Your Letters: Saturday

Fixed-income frustration

I read in the Centre Daily Times that seniors on Social Security aren’t getting a cost-of-living raise. My supplemental health insurance increased; my drugs increased as my rent will also.

I’m sure the members of Congress will get a raise, but seniors on Social Security have to make do whether the cost of living goes up for us. They need to rethink people working (65 and older ) receiving a pay check and a Social Security check.

Marie O. Crater Bellefonte

Recently, there have been negative editorials and political attention given to Fox News in comparison to other major media networks. People were encouraged to regard Fox News as an extension of one political party and that it is not really a news organization, but rather it only presents a perspective.

Americans are constantly being manipulated by all media — newspapers, news networks, political candidates and all advertisements. In every arena we are being persuaded to buy certain products, vote for certain candidates, buy into a party’s political platform and believe whatever the news media present.

We are only told what they think we need to know. When we are given this limited information, they believe we lack the critical-thinking skills to see through their rhetoric and to formulate our own judgments.

It is important for us to gather as much information as possible before we make a decision. We must be careful not to listen to one network, read one newspaper, listen to one candidate or listen to one advertisement. If we do, we have allowed ourselves to be manipulated.

Raymond Pezalski Boalsburg

Not so proud

Like more than a few Penn State fanatics, I pay what most sane people probably would consider way too much money — hundreds of dollars per game — for reserved parking in close proximity to Beaver Stadium on football Saturdays.

I once thought it was actually a good deal because it raises money for Penn State, assures my wife’s artificial knees a short walk to the stadium and guarantees us a great parking spot even if I arrive shortly before kickoff.

But that changed last Saturday when Penn State officials, reacting to an unseasonable snowstorm, decided to open the paved lots normally used for reserved parking to the general public.

As all “Seinfeld” fans know, Penn State or anybody can take a reservation, but actually holding the reservation is what really matters.

Penn State took my money and my reservation then decided to keep my money and ignore my reservation. In making the unilateral decision to break its agreement with me and others with reserved parking spots, Penn State broke its word.

That’s a sad but unfortunately accurate assessment to make about an institution of higher learning — certainly not the kind of thing that should make anybody “Penn State proud.”

Robert L. Burke Monessen

Filko on the money

You may count me as one who thinks what Joseph Filko wrote (Oct. 15) is correct. As Casey Stengel said, “You can look it up!”

These figures may not be exact, but they are certainly indicative. In 1960, Blair County had about 17 separate office functions, 200 employees and a population of 140,000. In 2008, Blair County has about 43 separate office functions, 850 employees and a population of 132,000. You may deduce whatever you want, but it’s a fact that this county government is providing more for a smaller population.

Ken Criste State College

Scrutinize gas prices

Gas prices are on the rise again. So what is their excuse this time? NASA’s bombing the Moon? The president sneezing? Two weeks ago gas was $2.49 a gallon; last Friday it was $2.59. On Tuesday gas had climbed to $2.65 and Wednesday morning it was $2.69. Why all the price gouging?

Yes, crude oil prices are going up, but why should we be paying higher gas prices for a product that has already been through the refining process? Answer that for me, please someone.

Mike Hall State College