gulf of Mexico now that the oil-spouting BP well has finally been sealed? Do you think that the devastating impacts of the massive oil spill on beaches, wildlife habitats and mari ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/15/2010
The commentary by William A. Levinson (“Reward cap-and-trade supporters with election defeat,” Aug. 7) should be a wake-up call regarding how damaging government energy policy can be.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/15/2010
I thank state Rep. Karen Boback for her tireless efforts and her heartfelt concern for the rights of veterans, senior citizens, children and, my reason for writing this letter, rural residents. Karen’s concern for rural resident ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/15/2010
I thank our community for the wonderful and generous response to the past few fundraisers that Candy’s Place, The Center for Cancer Wellness has held.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/14/2010
Hats off to the members of the Luzerne County Government Study Commission for the concern they’re showing to save this county from crummy politicians. They should be lauded for the time spent in this endeavor.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/13/2010
I was appalled by The Times Leader’s Aug. 3 editorial, “Building distaste over name game.”

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/12/2010
With the new ordinance in Wilkes-Barre banning drivers from cell phone use within city limits, why is it that I am constantly seeing people driving while talking on cell phones?

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/11/2010
Recently a postcard was mailed from state Rep. Todd Eachus. It advertises a “community conversation” that he has scheduled for tonight in Conyngham.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/10/2010
I read the article in Wednesday’s edition of The Times Leader and think it is unconscionable that Tom Marino is attacking Congressman Chris Carney without knowing if he had a good reason for his absence.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/09/2010
Many changes have taken place recently on state Route 115 between the Turnpike entrance/exit and Interstate 81.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/08/2010
I have to laugh – or perhaps cry is more like it – when I hear a newscaster tell us how to keep pets cool. “Simply” put out a pan of water under a tree or bush. How insane!

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/08/2010
This letter is a response to statements made by Ed Mitchell, media consultant for the Kanjorski for Congress campaign, in Bill O’Boyle’s July 28 article covering the pension issues in Hazleton.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/08/2010
Recently, our family was visiting the Poconos for a weeklong, time-share vacation. We arrived on July 4 and asked our time-share location (Mountain Laurel in White Haven) if there were any fireworks displays in the area that eveni ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/07/2010
I am writing in response to The Associated Press’ article “Rendell makes case for action on transportation” (July 21).

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/06/2010
So they went ahead and bulldozed the BMX bike park in Kingston because of “liability issues.” What are the kids supposed to do now?

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/05/2010
Many women want to breast-feed their babies. They will increase their ability to achieve their own definition of breast-feeding success by becoming aware of the “10 Steps Toward Breastfeeding, the Baby-Friendly Way.”

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/04/2010
Regarding the recent articles about hiring practices in local school districts, the solution is clear for those who have the best interest of the schools at heart.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/03/2010
Luzerne County tears down the “309 Trails” because it’s illegal to have them there.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/02/2010
The Obama administration’s lawsuit against Arizona’s immigration law is a “sideshow.” Why don’t they bring lawsuits against the 54-plus sanctuary cities and municipalities that harbor illegal immigrants? There are probably 33 laws ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/01/2010
I have to give credit to the natural gas drilling companies for picking the perfect area in which to drill.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/01/2010
I’ve hit a brick wall and hopefully you can help.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 08/01/2010
The administration, faculty and PTSA from West Side Career and Technology Center in Pringle thank our alumni, friends and neighbors in the community who attended our second annual Olde Tyme Family Lawn Party on July 4.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/31/2010
Why are racists always in denial about their continuing to play the race card?

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/30/2010
Americans don’t trust the government anymore to fix the economy. That’s what I had seen on TV.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/29/2010
Nanticoke officials are looking at charging a rental fee to use city property.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/28/2010
The court hasn’t the “slightest idea” of the appropriate sentence in the Michael Conahan racketeering conspiracy case?

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/27/2010
An article in Thursday’s edition points out that, according to a report, “Greater Scranton/Wilkes-Barre is among the least educated of America’s 100 largest cities.”

