Letters to the editor
Good riddance to Noem
It did not require much intellect to recognize at the outset how woefully unsuitable Kristi Noem was as a candidate to head the Department of Homeland Security.
Noem is perhaps best known for murdering a dog that disappointed her. She poured gasoline on the fires that the administration set in Minneapolis by spitting on the graves of those whom ICE officers killed, accusing them of being “domestic terrorists.” She went to wretched prisons in which those the administration had targeted for deportation and cruelty were incarcerated, showing off and delighting in their misery.
It is good riddance to Kristi Noem, but her replacement may represent jumping from the frying pan into another frying pan. The nominee is Oklahoma U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Trump sycophant (of course), a bully in the mold of his master. On Nov. 14, 2023, Mullin demonstrated that the decorum of the Senate and acting like a civilized human being are of no importance to him when he challenged to a physical fight a union official who was testifying before the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee.
May God save our country.
Oren Spiegler
Peters Township
Grateful for America’s strength, opportunity
As a Washington County commissioner, I see firsthand how national policy affects our local communities. After listening to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, I am encouraged by the strength and resilience of our nation. Across the country, we are seeing real economic momentum, with job growth, rising wages, and renewed investment in American industry. Small businesses are thriving, unemployment remains low, and consumer confidence is strong. These are real signs that the president’s focus on cutting burdensome regulations, negotiating fair trade deals, and unleashing American energy is delivering results for hardworking families.
Recently, I had the privilege of traveling to the Dominican Republic on a mission trip with B Bright USA. It was a humbling experience that offered valuable perspective. I met families who work tirelessly despite having far fewer resources and opportunities than many of us are accustomed to. Their resilience was deeply inspiring, and it strengthened my appreciation for the freedoms, infrastructure, and economic opportunity we enjoy in the United States.
Witnessing those contrasts firsthand reminded me just how fortunate we are. Strong leadership matters. A healthy economy matters. When our nation is secure and prosperous, it allows us not only to care for our own citizens, but to extend generosity and hope beyond our borders.
I returned home even more grateful to serve Washington County and even more confident in the promise and strength of America under leaders who are committed to economic growth and opportunity.
Electra Janis
Washington County commissioner
Reschenthaler’s decision applauded
I appreciate Congressman Guy Reschenthaler’s decision to return over $700,000 in donations from AIPAC, a move that demonstrates a willingness to address concerns about outside influences on our representatives. It’s a step toward greater accountability in politics.
That said, his introduction of H.R. 8445 raises some questions. The bill would extend key U.S. military protections -such as those under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act — to American citizens serving in the Israel Defense Forces.
While I support strong alliances, I’m curious how prioritizing benefits for those in a foreign military aligns with putting American interests first, especially when our own veterans and local infrastructure, like Western Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges, could use more support.
I’d again like to thank Congressman Reschenthaler for returning the AIPAC donations and welcome him to clarify his stance on H.R. 8445 and its implications for constituents here in Pennsylvania.
Tom Young
Washington