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Politics win again

Many sectors of the U.S. economy continue a slow but steady recovery from the COVID-19 slowdown. By the end of September, the unemployment rate had dropped to 7.9%, down from 8.4% in August. But as we and many others have warned, some businesses — and their employees — are struggling. In addition, a significant number of companies failed to weather the coronavirus storm. They have closed their doors forever. In the news recently have been airlines. Passenger count is everything for them. With it down drastically, most carriers are struggling. Allowing them to go down ...

We the People need to make term limits a reality

We firmly believe in term limits for public office at the state and federal levels and believe such a change will have a very positive impact. “We the People” seem to have lost the power granted to us by our Founding Fathers. Power. Money. Influence. These are what politicians crave. And these are exactly what career politicians gain, sometimes at the heavy expense of “We the People.” Due to campaign finance laws and the enormous task of raising ungodly amounts of money, many incumbents have little to worry about when it comes time for re-election. At the state ...

State better be ready for Election Day

A short ballot will greet voters here and across Pennsylvania on Nov. 3. Voters who go to the polls that day, as well as those who choose to make their selections by way of a mail-in or absentee ballot, should have little difficulty navigating the actual process of responsible decision-making. The election’s biggest challenge will rest with the election officials tasked with counting and recording accurately the results of the balloting. Based on the state Supreme Court’s recently ruling, 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 6 — three days after the election — is the new deadline to receive ...

The viruses among us

Mention vaccines these days, and chances are the talk will be about when some protection against COVID-19 can be expected. Another potential killer is about to take the stage, however. Regular influenza — actually multiple viruses that vary in threat level, depending on the year — strikes annually. Fortunately, vaccines against it are available already. Influenza kills thousands of Americans every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the flu claimed as many as 62,000 lives in this country during the 2019-20 season. That said, COVID-19 is ...

Who should get a COVID vaccine first?

Though there is dispute over how soon a COVID-19 vaccine will be available to the general public, we read where it is possible a few million doses may be ready before the end of this year. We emphasize “may” be ready. There is general agreement that a vaccine should go to the most vulnerable among us. That is older people with pre-existing medical conditions. For sure. But if there is any agreement on vaccine rationing — and what will happen will be just that — it ends there. Clearly, specific guidelines for distribution will have to be developed. They ought to ...

We sure could use some rain

Our region, with its lush forests and calming waterways, needs a nice, long steady and soaking rainfall ... for a few days at that. In case you’ve had your head in a well, we’re in a drought. Specifically, Clinton, Centre and Lycoming Counties are in a “drought watch.” Potter County, to the north, is in a “drought warning.” And don’t be fooled: Underground aquifers many of us rely on for water via wells aren’t producing as much water. Reservoirs that feed public water systems are low in our area. According to the National Weather Service, our area’s rainfall ...