Your opinions: Letters to the editor for Sept. 30

Lebanon Daily News
Seeking answers from a liberal point of view


Sometimes I wonder about things. My guess is that lots of other people wonder about the same things.

Maybe you or your readers can help me with the answers to my questions.

1. The left has screamed for over six years that conservatives hate President Barack Obama simply because he is black. Yet we increasingly support Dr. Ben Carson (who is black, in case no one noticed) in the run-up to the next election. Will I be getting an apology for being falsely defamed?

2. A recent Gannett Newspapers editorial in the LDN pointed out that even mentioning intelligent design in schools is wrong because scientific theory becomes fact as it is "repeatable and observable" (your words). Which Gannett employee or scientist observed the Big Bang or molecules-to-man evolution? How about intermediate life forms or creating something from nothing?

3. While we're on evolutionary theory, how about this? Most liberals believe in Darwinian evolution (survival of the fittest). They also tend to believe that homosexuality is a gene, not a choice. Since it is biologically impossible for homosexuals to reproduce, how did the gene survive?

4. Liberals and the media (not much of a difference, I know) are all gaga over the pope's comments concerning climate change and social justice. Why do they not quote him concerning abortion (wrong) and marriage (one man and one woman)?

I have many more things I have wondered about. Perhaps when I get the answers to these questions, I'll go on to the rest. Hopefully you can assist me on my quest.

Jim Bernheisel, Jonestown

A beautiful life is what you make it


All "revealed religions" were created by man to impart wisdom and/or to control people and to explain what is or was unexplainable.

No one knows the true nature of the universe. Those who say they do are deluded. Know that you and only you created the world you perceive. All other versions of the world are not yours.

Use your reason, empathy and compassion to create a beautiful life and let others do the same. Know that you will never truly know any other person or the world they live in.

There are many wise people and many great ways to live. Find what works for you and live that life. I believe you only get one. I prefer a peaceful life surrounded by people I like and love.

Terry L. Gayhart, Jonestown

Legislators must work on a real budget


The Republican stopgap budget is yet another gimmick that shortchanges the people of Pennsylvania. Republicans in Harrisburg have become too comfortable with politics as usual, and the stopgap that they passed embraces a failed status quo that is preventing Pennsylvania from moving forward.

The Republican legislature has passed fiscally irresponsible budgets for four years. We are facing a multi-billion dollar budget deficit and are trying to recover from numerous credit downgrades. Statewide, schools have been suffering from drastic cuts to their funding, and hard-working families have been footing the bill in the form of soaring property taxes. Meanwhile, oil and gas companies have been let off the hook.

Instead of good faith negotiations, Republicans are intent on passing a stopgap budget that will once again fail the people of Pennsylvania. It's past time for a comprehensive plan that moves Pennsylvania forward.

Jeffrey Sheridan, press secretary to Gov. Tom Wolf