LETTER: Elected officials need to lead by example
The political environment everywhere is toxic. Just take a look on Twitter or Facebook and watch the name-calling, insults, disrespect and incivility toward each other.
While I certainly appreciate and believe in free speech, not everything needs to be said or posted online. What do we hope to gain by this? Do we feel better when we call someone a derogatory name or insult their intelligence when they disagree with us? How does that advance the conversation on any topic?
Our elected officials need to take a look at themselves and realize the words they say have meaning. Governing in this time is no longer about finding solutions or making the country a more perfect union. It’s become about spreading propaganda and making the other party or person look as bad as possible. Both Republicans and Democrats are guilty of this. As Americans, we deserve solutions and good policy discussions and debate.
I hope there are other Americans and Pennsylvanians who, like me, are sick of the constant lack of civility within our government. There will always be disagreements on solutions, but let’s hear about the solutions and debate them with respect. Put our country first instead of our party and stop villainizing each other. Maybe then the rest of the country will follow suit and stop treating each other so terribly.
Jason Ortitay
Ortitay represents the 46th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Speed humps
need to stay
Saturday’s Hits & Misses column assigned a “Miss” to East Washington’s speed bumps. I, however, believe that this position is a “Hit,” as in a punch, aimed at the residents and local officials of the borough.
The bumps are “jarring” only if the driver does not slow the vehicle appropriately on approach. The idea that our residents “don’t want people coming through their neighborhood” is patently absurd! The proponents of the humps merely wish to ensure safety for all, including us denizens, as well as those passing through.
We will never know if the life of a child is saved by the slowing of traffic. But we may find out the hard way if the humps are removed.
Douglas T. Corwin Jr.
East Washington