Letters to the editor
A well-earned victory
Congratulations to Sen. Camera Bartolotta on a hard-fought and well-earned primary victory. Despite millions of dollars in special-interest gambling money flooding into the race and an overwhelmingly negative campaign, voters ultimately saw through the darkness and recognized the results, integrity, and tireless work that Bartolotta has delivered throughout her tenure.
Over the years, Bartolotta has consistently fought for economic growth, job creation, energy independence, and policies that strengthen families and small businesses across Southwestern Pennsylvania. Whether advocating for local infrastructure, standing up for taxpayers, or supporting common sense conservative values, she has remained visible, accessible, and engaged with the people she represents.
Unfortunately, this race also exposed deep fractures within the Washington County Republican Party. Much of the division was fueled locally by the non-elected chairman of the Washington County Republican Committee, whose leadership style has shown contempt toward many of our local elected officials and grassroots Republicans. Rather than building unity, his actions have contributed to internal conflict that has weakened what was once one of the strongest Republican organizations in the state.
The good news is that voters and committee members now have an opportunity to restore stability and credibility. With the election of new committee members, many Republicans are hopeful that new leadership can emerge — leadership focused on unity, respect, and winning elections rather than personal grudges and division.
Bartolotta’s victory should serve as a reminder that hard work, proven results, and genuine service to constituents still matter.
Patrick Geho
Canonsburg
Wake up, people
The American people should be outraged at the fact the government wants to pay the Jan. 6 insurrectionists from a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund of taxpayers’ money.
These people did the crimes of beating cops, destroying property in the Capitol, and threatening to hang Vice President Mike Pence.
You do the crime, you pay the time, not reward them with pardons and payouts. These same people, who were pardoned, were called to Washington, D.C., by Donald Trump for this rally on Jan. 6, the day the votes were to be certified. Anyone who watched that day cannot deny what they saw and honestly believe these convicted criminals who were pardoned receive compensation.
The money could be better spent on helping with the high cost of groceries, gas, and healthcare, not for a ballroom, arch, or compensating criminals.
Wake up, people. This is why you should vote in all elections if you want a change for the better.
Bonnie J. Rankin
Burgettstown
Early birthday wishes
It’s abundantly clear that congratulations are in order to President Trump for arranging the most important event that encapsulates the essential fervor of America’s sesquicentennial and his 80th
birthday.
Yes, the UFC love fest on June 14 will be a day to live in infamy. There is nothing quite as important to our country as showing the world how we can beat each other to a pulp for Trump’s pleasure.
We’ve been told this event will only cost $60 million, but no tax dollars will be involved. Rumor has it that ringside seats are going for a measly one million. Trump gets to watch for free, of course.
It would be a shame if it rained that day. Now, if we only had that ballroom.
This should be as much fun to watch as the insurrection on Jan. 6, and no pardons will be necessary. Aren’t we a great country again!
Happy early birthday, Donald.
Bob Willison
Rices Landing
What’s next?
Before the Trump era, I could not have imagined that a president of the United States would be so lacking in discernment, dignity, and class as to arrange for a cage wrestling match to take place at the White House in conjunction with the 250th anniversary of the country.
The esteemed late senator and war hero John McCain classified this type of event as “human cockfighting.” I would call it “legalized savagery.” A refined and genteel populace would know that this should not be taking place at “the people’s house” nor should it be sanctioned and directed by a U.S. president.
What will be the next caper, Mr. Trump, reconfiguring the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to host tractor pulls?
Oren Spiegler
Peters Township