Letters: Casey’s opposition to school vouchers perpetuates inequality; ‘Loud majority’ speaks up

Response from the ‘loud majority’

In response to the letter ‘Silent Majority’ Needs to Speak Up, I would like to address two issues presented by the writer.

First, use of the term “socialistic groups.” The term “socialist” tends to be used in a variety of different contexts.

I was intrigued by the various dictionary definitions for socialism, socialist, etc — “Socialist Party: Any of certain political parties advocating socialism to be achieved by democratic process; ...”

After the dictionary, I encourage the reader to use Wikipedia.org for further enlightenment. My point being that when we throw out terms like “socialist” or “socialistic groups” it will mean a variety of different things to many people having both positive and negative implications. Churches have “socialistic groups.” Women belong to quilt or sewing groups that are “socialistic” in nature. I would encourage the writer to be more specific and elaborate on what he means by “socialistic groups.”

The second issue I would like to pursue from his letter is about what he termed “absentee ballot” and would ask him to understand that a “mail-in ballot” is the same as absentee. Someone does not merely “pick up a ballot and send it in” without verification and authentication. Do not believe the scare tactics being promoted that this form of voting is somehow fraudulent. The COVID-19 virus has plenty of us concerned about in-person voting and having the mail-in ballot works for many of us.

This is one voice from the “Loud Majority” — thank you.

Waltz listens, keeps an open mind

We in the 76th Legislative District have a chance to send to Harrisburg someone who will represent our values in a positive and nondiscriminatory way. Joe Waltz respects all opinions and beliefs and keeps an open mind.

He’s a good listener. One of the many attributes Joe brings to the job is his lifetime career in education as a teacher and coach. Keep in mind that it is the state’s constitutional obligation to ensure that our educational systems are doing well. It’s not just up to the local school boards.

We in central Pennsylvania have had some outstanding educators who have represented us in Harrisburg. Let’s add Joe Waltz to that list.

School voucher opposition perpetuates inequality

I must take categorical exception to Sen. Bob Casey’s position on school choice and vouchers. Though it really does not affect my decision to choose private education for my child, it certainly does affect the underprivileged, especially in minority communities.

Democrats opine against what they call structural racism, yet their position on blocking free market principles from the public education system consistently undermines the improvement in the lives of minority communities through education. Despite the lack of clarity by Democrats on what defines structural racism, I will take the liberty of defining it for them. It is a system designed or allowed to persist that intentionally keeps a certain cross-section of society at a socioeconomic disadvantage based on race. It is to the advantage of politicians and teachers unions to provide a handout rather than a hand up. The policies Casey supports merely create a systemic dependence that guarantees the long-term livelihoods of all but those most afflicted in these communities. I find this to be the most insidious form of racism, not to mention an economic falsehood. Read the work of economist Thomas Sowell to understand the effect of such policies.

Finally, I will point out that the 2017 report by the Economic Policy Institute that Casey cites to support his claims doesn’t actually do so; rather, it “found no evidence that school vouchers significantly improve student achievement.” Failure to refute claims does not confirm them.