Letters: Shapiro’s broken environmental promises; Dangers of casino shouldn’t be ignored

Shapiro’s broken environmental promises

Statewide environmental support for Gov. Josh Shapiro is in trouble. Shapiro, endorsed by environmentalists when he ran for attorney general and governor, failed to follow through on some legislative priorities that were promised. In his first year as governor, he forged alliances with the natural gas industry. Despite early recommendations from his time as AG to implement strict setbacks for fracking operations, environmentalists say he has moved too slowly.

Climate activists frequently criticize his “all of the above” energy strategy, which includes support for carbon capture and a controversial focus on accelerating environmental permitting processes.

Progressive and public health groups criticize Shapiro for abandoning the multi-state Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and proposing his own framework, the Pennsylvania Climate Emissions Reduction Act (PACER), which has faced legislative gridlock.

In April, Governor Shapiro’s decision to extend Pennsylvania’s two dirtiest coal plants increases costs and pollution harms.

Unfortunately, there are those in the environmental leadership who are hinting that he should be endorsed. It is the lesser of two evils approach, just hold your nose and vote.

Pennsylvanians can vote for the environment as a priority if they consider pulling the lever for Tony Dastra, Green Party of Pennsylvania candidate for governor. Craig Bolton is his running mate as lieutenant governor.

Douglas M. Mason, Port Matilda. The author is the Centre County Greens chair.

Dangers of casino shouldn’t be ignored

Our public welfare is being ignored and endangered by local police, officials and media who are not meeting their moral responsibilities as community leaders. As a grandparent and educator, I am worried about the heightened dangers of DUI that continue to impact our community as a result of irresponsible casino alcohol protocols and increased irrational addictive behaviors caused by the casino’s climate of predatory gambling.

As problematic as it is to imagine, the police, media and officials appear to be working toward the same goals to protect and promote a business that potentially undermines the mental health and well-being and the physical safety of our citizenry.

Why hasn’t the public heard more about DUI car accidents and even a recent death on the premises of the casino? Does the redevelopment of the mall and Dale Summit figure into their apparent neglect and escalating dangers to our community? Such unethical complicit behavior is unacceptable and must be legally halted.

Micaela Amateau Amato, Boalsburg

No end in sight for deficit spending

In Manhattan, on a wall not too far from Times Square, the National Debt Clock ticks higher and higher. After climbing for so many years with no obvious economic fallout, it’s easy to ignore. Indeed, the clock was moved from its location on a busy street corner to a quiet passageway.

The reality is we really don’t have a “debt ceiling.” It’s a political creation. It has no fundamental economic meaning. But we do need a “political” solution. And many politicians have been concerned about our debt for a long time. They hoped they had found the right talking points when we reached a debt level that is more than 100% of gross domestic product.

But now, the Pentagon budget and “migration enforcement” budgets far exceed our “rules” against deficit-spending. Most disturbing is the fact that there is no end in sight for deficit spending, as long as Trump is president.

Carl Evensen, State College

The emperor has no clothes

Who can’t see that Trump is clothed in nothing but naked lies? At best, he’s delusional. But more likely he’s just willing to lie, hoping that a critical mass of citizens will continue or at least pretend to believe him.

Trump must be stopped. Those in Congress who have supported him by their words and actions or by keeping quiet must be voted out in this November’s elections. The courts have done what they can to protect our Constitution, but it’s up to Congress to muzzle him. But it’s obvious that the current suck-up majority is not willing to do so. Whether it’s fear of losing votes, contributions from Trump’s oligarchs, or actual support for an authoritarian, anti-democratic regime, they must go.

Surely it has occurred to Trump or his family members and other partners-in-crime that he and they are in deep doo-doo if Trump leaves office with a functioning, honest Congress and Department of Justice in place. Which probably means that he’ll do anything possible to retain the status quo until and after 2028. So be prepared for a lot more of his lies. And bigger lies than ever if that’s possible.

What we must do is say loud and clear that this wannabe Emperor has no clothes, just bald-faced lies. With our votes. With contributions to candidates who support our Constitution. With calls, emails, texts and letters to members of Congress. And with our feet and bodies in peaceful demonstrations.

Ross Adams, Boalsburg