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/26/2010
Attorney General Tom Corbett believes that the “jobs are there.” Tell that to the 591,000 unemployed in Pennsylvania.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/25/2010
I thank those who most graciously and generously provided donations and support to the 2010 Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction’s plant booth.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/24/2010
I’m interested in the state legislation being considered that is most generously called the Conservation Pooling Act and which also is called the Fair Pooling Act. Its detractors refer to it as the Forced Pooling Act.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/23/2010
I am writing in response to the animal abuse cases in our area that have received little to no media attention. Recently, the area has been plagued with illegal dogfighting and cockfighting rings, among several other less-organize ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/22/2010
All day, every day, education is the key: Those are the words spoken by school superintendents.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/21/2010
Residents of the Wilkes-Barre Area School District, do you realize what a remarkable area we live in?

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/20/2010
I invite everyone to come out to the fourth annual Michael Chocallo Blood Drive, to be held today at the Thomas Saxton Medical Pavilion, 468 Northampton St., Edwardsville.

Mail bag  letters from readers - 07/19/2010
It was stunning to read the article in The Times Leader about the impact that the current low level of the Susquehanna River, coupled with the recent high temperatures, may have on the fish. This article noted that the dissolved o ...

mailbag LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/18/2010
The past presidents and Congress have borrowed from Social Security to balance the budget leaving us with IOUs in our account.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/18/2010
First and foremost, I’d like to thank Mr. Tom Mooney for mentioning our group in his column recently.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/17/2010
President Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder both refuse to prosecute the New Black Panther Party leader after he is clearly shown and heard on video threatening and intimidating white voters at the polls during the 2008 elect ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/16/2010
Once again, the state taxpayers have been shafted.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/15/2010
Nine months ago I offered readers 101:1 odds that, despite the governor’s and legislator’s promises, this year’s state budget would be late. No one took the bet.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/14/2010
From the beginning of the debate over drilling in the Marcellus Shale, my efforts have been devoted to achieving the right balance between economic opportunity and environmental protection. This will naturally disappoint those on ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/13/2010
Our world today is sure changing, but I wish that the politicians would work together to make a better United States. We are going downhill because they don’t want to work or help the president.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/12/2010
Here is an update on recycling in Dallas schools.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/11/2010
The upcoming election promises to be one of the most competitive in years, and every incumbent will be working harder than ever to keep his or her seat in Congress. In our media-rich environment, that takes money – lots of it. (Se ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/11/2010
This is a response to the comments made in a recent letter to the editor (“Writer discourages Service enlistment,” June 27).

