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Republicans have veered this way once before

Kimball Shinkoskey Woods Cross In the 1840s, Irish Catholics immigrated to America in huge numbers and provoked a secret protest movement known as the Know Nothing Party, founded in 1844 as a precursor to the eventual Republican party. Know Nothings told of a conspiracy by Catholics to overthrow Protestant-based American government. This was an early version of today’s Republican claim that Hispanic Catholic immigrants will kick whites and other native-born Americans out of jobs and power in America. MAGA, or Know Nothing II, is really a Make America Hate Again party, as ...

Prepare for your pet, too

Robin Ganzert West Palm Beach, Fla. Hurricanes Helene and Milton are heartbreaking reminders that disaster preparedness saves lives. American Humane is urging pet owners to take a few simple steps today to ensure you and your animal companions are ready when the next catastrophe strikes. First, develop a pet-specific disaster plan, including a list of safe places that could house your pets in a crisis. Pet-friendly hotels, emergency shelters and friends or relatives in another area are good places to start. Second, make an evacuation kit with essential supplies, including ...

Respect for Veterans

Carol Stimmel Lewisburg As the child of two World War II veterans, I’ve always held a deep respect for those who serve our nation. Growing up, I learned to recognize both the pride and the tragedy of wartime service. My father piloted B-24 bombers, while my mother worked as a Navy munitions chemist. Their sacrifice and dedication shape my everyday values. Vice President Kamala Harris understands the importance of honoring our veterans. She has supported expanding benefits for veterans exposed to toxic substances and pledged to address issues like veteran homelessness and mental ...

The truth about immigrants

Linda Barton State College It’s time to debunk five harmful and demonizing myths about immigrants (both documented and undocumented), so we can rebuild an immigration system that’s functional and humane. Myth I: Don’t pay taxes, use public benefits and harm the economy Undocumented workers contribute billions in taxes through sales, property and income taxes. The Social Security Administration estimates they contribute $100 billion annually, increasing SSA finances since they are ineligible for most public benefits, including welfare, food stamps (SNAP) and Medicaid. ...

Who is the real threat?

Hugh McGee Williamsport What I frequently hear coming from Democratic Party politicians and supporters is that former President Donald Trump is a threat to democracy. Nearly all the time, they don’t give a reason for this criticism. During his first term in the Oval Office, I never saw him as a threat to democracy. What I did see was a constant criticism of his work by Democratic Party politicians, particularly California Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and New York State Senator Chuck Schumer, regarding anything that Donald Trump did. All the criticism done with the help, assistance ...

Non-partisan good government

Alex Wilce Lewisburg The Civil Service Reform Act of 1883 was passed in order to professionalize what had been a notoriously corrupt, partisan and incompetent civil service. These three features — corruption, partisanship and incompetence — feed on one another. The Act led to major improvements in the federal government’s ability to provide needed services that can’t be handled by individual state governments, or by the private sector. We depend on federal agencies such as the EPA and the FDA, to keep our air, our water, our medicines, and our food supply safe. Disease does ...