Letters: Every business needs to do their part, require masks; Russian bounty allegations raise many questions

Every business needs to do their part, require masks

State College residents, as represented by the Coalition of State College Neighborhood Associations, actively support our local businesses and want to continue to do so.

The COVID-19 pandemic is not letting up, and in just a few weeks tens of thousands of people from many different places will move into town. This is not a time for businesses to let their guard down, especially with regard to requiring mask wearing, but rather a time to keep that guard up, for everyone’s sake.

Thus we respectfully request that ALL businesses in the Centre Region proactively require their customers to wear masks and whenever possible observe social distancing practices while on their premises. Doing so will increase public safety and health, and avoid a surge of new cases in our community.

Such requirements also will be consistent with Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines.

Working together we can keep Happy Valley safe.

Russian bounty allegations raise many questions

When my mother was alive, we would go to concerts given by military units or community bands. The last song was always a tribute, The United States Armed Forces Medley. Former members of each branch and their families proudly stood when their song was played. Each time, we stood for the Army because my dad was a tank commander in WWII, for my uncle who received two Purple Hearts, for my husband, a Marine, and for our relatives in the Navy and Coast Guard. To see so many standing for their service or for family who had served was awe-inspiring. The love of country, dedication to its principles, and sacrifice brought tears of pride.

Now the news is that our elected representatives’ dedication to the Constitution and to Democracy itself is being questioned. Taking the oath of office to protect the people and the country is the first duty of a government. How can that be something taken so lightly or denied outright.

What would my dad say about a country that would allow its soldiers to be killed for money? Would my uncle who was wounded think some mercenary was denied his payment because he “missed?” Would all the brave people in the military now question their continued loyalty to a country that dismisses them as expendable?

What will the people who vote this November do about continuing this travesty of leadership that puts admiration of an enemy above protecting our service people, our citizens, and our very Democracy?

Townwide yard sale was inexcusable

“Here’s your sign!” A famous comedian says this same comment to ignorant people when they show ultimate stupidity. For years audiences have laughed every time he does this skit. I looked at the June 28 article and photos about people attending the Centre Hall townwide yard sale. In the first place it was ignorant of the town to hold the sale, already knowing that the coronavirus is not under control and there is no cure or vaccine. Then to not have any mandatory face mask rules or social distancing measures in place and no one to enforce them was just plain stupid. The article said that they ask people to abide by the rules, but there were no mandatory safeguards in place? Many people refuse to wear a mask because they want to show their political affiliation. Many sadly believe whatever they hear from friends that got their information on the internet. To some they follow the stupidity of President Trump, who refuses to wear a face mask as he should. I think those that refuse to wear a face mask should also be made to sign a letter saying they refuse hospital/EMS help if they get the coronavirus. To them I say, ‘here’s your sign!”