Letters: Ticket disappointment; LGBT+ center a much-needed resource
Ticket disappointment
I wanted to thank Penn State for honoring military members with free tickets against Indiana.
I hope they enjoy the game. I am a disabled veteran who tried for the last two years to get tickets. I was unsuccessful. This year there was a issue with the FEVO website, causing a delay in requesting tickets. I am a longtime fan of PSU and am disappointed that there were issues, not allowing hundreds of military members to get a fair shot at tickets. PSU said to try again next year, however some military members might not be here next year to see PSU football. I wish all the members who got tickets enjoy the game.
LGBT+ center a much-needed resource
Sunday was a joyful day in downtown State College as an enthusiastic crowd celebrated the grand opening of Centre County’s first LGBT+ center. Festivities included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, speeches, entertainment and more, marking the opening of a much-needed community resource: a safe, welcoming and inclusive space for our region’s LGBT+ community and its allies.
Centre LGBT+ began as a grassroots nonprofit organization less than 10 years ago. A small group of individuals embarked on a journey of service to the community, with big dreams for the future. The vision of a physical space to enable greater opportunities and programs has been a driving force for the group, which has grown steadily throughout its history. As a proud ally, being a part of this journey from its beginnings has been a great gift, providing a sense of purpose in my years of retirement.
One essential ingredient of our success has been the community support we have received, from the State College Borough, faith communities, businesses and nonprofits, among others. Numerous individuals have made financial and volunteer contributions, fostering the steady growth that we have experienced. We deeply thank you for your contributions, and we look forward to working with and for you in the future.
To learn more about Centre LGBT+ and its programs, visit their website at centrelgbtplus.org, or their Facebook page at facebook.com/centrelgbtqa. And find an opportunity to check out the center in person (at 204 East Calder Way, Suite 304). All are welcome.
Vote to show concern about climate change
Recently, I attended a meeting of the American Fisheries Society in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Scientists from the U.S., Canada and Eurasia expressed no doubts that lakes, streams and oceans were warming. For most fish species, warming will have harmful effects.
That same evening, I watched the Republican presidential debates. What a contrast! When asked to raise their hands if they believed that man-made emissions were the cause of global warming, not one of the eight raised their hand. Ron DeSantis objected to raising his hand. Nikki Haley acknowledged the link between emissions and warming and suggested that the U.S. should pressure China and India to reduce their emissions, because they are the largest sources of greenhouse gases. Haley neglected to note that per capita, the U.S. ranks first in emission of greenhouse gases. Vivek Ramaswamy declared that climate warming was a hoax. As for the rest of the candidates – no comment. What scares me is that our next president might be among this group.
The decision to lead the world in reduction of greenhouse gas emissions should not be political. Unfortunately, it has been. Democrats have largely supported legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Many Republicans have not.
We must use our votes to show that we are deeply concerned with global warming and the degraded environment we will be leaving our children and grandchildren.