Letters to the editor
Letter on hunting missed the mark
As a proud hunter of 33 years, I must respond to John T. Thomas’ letter to the editor about hunting being lost to technology.
The letter states many falsehoods about hunting and hunters in general. Thomas should clearly read the Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapper Digest to gather his information. He states that hunters hunt over bait by using feeders. It clearly states in the digest that this is illegal. Hunters know this.
Thomas also states that hunters use automatic weapons with 30 or even 80-round clips. Another falsehood. Once again, the hunter and trapper digest states that automatic firearms are illegal. It also states that semiautomatic rifles may not be used for hunting deer, bear, turkey or elk.
He goes on to mention ATVs. Hunters do use them, and for good reason. Most hunters are over the age of 40 and having an ATV helps them get their game from the woods. It also helps transport children and those who have difficulty walking an opportunity to hunt.
As for the subject of respect, hunters have a great deal of respect for the animals they pursue. I, for one, find the white-tail deer one of God’s smartest animals. To harvest one is a true challenge whether it is a buck or a doe. Hunters have so much respect for the game they pursue that many donate their venison to help feed the hungry and less fortunate.
Instead of bashing hunters and the sport they love, Thomas should try to help recruit more to the sport. Misguided and false information has no place in the hunting world.
As a former hunter-trapper education instructor, I am proud to have helped recruit more to the sport. I am proud to call myself a hunter and apologize to no one for my love of the sport. I stand by my brothers and sisters of the hunting community and hope they feel the same way.
Hunters generate billions of dollars to the economy, not to mention the many jobs that help the country grow. Hunters are truly great conservationists as well as respectful individuals.
Rob Ardeno
Amity
New prison closure law applauded
Flying under the radar at the close of the recent state legislative session was a new law that will create a formal process to consider the closure of a state prison facility. In the last five years, three state prisons have closed with little or no warning, affecting thousands of corrections officers and their families. Under this new law, a process will go into effect that will allow for a thorough review and an opportunity for communities to make their case against a potential closure, including public hearings and economic impact studies.
The Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association was proud to work with Gov. Tom Wolf, his administration, as well as a bipartisan group of Republican and Democratic legislators in the House and Senate, to create a new system that will ensure the well-being of corrections officers, their families and communities are strongly considered when the commonwealth looks at the potential closing of a state correctional institution. This legislation wouldn’t be possible without the bipartisan support of every member of the House and Senate, who passed this legislation unanimously.
The days of forcing corrections officers and their families to make split-second decisions about the rest of their lives are over. Our members risk their lives every day in service to their communities. This new law respects their sacrifice.
Jason C. Bloom
Harrisburg
The letter writer is president of the PSCOA.
Stop the hatred
I have tried not to get caught up in politics or share my political views with colleagues, friends or family, but it is difficult to remain silent while watching a Presbyterian minister shout at President Trump to go home during his visit to Pittsburgh earlier this week.
As a minister, she should attempt to bring the community together, not shut anyone out. I was embarrassed, and my heart ached as I witnessed the hatred she demonstrated. I was taught that we are to welcome people and to open our homes, our wallets and our hearts to anyone in need whenever we can.
They keep saying that love is stronger than hate, but protesters spread as much hate as the man who committed the synagogue killings. Hating our president because we don’t agree with him is still hate. We need to remember that our differences of opinion are just that. Let it go!
Tammy Sherman
Bentleyville