Letters: Park investments a matter of public safety; Support the fight against COPD

Park investments a matter of public safety

Regarding “PPFF: More funding needed for state parks, forests,” we thank Centre Daily Times for the article published Sept. 17, and wanted to add that investments are not simply of aesthetics or comfort, but a matter of maintaining public safety.

For example, the heavily used Coburn pedestrian bridge provides access for both anglers and private landowners to the renowned Penns Creek. If you know Penns Creek, you’ve likely heard of the green drake mayfly, whose hatching creates an unparalleled fishing experience, drawing many anglers for the fish feeding frenzy.

Years of heavy use and the lack of repair since 1970 has left the pedestrian bridge, built around 1880, stripped down to its existing condition of unattached planks resting on rotting wooden railroad ties. The expense of an inspection, the first step in the process to repair, is one of many requests on a long list of projects needing funding.

Is the want of a bridge worth the loss of an experience so unique to this area? Is the lack of investment in our parks and forests worth the loss of tourism revenue?

The good news: American Rescue Plan funding is an opportunity to address maintenance needs. Senator John Gordner recently introduced a bill, SB 525, to invest some American Rescue Plan money in our parks and forests. Recently, Representative Linda Culver indicated her support in the house, with a companion bill forthcoming.

Our parks and forests are Pennsylvania’s legacy. We can’t afford to lose them.

Support the fight against COPD

COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is the third leading cause of death and the second leading cause of disability in the U.S. Thirty million people in the U.S. are living with COPD and in Pennsylvania there are 694,000 who have COPD.

The official color for COPD is orange. The theme this year is “Lace up for Lungs.” Wear orange the month of November to support our fight against COPD. World COPD Day is Nov. 17 to honor those that have COPD and those that lost their battle with COPD.

Each November it is proclamation season, where the governor signs and announces November is COPD Awareness month. Pulmonary Rehab is important for every person diagnosed with COPD. It helps them to learn about the illness, what causes flares ups and how to cope and live with COPD. It gives those of us better quality of life.

Having COPD is a life-changing event. I not only speak and spread awareness for myself but all the others who are affected by COPD. Research, education and awareness are essential for COPD.

Get involved, support and join forces with the COPD Foundation and start to learn to breathe again! Always Keep hope in your heart!

Thompson all talk on Medicare

In the Oct. 15 CDT there was an article by Rep. Glenn Thompson about some features of Medicare, the excellent federal program that my wife and I have been enjoying since we finally got old enough to qualify. Reading the article, you might almost get the impression that Thompson is a big supporter of Medicare like we are. That’s certainly what he wants you to believe.

Not so fast. Let’s check the record. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare maintains a Congressional Scorecard, which grades every member of Congress on his/her support of these programs. What’s Thompson’s grade? Zero. So he talks the talk, but when it’s time to walk the walk and actually support these programs, he goes AWOL and votes for his corporate donors instead.

What about Rep. Fred Keller? Surely he helps support seniors in central Pennsylvania? Nope, his score is another zero.

But, they’re going to mend their ways and start helping seniors, right? President Biden has proposed, as part of the reconciliation bill, major enhancements to Medicare, for example adding dental, vision, and hearing services. Are Thompson and Keller in favor of this? Nope, both of them, and in fact every single member of their party, are committed to voting against the President’s proposals.

Well, I’m making a commitment too. It is to vote these folks out of Congress.