Coal miner’s daughter proud of past - 07/11/2010
Our coal miners were extraordinary men and boys who worked in sub-human conditions.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/11/2010
The Salvation Army began its ministry in Wilkes-Barre in 1885, just four years after Salvationism was brought to the American shores from England.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/10/2010
Kevin Blaum’s June 27 opinion piece, “Environmental hazards exposed by gutsy film,” shows a complete misunderstanding of the oil and natural gas industry that provides the energy that is essential to the way of life we enjoy in th ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/09/2010
The public should know that enforcement and oversight of the rapidly growing natural gas industry has been and will continue to be the number one priority of the state’s Department of Environmental Protection, and that any changes ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/08/2010
I suppose anyone can be a president, but not everyone can be a leader. Barack Obama is proving just that.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/07/2010
In recent weeks, some Republicans in Washington have remarked that unemployed Americans should just go get a job. I’d like someone to explain to me to what jobs they’re referring.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/06/2010
Recently, two young ladies who are very important to me had the initiative and motivation to host a lemonade stand. Things were slow-going at first, but with a little assurance, the girls persevered. As the pitcher began to drain ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/05/2010
A few days before Pittston Area School District was placed among districts with below-average scores, it announced a 3.9 percent tax hike. Low scores and higher costs mean less value for the taxpayer’s dollar.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/04/2010
The dissent from the recent Supreme Court decision illustrates why activist judges are a danger to the Constitution.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/04/2010
Obamacare is not just about health care; it is a giant first step in establishing a socialist state with the government (Obama and his cronies) in control of every facet of American lives.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/04/2010
I thank The Times Leader for its coverage and media sponsorship of the 2010 Wyoming Valley RiverFest. The 11th annual event was a tremendous success, with more than 400 people paddling in river trips, and more than 3,000 people at ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/03/2010
Each year, approximately 5,000 Americans are sent to emergency rooms for firework-related injuries – with 1,000 of those injuries to the eyes, including contusions, lacerations, debris in the eyes and burns.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/02/2010
As a Luzerne native who moved back to our little town after working all around the country, I seem to need a lesson in mathematics.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 07/01/2010
As I sit here a scant two days before Luzerne’s new police force begins patrolling the borough, I am still burdened by the thoughts that the council does not care to listen to the wants of its constituents, and that this could be ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/30/2010
I ask everyone to watch the documentary film “Gasland,” which is being shown this month on HBO. It shows the horrors that the natural gas industry has done to parts of the country, including the destruction of areas such as Dimock ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/29/2010
Pennsylvania politicians are considering a shortsighted and costly plan to deal with the state’s bankrupt pension system.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/28/2010
Richard Connor’s June 20 commentary on energy policy is right on target but leaves one stone unturned.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/27/2010
Has anyone told our Luzerne County commissioners that the governments of our local communities, as well as county, state and federal governments are experiencing financial crises like never before?

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/27/2010
Let’s see where we are at with the pros and cons of natural gas drilling in Pennsylvania. We have an industry telling us that this practice is safe, when the reality of the opposite is all around us.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/27/2010
Putting on the Nanticoke Music Fest is very costly. Every year we depend on our advertisers and band sponsor to help us financially. Without the following sponsors this annual fun event would not take place: Asco Financial Group I ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/26/2010
Obviously the Marcellus Shale natural gas drilling venture has some people in this region conjuring visions of the California gold rush and others channeling Jed Clampett’s ghost.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/25/2010
While many residents in Luzerne County have lauded the decision to remove crossing guard service outside of the courthouse, I must respectfully disapprove.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/24/2010
When companies drill for gas or oil near a water area, make sure you make them responsible if your water supply becomes contaminated, which has happened before.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/23/2010
I remember when Pennsylvania legislators took the punchboards and raffles out of the bars and firehouse events. They apparently wanted to control all of the gambling proceeds.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/22/2010
The article that appeared in the June 13 edition of The Times Leader focused on a farm, The Lands at Hillside Farms, and its decision to not lease the farm for gas drilling.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/21/2010
In his recent letter to the editor, Fred Murray of Shavertown calls me a phony and asks where I was in 1985 when, as he contends, the actions or lack thereof by various governmental entities caused irreparable harm to our environm ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/20/2010
Thank you! Thank you for the interview published June 13 with Doug Ayers, chairman of the board of The Lands at Hillside Farms, a good man who clearly loves his neighbors, says “no” to the money and speaks the truth.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/20/2010
On April 14, we lost our beloved son, Dr. Danie Mark Bishop, to a sudden heart attack. Three weeks and one day later, our precious daughter, Devon Lee Bishop, succumbed to colon cancer.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/19/2010
In a recent published article, a family member of one of the 11 workers killed in the Gulf oil disaster said that President Obama told them they weren’t going to be forgotten.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/18/2010
I have heard, and continue to hear, the outcries of my constituents in the 117th Legislative District about the safety of natural gas drilling and its potential impact on our natural resources. These are from people who have lease ...

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/17/2010
Eight months house arrest for taking bribes. Wow! That will show them.

MAIL BAG  LETTERS FROM READERS - 06/16/2010
We are writing in response to Wilkes-Barre Mayor Tom Leighton’s decision to reduce the number of firefighters and engines in the city. What we need is more protection, not less.