2 weeks Ago
Easter about remembering Jesus’ sacrifice for usProceeding on our Lenten journey to the most holiest day of the year — Easter, the resurrection of our lord — ponder with me on the events that commenced on Ash Wednesday, followed by the Triduum of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday — culminating on Easter Sunday, which is celebrated April 20 this year.Yes, it can be a time for festivities such as visits to see the Easter Bunny, palatable chocolates in decorative Easter baskets, Easter finery and the like — all well and good.However, let’s pause and remember the reason we are celebrating this holy day.
Our lord suffered and died on a cross for all our sins and rose victoriously three days later — of which we also will share the same triumphal victory of eternal life in heaven.In these polarized times, it certainly would behoove us to meditate on the words St. Peter spoke to the people in his time, to “live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
”We could all certainly heed these timely words more than ever today. Hallelujah.Jacqueline L.
QuigleyAllentownPa should limit gifts, donations to politiciansPennsylvania is one of just three states with no limits on gifts, campaign donations or cash endowments to politicians. In the 2023-24 legislative session alone, $18 million from powerful interest groups was funneled to politicians, regardless of party affiliation. If our government is truly “by the people, for the people,” how can this blatant form of bribery remain legal?Money in politics is not a partisan issue.
A 2023 poll by Franklin and Marshall revealed that 93% of Pennsylvania voters believe money in politics threatens democracy. Former lobbyists and legislators have admitted that a $500 gift can secure a brief conversation with a lawmaker, while larger donations often lead to private meetings.Despite clear evidence of corruption and widespread public support for a gift ban, lawmakers have refused to vote on the bill.
Political leaders claim donations and gifts don’t influence their votes, but it’s difficult to take them seriously. If they truly prioritized the public good, they would pass a gift ban.Most sectors of society understand that gifts compromise objectivity.
Why should lawmakers — who control billions in tax dollars and pass laws affecting citizens’ rights — be exempt from this principle of fairness? It’s time for change. Join the fight at GiftBan.Org.
Clare M. BeheBethlehem TownshipDefense of Trump rings falseA recent op-ed in The Morning Call allows that President Trump’s destructive and incoherent economic policies are full of “mistakes.” So the author turns his attention to the cultural wars, with fulsome praise for Trump’s attack on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.
His essay acknowledges that DEI policies were initially put in place to try to redress past injustices and to create equal access for people — especially women, people of color and the disabled — who have long been denied it.Whatever “mistakes” overzealous enforcement of DEI policies may have produced, they are surely outweighed by Trump’s many authoritarian assaults on the rule of law, the services and protections provided by the federal government, and the economic security most Americans desire.Michael G.
BaylorBethlehemDon’t surrender your birthright to libertyThere is a price to be paid when we fail to instruct successive generations about the history and heritage of America. We see this playing out in our current politics, with so many Americans willing to surrender their birthright to a salesman selling prosperity and security in exchange for their liberty. Many of us don’t know much about how our government was formed and don’t seem to really care.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of our revolution, how many citizens would even know that fact? It is a sad state we find ourselves in today where our expectations are centered around the self, and the rest of the country be damned. It is alarming that we value the sacrifice of past generations so lightly that we are willing to bend a knee so easily to a would-be king instead of reforming our broken government. Everywhere you look, it’s the same story, leadership that has abdicated the moral high ground for a comfortable and lucrative existence.
Freedom is hard won and once lost, difficult to get back, history tells us as much. Are we willing to risk our independence for flimsy promises? For many, the answer seems to be yes.Martin F.
Stockman IIIBethlehem TownshipThank you for generosityThank you so much to the unidentified person for your kindness and generosity in paying for our meal April 11 at Raising Cane’s. What a wonderful surprise to know we still have caring people who change the way we see the world.Kim AbramsAllentownReelect Taiba Sultana to Easton City CouncilI express my strong support for my lifelong friend who also represents me on Easton City Council, Taiba Sultana.
Her leadership has proven to be a bold and unwavering voice for our community. She has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to advocating for the needs and concerns of all residents, regardless of their background.Councilwoman Sultana has tackled pressing issues with courage and integrity, ensuring that our community is heard and represented.
Her proactive approach to addressing key challenges — such as affordable housing, public safety and community health — has set her apart as a true leader. She not only listens to her constituents but also acts on their behalf, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration within our community.In these challenging times, we need leaders like Councilwoman Sultana who are willing to stand firm in their convictions and fight for the rights of every individual.
I urge my fellow residents to vote for her in the primary May 20.Kanza JawadEastonELECTION LETTERSLetters to the editor about candidates and issues in the May 20 primary election must be received by 10 a.m.
May 12. Election-related letters will not be published after May 15.The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week.
Submit a letter to the editor at [email protected]. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.
.
