8 hours Ago
Democrats wrong to keep silent on Panto anti-immigrant commentsThe Northampton County Democratic Committee denounces the divisive rhetoric and hate-mongering from Republicans. It is equally troubling that the committee has failed to condemn the hurtful, xenophobic remarks made by a seven-term Democratic mayor about immigrants.As a first-generation immigrant, I have navigated the complexities of establishing a life in a new country, confronting challenges with resilience.
Yet, nothing could have prepared me for the moment when Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr., whom I serve alongside to represent our city, made the egregious statements that immigrants are criminals and we don’t want criminals in our city directly to my face.The vast majority of immigrants are law-abiding individuals.
Labeling us as criminals is an outright insult to our contributions and humanity.Northampton Democrats’ inaction in not condemning the mayor’s statement raises serious questions about the party’s commitment to its principles of inclusivity. If we are to maintain credibility and uphold our values, the committee must hold all its members accountable.
It is crucial that we unequivocally condemn hate speech.Ignoring harmful rhetoric within our own ranks sends a contradictory message about our dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. We cannot advocate for the rights and dignity of immigrants while allowing xenophobia to go unchallenged among our own leaders.
Taiba SultanaEastonThe writer is an Easton City Council member.Children are exposed to too much misinformationYears back it was rumors, made-up stories about people, businesses and different events in life. Many lives were destroyed by those stories.
Now our kids are exposed to all kinds of information via electronic devices. Some of that information is contributing to serious problems such as suicide, school shootings, depression, anger and much more.Our schools, churches, families and the people that make all this available need to step up to the plate and show these kids how to tell lies from truth.
Policemen going to court must prove beyond reasonable doubt that a person committed that crime. Not hearsay evidence, but actual undebatable proof.That’s the bottom line.
Show me proof not just words on an electronic device.Rudy SavelliAllentownSocial Security, Medicare not to blame for deficitAs our federal government representatives create a new budget that is expected to radically cut spending, everyone should be aware of this:Social Security and Medicare are independent programs with their own revenue streams (FICA payroll taxes, taxes on Social Security benefits and interest on the surplus they still hold [i.e.
the ‘trust fund’], and the Medicare tax). They never have and never will contribute to the federal government deficit. As evidence of this, the law requires that payouts be reduced when the program’s assets and revenues are less than their required payments.
No general federal revenues have been or ever will be used for Social Security or Medicare.The future Social Security deficits (in approximately 2035) are an issue but not one that is related to the general federal revenues. There are multiple ways to solve this deficit, not just by cutting.
So when our representatives, President Trump or Elon Musk start to propose cuts to Social Security or Medicare, remind them loudly of the above information and of President Trump’s promise to not touch the programs.Tim FoldesBethlehemCut the wasteful spending from defense, Musk’s contractsI’m sure many feel that the government agencies have a lot of “fat” in their programs, so they feel good about the cuts happening. But the cuts are in programs either helping people or protecting people (Social Security, the Federal Aviation Administration, school lunches, monitoring nuclear reactors).
The real cuts should come from the defense budget, and Elon Musk’s space programs. The defense budget gets an increase every year, with both parties approving it. Why? We aren’t in a war; but maybe it’s because defense contractors contribute to everyone’s campaign funds.
Space had its moments in the 1960s and ‘70s but now it’s a waste of money. Quit cutting programs that help people and start slashing the defense budget and Musk’s personal budgets.Nathan ArmstrongLower Macungie TownshipFormer Republican laments loss of GOPWriting as a former Republican who supported and worked for former Lehigh County District Attorney George Joseph in the early 1960s as he ran for Congress and also worked for Sen.
John Heinz, Gov. Dick Thornburgh, and state Sens. Guy Kratzer and Pat Browne, et al.
, I am dismayed at the disappearance of the Republican Party after 165 years. “Mr. Republican” Bob Taft, Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan .
.. all gone.
Two points for now:No one in government, especially a rogue Afrikaner, should be allowed unfettered access to American citizens’ financial data, Social Security, Medicare, tax data. How long do you think it will be before one of the DOGE minions decides to sell to the highest bidder information worth millions? Don’t tell me that won’t happen.Second, Donald Trump has just given China complete access to Latin America with his bully tactics with Colombia.
Two days after Trump’s threats, China had two envoys in Colombia. China had a foothold, now they are in with an arm and a leg. Our Bad Neighbor policy is now in effect.
China has adopted the Good Neighbor policy of Franklin Roosevelt. It may not be long before we see the South Pacific and South Atlantic become Chinese lakes.Henry AnnoniSouth Whitehall TownshipAmerican influence goes beyond whoever is presidentSecretary of State Marco Rubio recently gave a press briefing while he was in Saudi Arabia and generally sounded reasonable and informed.
What struck me, however, was the three times he stated that only President Trump can make the peace treaty between Ukraine and Russia happen. I believe what he meant was that only the United States is in a position to make this happen. I don’t think anyone in 1940 was saying that only President Franklin Roosevelt can save Europe from Hitler.
Or that in 1917 only President Woodrow Wilson could defeat the Germans.It is American power and influence that can bring these combatants to the table, not an individual. Let’s not confuse Trump with the United States of America.
Jay CohenLower Macungie TownshipThe Morning Call encourages community dialogue on important issues. Submit a letter to the editor at [email protected].
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