Letters: Misinformation in election mailers; State College to celebrate UN’s anniversary
Misinformation in election mailers
Some Pennsylvania voters recently received judicial retention political mailers for the Nov. 4 election falsely accusing PA Supreme Court justices of politically “gerrymandering the map for Democrats.” We’d like to set that record straight.
The PA Supreme Court did not gerrymander a map, it followed the law to protect voters, and declared the 2011 PA congressional map unconstitutional for violating the state’s guarantee of free and equal elections. The current disinformation mailer campaign, funded by billionaires, abuses our election system. They should pull these mailers and apologize to voters.
The mailers suggest the Court acted politically when in reality it ruled on a lawsuit against the 2011 map brought by voters in all of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, and the non-partisan League of Women Voters PA. That 2011 US congressional map, drawn by the legislature, favored one party 13 to 5, though the 2018 congressional votes were nearly evenly split. More info is at (palwv.org/2025-judicial-elections-1).
Voters are rightly confused by these mailers, some thinking the League is telling people how to vote, which we never do. Disregard these mailers. Campaigning is fine, but false information weakens our elections.
To avoid election disinformation, consider your sources. Trusted, non-partisan, community-based organizations like LWV struggle to compete with ultra-wealthy individuals, but unbiased information about judges up for retention on Nov 4 is at LWV’s Vote411.org website, PALWV.org, and from the PA Bar Association (pabar.org). Elect judges on whether they are following the law, not billionaire political masters.
Kathy Cox, Bellefonte and Bonnie Goble, Boalsburg. The authors are co-vice presidents of the League of Women Voters of Centre County.
State College to celebrate UN’s anniversary
In these fractious, often brutal times that our country and the wider world are passing through, the United Nations remains more vital than ever as an agent of human rights, world peace, and a livable planet. How fortunate we are to have in our community the Central Pennsylvania Chapter of the United Nations Association — a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose purpose is to bring together local people of many backgrounds, and to acquaint them with — and in modest ways to involve them in — the mission and essential work of the UN.
And so, as the UN marks the 80th anniversary of its founding, I am greatly looking forward to the UNA’s upcoming United Nation’s Day Celebration Dinner, to be held in State College on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Graduate Hotel. In addition to bringing together local residents from around the U.S. and many countries around the world, the dinner will feature a special panel discussion on the timely theme, “The Hard Way Home: A Conversation about Global Migration.” If you are interested in learning about and engaging in efforts to promote a more just and peaceful world, I encourage you to join us on the 26th!
Tickets can be ordered by noon Oct. 20 at www.unacentralpa.org/events/united-nations-day-2025-celebration-the-hard-way-home-a-conversation-about-global-migration.
Dan Letwin, State College
Group can help with shift to plant-based diet
When Dr. Jane Goodall died this month there were many tributes to her groundbreaking scientific work, her tireless efforts as a conservationist, and her messages of compassion and hope. It was less noted that she had adopted a plant-based diet and advocated for veganism and justice for animals. She said, “There are three main reasons why we should eat less — or preferably no — meat. Firstly, so that we may eliminate factory farms. Secondly, to reduce the shocking damage the meat production industry inflicts on the environment and its contribution to climate change. And finally, to improve human health.”
Dr. Goodall deplored the conditions on factory farms (concentrated feeding operations where large numbers of animals are confined in crowded, unnatural settings). She said, “Only when people understand the facts of industrial animal farming and move towards a plant based diet, only when there is wider acceptance that farm animals are sentient and often sapient, can we hope to end these barbaric practices.” Ninety-nine percent of all meat, dairy, and eggs consumed in the U.S. comes from factory farms.
The world would be much more peaceful if our daily meals didn’t require violence against animals and harm to the environment. Fortunately, we don’t need to kill in order to be well nourished. The Vegan Network of Central Pennsylvania meets monthly in Huntingdon, State College, and Altoona to help people shift towards plant-based diets. To get in touch, send an email to vncp@fastmail.com or find us on Facebook.
Claire Holzner, Huntingdon
Franklin buyout unconscionable
I cannot imagine the level of justifiable resentment that is being felt by Penn State teachers and students with the news that fired football coach James Franklin could receive a $50 million severance package after just 11 years of service.
The largesse comes at a time that the institution is closing unprofitable campuses throughout the state and just after a massive raise was approved for its president.
How can someone who is a sports coach merit vast amounts of money that those who foster the education of the next generation will never see? How does a person in good conscience accept such riches? Should taxpayers continue to provide significant funding to an institution that is squandering it?
Oren Spiegler, Peters Township