Banning books and ideas is never the answer

I am writing in response to the efforts of a fringe extremist group that insists on inserting partisan politics into the curriculum at the Delaware Valley School District. 

As someone with a career in education, I and most parents are happy with what kids are learning. We know the culture wars, book bans and censorship fights that are rampant right now are being driven by politically-minded individuals to push their own agendas.

Parents DO want their kids’ education to include working across differences, handling challenging topics, and asking hard questions. 

We need students who are equipped with critical thinking skills, who can tackle what extremists call “inherently divisive” topics such as racism, honest history and stories of diverse identities. We know that those skills are what actually prepare our kids to succeed in the real world!

Politicians who want to ban books and ideas aren’t representing “parents’ rights”—no matter how much they say they are. 

They’re pushing extremist ideologies that take away our kids’ right to an honest education about ALL of our families.

We know that banning books and ideas is never the answer. It’s time to ditch the partisan talking points and refocus on what we know matters most for students: Making sure our kids are safe and supported in school, and that they have the freedom to learn.

Two of the candidates for the Delaware Valley School Board consistently put education before politics and deserve our votes on May 16: Brian Carso and Rosemary Walsh. I will leave all other names blank.

Edwin H. Gragert, Ph.D.

Milford Township, PA

Cartwright fights the drive to default

Thank you Rep. Cartwright for standing up for your constituents!

Others in Congress threaten to drive the U.S. to default on our debts if they don’t get their way. Their goal is to slash Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid and other vital programs.

Right now, many working-class Americans are struggling with inflation and rising costs of living. Any cuts to Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid would only threaten the livelihoods of millions, and pull the rug out from underneath all of us who have paid into the programs—not to mention the risks of a recession and job losses if Republicans force the government to default on its debt.

Rep. Cartwright signed the congressional letter from Reps. Boyle, Jayapal and Kuster calling for a clean vote to avoid a default on our debts and opposing any cuts to Social Security, Medicare and other programs our community relies on.

When our representatives stand up for the people, rather than corporate interests or their own pockets, we prosper. Representative Cartwright stands up for us! We have your back because you have ours!

Tierney Lyons

Honesdale, PA

Democrats are against Medicare privatization

My letter is in response to Tom Denton’s letter regarding the Democrats’ desire to privatize Medicare.

Mr. Denton’s statement that Democrats are leading the movement toward privatization of Medicare is incorrect. While Republicans have been trying to privatize Medicare, Democrats have been fighting against the privatization of Medicare for years. During the Bush years and probably before, Republicans, including Paul Ryan, wanted to privatize Medicare. 

On the other side, Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden and his finance committee have been investigating Medicare Advantage for its refusal to pay for vital healthcare for seniors. Other Democrats including Reps. Pramila Jayapal, Rosa DeLauro and Jan Schakowsky have been gathering signatures asking for changes in the Medicare Advantage plans to cover vital healthcare. 

Democratic representatives Rep. Mark Pocan and Ro Khanna are spreading the word weekly about Medicare Advantage’s dismal healthcare coverage, and are both spearheading a bill that will change the name Medicare Advantage because it’s confusing, people don’t realize it’s a private insurance plan, and it doesn’t cover healthcare expenses as actual Medicare does.

It is clear that Republicans are in favor of privatizing Medicare. And I can guarantee that if the Republicans get back into office, Medicare will be privatized and many seniors will suffer. 

Jane Creteau

Lakeville, PA

It’s WATTS Happening was so successful!

I am writing to express my thanks to this community for coming together to show love to one of its own, Rich Watts, who was the beneficiary of an extraordinary fundraising effort on March 25 at the Eldred Town Hall.

To me as a fairly new resident in the community, the event showed off the great strength of my new homeland—a need was identified, people got involved, other people caught the vision, and not only is Rich helped, but the entire community benefits as well. “Old timers” sat across from new transplants to the area, young folks mingled with older folks, no one talked about politics or other divisive subjects. There was such a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose. After eating, folks stayed to simply enjoy each others’ company.

It was such a pleasure to see the local Scout troop clearing tables, running the food from the kitchen to the serving line, and being attentive to the needs of others. I didn’t see a single cell phone being stared at!

The breakfast, soups-to-go, and baked goods were all delightful. There were raffle opportunities galore, just as advertised.

I finally had the opportunity to see a community dinner in action. With COVID concerns, I understand these opportunities have been few and far between. I hope that will change going forward.

Many people simply came in, made a donation and walked back out.

By all appearances, the event was a total success. Kudos to the organizers and the cadre of volunteers, and to those whose behind the scenes contributions made it the pleasure it was.

My prayers for a full recovery for Rich Watts and blessings to him and his family.

Leonard Golden

Yulan, NY