Letters: Will supply chain crisis lead to changes?; Poll workers have close-up view of election integrity

Will supply chain crisis lead to changes?

“A chain is only as strong as its weakest link.”

We have forgotten this as longer and longer supply chains bring merchandise to us. The chains are too long with too many moving parts. Why is it a surprise that it breaks?

We allowed production to move farther and farther away from this country in the name of savings and efficiency. We forgot to ask, “is it robust?” or, “can it take a beating and keep on ticking?” Now we see the results of our folly.

We went through something like this in the 19th century, when manufacturers sprung up all over the place, all bringing their products to the market. There was no set of standard measurements, so there were a lot of disconnect. Rail lines had different widths so a new profession came to be — wheel adjusters for trains when they went from one rail to the other. Whole towns sprouted where those changeovers were necessary.

And so, with such adjustments, life went merrily along. It was no great inconvenience after all.

Until 1905 when there was a fire in Baltimore, and the firemen discovered that the fire hoses would not fit the fire hydrants. So, Baltimore burned up. And people realized “this does not make sense” and not too long after the Bureau of Standards and Measures was born.

Will this supply chain crisis be the moment when we say “this makes no sense?”

In the meantime, buy local.

Poll workers have close-up view of election integrity

I have worked Centre County’s mail-in ballot processing room at the Penn Stater for the last three elections. This past week I worked at Willowbank Building for the recount of the race for Commonwealth Court. In all four instances, I raised my hand and swore an oath to be honest and diligent according to election laws and the Constitutions of the United States and the state of Pennsylvania under penalty of law. I took that oath very seriously.

All along the way, a chain of custody had everyone sign off on completing their tasks. A watcher looked on to make certain the tasks were being followed. There was no opportunity for anything nefarious. It was an efficient, diligent, professional system. I commend everyone involved, especially our Election Board officials who managed the entire effort.

To those folks concerned about election integrity and fraud, I would say to you that unless you have worked the polls on Election Day, unless you have been part of the effort to aid our democracy in this most fundamental way, you really have no standing to complain or protest. If you are truly concerned, then instead of dialing up your elected official’s office, call the Election Board and offer your services. That would truly be the patriotic thing to do.

Support charities at virtual event

Twenty-nine local, national, and international charities will be the beneficiaries of this community’s 39th annual Alternative Christmas Fair.

This is a one-stop shopping event for people who want to experience the true spirit of the season by directing funds to those who need them most.

University Baptist and Brethren Church (UBBC) has run this event since 1982. Traditionally, it has been held in the church at 411 S. Burrowes Street, State College. The charities would set up booths and people would visit them, learn more about their missions, and designate gifts to them. But the church’s Fellowship Hall this year was deemed just a bit too “cozy” for comfort with COVID-19 still lurking. So, the 2021 event will be “virtual.”

People can go to www.ubbcwelcome.org/acf to learn about each participating charity. Between Dec. 5 and 19 they can make gifts to any or all of the charities online or by check simply by filling out a single form. Last year, more than $43,000 was given to these worthy organizations just that way.

Please come “virtually” this year to the Alternative Christmas Fair and support your favorite charities.