Letters: Solar project can serve as example in PA; How far Trump will go is up to us
Solar project can serve as example in PA
Kudos to the multiple government entities in Centre County that entered into a 15-year contract to supply their operations with renewable energy from a nearby solar project. I applaud the Centre County groups involved in this project and a huge thanks to Pam Adams, who orchestrates sustainability efforts in our county. I urge other counties in the commonwealth to learn from this example and create more solar projects that we can all benefit from.
How far Trump will go is up to us
“King” Trump wants to add the Panama Canal and Greenland to the United States. We already have 16 territories, scattered around the world (American Samoa, Northern Mariana, Guam, Puerto Rico Virgin Islands, Guam Mariana Islands, etc.), and he wants to rename the Gulf of Mexico to become the “Gulf of America.” What next?
Trump and many Republicans in Congress refer to these areas as our “backyard” and “front door.” So far, Trump has no apparent plan to invade our neighbors, but he is also unlikely to build reliable partnerships. His new doctrine is one of demanding deference. He is King.
How “far” will he go? That’s up to us, now. We all need to see what’s ahead. Our state representatives and Congress need to act, and we need to be aware.
It’s urgent.
Not too late to protest future casino
I understand construction is imminent and it is supposedly too late to stop the gambling casino from happening. And I know it’s supposedly too late to question the moral motivations and dire legacy of Ira Lubert’s casino in State College. Hear our citizen protests — we don’t accept that calculation.
Penn State trustees and township councilors have forgotten who their constituencies are.
Why didn’t the College Township Council motion to opt out of the Cat. 4 casino licensing process? SC Gaming CEO Eric Pearson is tasked with lowering the public’s temperature, shutting us up and out of what should still be a community decision.
I wonder if Bally pulling out was actually a sign that they too recognized the potential power of community objections.
When alums discourage their kids from applying to Penn State, or hold back financial contributions, PSU is in deep deep trouble. Shame on those so-called community leaders who sell out PSU’s legacy.
Alarming early days of Trump administration
The early days of this administration have been nothing short of alarming. The mass pardoning of January 6 insurrectionists, the firing of prosecutors investigating the president’s past conduct, and the revocation of Secret Service protection for political adversaries are not the actions of a leader committed to the rule of law. These are the moves of someone who views government as a tool for personal power rather than public service.
Equally troubling is the abrupt cancellation of foreign aid and refugee support, along with an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship — an unconstitutional attack on a fundamental American principle. Meanwhile, Congress remains largely silent. Many in the GOP are complicit, and too many Democrats seem unwilling to mount meaningful resistance.
This isn’t just political posturing; it’s an assault on the institutions that have sustained our democracy. A government that abandons its responsibilities and undermines the rule of law is no government at all. If those in power won’t stand up for our democratic values, then the responsibility falls to the rest of us.
GOP playing dangerous game
Republicans are playing a very dangerous game with our country by installing an oligarchy of the extremely filthy rich contrary to the purpose of our government institutions, which is the support of the people.
Elon Musk became the second wealthiest person (second to Vladimir Putin) by dipping into every pocket available and optimizing exclusive government contracts worth many billions of dollars. It is apparent that Musk’s massive vault (picture Scrooge McDuck rolling in gold coins) has driven him mad with greed.
Anyone who thinks that billionaires are looking out for the remaining 99.99% of us is a fool.
Is this what PA voters meant?
To my fellow PA voters: Did you mean to vote for Trump to send our kids in the military to the Middle East to deport the Palestinians from their homeland in Gaza?
Did you mean to have our taxes used to build luxury condominiums for the ultra wealthy and create the “Riviera” in Gaza? Are you willing to use our soldiers and our tax money to create and protect this new playground for oligarchs? It certainly wasn’t what I voted for. Time to stop the takeover by the ultra-rich and get back to everyday democracy, as flawed as it might be.