Letters: Proposal for ‘Shared Sacrifice Act’; Make colorectal cancer screening a priority
Proposal for ‘Shared Sacrifice Act’
We can all be proud that our U.S. Representative, Glenn Thompson, sponsored the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, recently signed into law by President Donald Trump. With that feather in his cap, perhaps it’s time for Thompson to take on another pressing matter.
Since the president appears increasingly willing to send American troops into foreign conflicts, Thompson might consider sponsoring a bill requiring that the draft-age children and grandchildren of any president or member of Congress who votes for war be first in line for service. If war is truly necessary, surely our leaders would be eager for their own families to lead the way.
Such a law would clarify convictions in a hurry. It’s far easier to authorize military action when someone else’s child bears the risk. If policymakers knew their own loved ones would shoulder the consequences, perhaps debates over war powers would grow more careful, more sober, and far less theatrical.
The healthy kids who drink whole milk may indeed grow strong. But strength should never be squandered casually. If we are going to talk bravely about sending young Americans into harm’s way, let’s begin with the households of those casting the votes.
Thompson could call it the “Shared Sacrifice Act.” And unlike feel-good legislation, it might actually sharpen the GOP’s judgment.
Bob Potter, Boalsburg
Make colorectal cancer screening a priority
Losing family to cancer changed my outlook on life. It taught me that when it comes to cancer, putting off screening just isn’t worth the risk.
With Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month around the corner, I hope people across Pennsylvania will take a moment to consider the importance of prevention for this disease that is estimated to claim more than 2,000 Pennsylvanian lives this year alone — more than one in three Pennsylvanians diagnosed with colorectal cancer die from the disease.
The problem is that people are not getting screened on time. Nearly 30% of Pennsylvanians aged 45-75 aren’t up to date on their screenings. These numbers hit home for me, and they’re a reminder that too many families are still facing heartbreak from a disease that is easily treated when caught early.
I know many people put off getting screened because colonoscopies are uncomfortable and a hassle to plan around, but things have changed. There’s now a blood test called Shield, the first and only FDA-approved blood test as a primary screening option for adults 45 and older at average risk. It’s just a quick blood draw at your regular doctor’s visit. That blood draw could potentially save your life.
No family should have to go through cancer loss if it can be prevented. Talk to your doctor, ask about your screening options, and make it a priority. Taking care of your health is one of the easiest ways to care for yourself and the people you love.
Philip Vonada, Williamsport. The author is the vice president of PA State Grange.
WPSU needs us — and we need it
Public media in central and northern Pennsylvania is at a pivotal moment.
When Penn State announced it would no longer support WPSU, the future of local public television and radio became unclear. More than 20,000 people signed a petition urging the university to protect this essential community service. A path forward emerged: transfer the WPSU broadcast license to WHYY while preserving WPSU’s regional identity and local mission.
That transfer is underway. Once final agreements are completed, the license request will be filed with the FCC. After approval, the transition will be complete. WHYY has stepped up as a strong partner, raising funds to make this possible.
But WPSU’s future depends on more than a successful transfer. It depends on local supporters like us.
WPSU is there for us with trusted news, thoughtful public affairs, children’s programming, entertainment, and educational content. We depend on it — and now is the time to show we do.
Start or renew your membership. Every contribution designated for WPSU stays with WPSU and supports service to our region.
WPSU will remain locally branded, locally focused, and governed by a new not-for-profit holding company with a Community Advisory Board to ensure strong local representation. It will continue producing local journalism and public affairs programming while benefiting from WHYY’s scale and collaboration.
Local public media does not survive on goodwill alone. It survives because communities — people like us — invest in it.
Please make your commitment today: wpsu.org/donate/pledge.
Dorie Evensen, State College