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I’ll take it

President Trump has proposed giving every adult working American $5,000 if the GOP retains control of Congress. It could possibly be considered a tax refund. After all, it’s really our money. As to be expected, however, the Democrats are having a conniption saying the proposal is a bribe to gain votes for Republican congressional candidates. That’s fine---if it makes them feel good. But if the Democrats do happen to gain control of Congress, there is a very good chance every hardworking American will have to pay THEM $5,000---in addition to the tax increase they will no doubt ...

Irresponsible

Trump’s proposed $5,000 “dividend” tied to Republicans winning the midterms is not only irresponsible but very likely illegal under U.S. federal election law. Federal statutes clearly make it a crime to offer money or anything of value to influence how someone votes. Penalties include fines and up to one year in prison, or two years for willful violations. Conditioning a cash payout on an election outcome is exactly the kind of vote‑buying scheme those laws were written to prevent. The idea is despicable, dangerous, and corrosive to democratic norms. Any president proposing to ...

All in

The news of Contour Airlines coming to IPT with inexpensive direct flights to Charlotte, NC is exciting news for us. With family in Charlotte, we have used Contour Airlines out of Blair County Airport{Altoona) several times. The 30-seat jet is great, like your own little private charter. The flights were smooth and came with a free drink and snack. Plenty of legroom and Blair County had free parking. This decision will save us drive time and an overnight stay in a hotel, which was still cheaper than flying out of other airports. To Contour and IPT management; keep flights inexpensive ...

Skeptical about cost

I used Southern Airlines to and from Dulles a number of times. Although an “interesting” experience it mostly was reliable and affordable. I was not only disappointed that the service was discontinued but I also lost my reservation money for the connecting flights I paid for that were to take place in a planned trip in October/November. Then I found out there will be jet service from IPT to Charlotte, NC, starting in October which is a hub for American and where I can make good connections to my Florida destination. I was really excited. Then I got on the American Airlines ...

Vote in November

In November, vote Republican if you are fine with: Policies that make groceries, rent, homes, and medicine harder to afford every year. Tariffs that raise prices and crush small businesses. An administration pushing rapid, unchecked growth of massive data centers. A war that drags on long after leaders promised it wouldn’t. Foreign policy that creates more enemies than solutions. Energy spikes brushed off while Americans pay the price at the pump. Funding freezes, staff cuts, and FEMA shake‑ups that weaken disaster response, food safety, and public health ...

AI needs a Constitution

Artificial intelligence is advancing at an extraordinary pace. Within a few years, AI systems may make decisions in medicine, finance, transportation, defense, scientific research, and critical infrastructure that exceed any individual human’s understanding. That potential offers enormous benefits, but it also creates unprecedented risks. The central question is no longer whether AI will become more capable, but whether it will remain aligned with human values. Good intentions are not enough. Advanced AI should be designed so that it is structurally prevented from violating ...