Letters: Supporting trans people is an expression of our faith; Failures to abide by the Constitution
Supporting trans people is an expression of our faith
As local faith leaders, we are deeply moved and saddened by the devastating impacts of anti-trans federal policies on our local transgender community recently reported by the Centre Daily Times.
No parent should discover their child is planning suicide in response to a political climate, as one mother so heartbreakingly shared about her trans child.
No youth should be denied lifesaving medical care, which gender-affirming care is, because the course of treatment prescribed to them has been banned by executive order.
No one should fear for their safety because of who they are — who God made them to be.
Our religious traditions call us to act in love, to protect the vulnerable, to clothe the cold, to feed the hungry, and to welcome the wandering. It is precisely these values that call us to love and uplift transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive people as beloved Children of God.
Transgender women are women, created in the image of God.
Transgender men are men, created in the image of God.
So too are non-binary, intersex, and gender-expansive people exactly who they know themselves to be, created in the image of God.
Our transgender friends and neighbors are living in fear. Our transgender families and children worry for their safety. The values of our faiths call us to protect, to welcome, and to love these members of our community at this time of great vulnerability.
We urge all people of Centre County to join us in this holy work.
Failures to abide by the Constitution
I am John Homan, a 101-year-old WW II combat veteran who completed college on the GI bill with a degree in economics and political science. My wife, a journalist, and I have followed politics since we entered college in the 1940s. I am appalled at the state of our country in terms of the U.S. constitutional goals of forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble.
The framers of the Constitution were determined to write a document that would ensure this country would never have a monarchy or a dictator. To this end, the Constitution has a series of checks and balances. The House of Representatives initiates all money matters and the Senate has to approve most appointments nominated by the President, including the judiciary. (Listen to an excellent speech on topic by Senator Bernie Sanders on the Senate floor, Feb. 4: youtu.be/btdY7eFvlNM?si=2XO1kwOxeCtT6SKU.)
I’d like to point out blatant failures to abide by the Constitution. The Senate completely abdicated their responsibility to reject unqualified judicial and other presidential nominees. The executive branch is failing to abide by congressional appropriation of funds. Although the executive can veto any legislation, once passed by Congress, the executive branch cannot alter or reverse appropriations. Furthermore, the House of Representatives has abandoned its responsibility to pass important social legislation.
In 2024, 64% of eligible voters cast their ballots. Your vote will determine whether you stay a citizen or become a subject.
Wrong name for Beaver Stadium field
Just wanted to express my profound disappointment at the new naming of the field at Beaver Stadium. Instead of honoring Joe Paterno, a beloved, iconic figure who gave so much to this university and community, the naming rights were sold to a wealthy alum. The new name will be West Shore Home Field at Beaver Stadium. Sounds like a residential placement for troubled youth or a seniors community in Florida. I guess that’s a reflection of the times we live in. If that’s the way it’s going to be, at least return JoPa’s statue to it’s rightful place next to the stadium. Should that not be possible because the statue no longer exists, a new one should be commissioned to pay respect to the man who made much of all this possible.