Letters: PA needs Conklin’s servant leadership; Support caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s
PA needs Conklin’s servant leadership
Actions speak louder than words. For 15 years, State Rep. Scott Conklin and his office team have provided valuable constituent services to my family. This includes assistance with disability license plates and placards for our cars, information on Pennsylvania inheritance taxes and probates, and applications for property tax rebates and home energy assistance funds.
Rep. Conklin has supported public education funding, access to health care, particularly for women and their reproductive rights, prevention of domestic violence, and protections for workers and their families. As the senior state legislator in Centre County, he continues to fight for civil rights and voting rights for all Pennsylvanians. His actions demonstrate integrity, community service, and leadership to the 77th District, rural and suburban towns in central Pennsylvania and the entire state.
I urge voters to reelect Rep. Scott Conklin and protect democracy in Pennsylvania and our country. Now more than ever, we urgently need Scott’s servant leadership and true patriotism in Pennsylvania.
Support caregivers of those living with Alzheimer’s
This November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month and National Family Caregivers Month, offering an important reminder to support all Pennsylvania caregivers.
As the executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter, I understand the challenges Pennsylvania caregivers are facing. Here in Pennsylvania, there are over 400,000 family caregivers who are juggling competing priorities including work and other family responsibilities. The caregiving needs for someone living with Alzheimer’s are extensive and increase over time – on average four to eight years following a diagnosis. These caregivers are stretched thin. Many are overwhelmed and can use some help.
Take time to support a caregiver you know. Run errands, help with a household chore, give caregivers a break by spending time with the person with dementia, and educate yourself about the disease – the more you know, the easier it will be to help. Reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Pennsylvania Chapter to learn more and get involved. These small gestures can make a big difference and offer well deserved support to those who give so much. Please visit alz.org/pa today to learn more.
Penn State failed to protect free speech
A recent op-ed claimed Happy Valley is “surrounded” by white supremacy groups. I believe this claim is more an example of propaganda than rational argument. The cited Southern Poverty Law Center has a biased record. For example, it labels the non-violent conservative student organization Turning Point a “hate group,” but not the violent Antifa organization. Such bias seems widespread. Faculty colleagues once cautioned that my defense of President Trump helped spread “hate” on campus. Is it not extremely worrisome for persons or groups to assume the right to define “hate”?
A major stain on Penn State’s role as a democratic institution occurred recently when it allowed the disruption and cancellation of a controversial speaker. For decades, the traditional way – the Constitutional way – to deal with controversial or distasteful speech was to allow it, protect it, peacefully protest it, but never to allow a mob to prevent it. Sadly, in my opinion, Penn State failed to protect the free speech rights it claims to support.
The words of Proud Boys, Klansmen, or even Donald Trump may seem abhorrent. But under our Constitution, unless directing specific violent acts, they are to be protected from mob suppression for two basic reasons. First, this prevents government or political groups from using their power to silence dissent. Second, this recognizes that “dangerous” ideas may become more dangerous when suppressed. What some see as a surrounding of “hate” and “white supremacy” groups, many, I hope, see as freedom and democracy flourishing under sunlight.