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E-bikes and e-scooters

I found the picture of a man screaming at a child riding a scooter in a cross walk wearing a helmet to be problematic. Roads and sidewalks need to accommodate all users. Of course there needs to be reasonable rules. Will the new crosswalk on Maynard Street make it safe for pedestrians, cyclists and scooters to cross the busy street? Should our first priority to the free flow of cars? A city that values the safe access to all is one where people want to live. DAVID STONE Williamsport Submitted by Virtual Newsroom

When dialogue dies, violence prevails

The echoes of a voice advocating for discourse, not violent confrontation, have been tragically silenced. Charlie Kirk’s life, dedicated to the principle of engaging in political discourse through debate and discussion rather than through violence, was brutally cut short, an outrageous violation of the very message he championed. This heinous act stands as a stark reminder that retaliatory acts of violence, no matter how deeply felt the grief or anger, should be condemned because they will perpetuate the cycle of destruction he sought to break. Especially those of us who differ with ...

The Constitution needs you

The Constitution needs you — now more than ever. As our nation faces growing authoritarian threats, I write to urge every member of our military and law enforcement to remember the oath they swore—not to a man, a party, or a flag, but to the Constitution of the United States. That oath was not ceremonial. It was a solemn promise to defend the principles that make this country free: civilian rule, equal protection, rule of law, free speech, the right of due process, the right to protest and descent, the prevention of excessive or cruel punishment and democratic governance. When ...

Knee-jerk reaction

I am disgusted with Cal Thomas’ September 9, 2025 op-ed column in the Sun-Gazette, “Madness in and around Minneapolis.” Cal discussed the recent terrible Church shooting at the church were many kids were killed or injured by a deranged shooter. Then Cal said in paragraph 7, “I am a supporter of the Second Amendment, but with a caveat. No one should be allowed to buy a semi-automatic rifle as the one used in Minneapolis....” Why? The gun did not shoot the kids, a nut case did. Why shift the BLAME from the alleged violator to the means used? The Second Amendment is not about ...

Rural Americans deserve better

Rural America deserves better — it’s time to stand up. Rural Americans have long been the backbone of this country—hardworking, patriotic, and committed to community. But today, your rights, livelihoods, and futures are under threat — not from immigrants, not from urban elites, but from a man who claims to represent you while gutting the very programs that keep rural communities alive. Starting in 2026, access to healthcare will be sharply restricted. Millions of rural residents on Medicaid — and even some on Medicare — will lose coverage. SNAP benefits that feed families ...

Dictatorship? It’s here

A letter I submitted to this newspaper titled “Autocracy Alert” was published on April 8, 2025. In it I cited signs of a coming dictatorship. I referred to “Project 2025,” written by Federalist Society authors, as the administrations’s playbook. Prior to his election in 2024, Trump denied having knowledge of the treatise. It is now clearly evident that he lied. Trump has succeeded in consolidating his absolute authority over the most important departments and operations of the federal government. Given his strong hold on six justices of the Supreme Court, the “checks and ...