Letters: Fetterman’s agenda would hurt PA; No-shows disrespect voters

Editor’s note: Following the submission of the letter “No-shows disrespect voters,” Rep. Kerry Benninghoff confirmed attendance to Tuesday’s Meet the Candidates event.

Fetterman’s agenda would hurt PA

John Fetterman is not for Pennsylvania or the country. His positions, if they become law, will severely hurt low- and middle-income Americans. These are just the people he says he wants to help. Let’s consider several of these positions.

He says he’s tough on crime, but is he? He publicly stated his goal is to release 33% of felons from prison. How will that lower crime in the country which is experiencing a surge in crime? Crime is at historic levels in Philadelphia, and people don’t feel safe in metropolitan areas.

A ban on fracking for oil and natural gas is another position. This would kill thousands of good-paying union jobs in Pennsylvania and the country and boost already high energy prices for numerous Americans. In Pennsylvania, the energy economy was estimated at over $50 billion and accounted for 40,000 jobs in 2019-2021. Does he really think the dollar level of “green” jobs would increase in Pennsylvania to replace lost energy jobs?

Soft on crime and a ban on fracking are only two positions on Fetterman’s radical agenda. There are more involving higher taxes, defunding the police, and supporting the student loan bailout.

When you go to vote consider the stark differences between the candidates. One whose positions do not support the interests of the majority of Americans or one who is self-made, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania medical school, performed countless heart operations, and invented life-saving devices to repair heart valves. Dr. Oz is an easy choice.

No-shows disrespect voters

Political debates and public forums are time-honored traditions, but as the midterm elections approach, many Republican candidates are ducking for cover — including Republican candidates for Pennsylvania’s House of Representatives in Centre County.

On Tuesday at 6 p.m., the Centre Daily Times will hold a live virtual event with local candidates to “help readers learn more about the people looking to represent Centre County in Harrisburg and Washington.” The event provides a welcome forum for discussion with the candidates.

Only one of the three Republican candidates for state representative will be there: Justin Behrens (District 82) at first declined but is now attending; candidates Stephen Yetsko (District 77) and incumbent Rep. Kerry Benninghoff (District 171) didn’t bother to RSVP.

The Democratic candidates will all be there: Paul Takac (District 82), Robert Zeigler (District 171), and incumbent Rep. Scott Conklin (District 77).

Pennsylvania legislators decide issues with tremendous impact on our daily lives, from reproductive health care and public school financing, to protecting voting and minority rights and fighting crime. Are the Republican candidates afraid to tell us where they stand? Are they insecure about their arguments? Are they afraid of their opponents?

If the candidates won’t face voters now, how likely are they to be accountable to constituents if they win office?

Without a legitimate reason, candidates who don’t participate are showing disrespect for voters. Vote for Takac, Zeigler, or Conklin, the candidate in your district who is willing and eager to talk to you.

Fetterman will protect Social Security

Seniors, could you do without your monthly social security check?

Young people, are you paying into Social Security Insurance for your future retirement?

The Social Security Act was signed into law by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt on Aug. 14, 1935. Social Security is not an entitlement! Workers pay into Social Security over their entire working lives. It’s an insurance policy for working people! It is not a give away or entitlement.

On April 26th, Senator Ron Johnson, R-Wis, suggested that Social Security and Medicare be eliminated as federal entitlement programs, and instead become programs approved by Congress on a yearly basis as discretionary spending.

If Social Security is treated as discretionary spending on a yearly basis, how secure will your monthly Social Security check be?

Oz said he wants to expand Medicare Advantage plans – privatizing Medicare. What about Social Security? Oz says he will oppose cuts to critical programs like Social Security, adding he wants to find ways to strengthen the program. Do you trust Oz to protect your Social Security monthly check?

Vote for Fetterman to save Social Security and Medicare.

This story was originally published October 17, 2022 at 7:00 AM.