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Fetterman is not a ‘damaged’ leader

I would like to respond to the letter, “Reasons to be a Fetterman skeptic,” and another recently regarding John Fetterman’s stroke and his ability to serve as our senator. This letter is written from a position of experience. During a surgical procedure in January 2003, I suffered a stroke that left me completely paralyzed on my left side and my left hand in a permanent fist, unable to uncurl my fingers. Friends and family who visited me then had little hope that I would recover. Few people who see me today would suspect what I went through or would judge my ability to function ...

Having faith in the Second Amendment

BINGHAMTON – Having just lost – in walloping fashion – a Second Amendment challenge in the U.S. Supreme Court, you might have thought New York would want to take its time. You might have thought New York would want to study the decision carefully. You might have thought New York would want to gain input from across the political spectrum. And the jurisprudential spectrum, which is different from the political spectrum. You might have further thought New York would want to gain input from all across New York. Including from, say, those three westernmost counties in the ...

Another view: Parks can bring state prosperity

When the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources worked with Governor Tom Wolf to secure funding for three new state parks, we knew it was the right thing to do for Pennsylvania’s taxpayers. Part of our reasoning was derived from studies the Times Observer editorial noted in its piece, “Our opinion: State’s high cost for natural gems,” and also because we see now as the perfect opportunity to grow Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation economy. When we made the case to spend money from the state’s Oil and Gas Lease Fund, which must be reinvested into conservation and ...

View from Hickory Heights: Thinking pink in October

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How does this affect me? It was in May 2011 that I was diagnosed with breast cancer. What a disaster that was! I had my routine mammogram. I went faithfully — every year. I know that you are allowed to go two years, but that was not my policy. I waited in the room off to the side of the mammography suite. I was still in my pink paper garment. The doctor who read the scan walked in. That was unusual. He told me that I had a suspicious mass in my left breast. It was like someone punched me in the gut. I had been with my husband when ...

A philosophical look at the many birthdays

This week another birthday arrived. Thank you, God. To be sure, birthdays are for celebration. But as more of them stack up under me, I find them not just reassuring – hey, I’m still here – but a time for reflection. Often, when I think back, it is to everyday happenings like: “I do understand you have the flu, but what’s for dinner?” or “Mom, the doctor can sew this up … right?” Yup, all those small moments, and thousands more, add up to a lifetime. This year, I am more reflective than usual. Looking back, I am stunned by the changes that each decade ...

Many sides, questions to the abortion issue

What makes abortion such a polarizing issue? Is it just another form of birth control? Is it a reproductive right? Is it bodily autonomy? Is it any different than a choice to get a tattoo, color your hair, remove a skin tag, choosing to get a piercing? Is there a second life to consider? It is often difficult to find accurate information on abortion. Watching the news I have yet to see a first, second, or third trimester abortion, yet to see documentation of fetal development. An informed opinion cannot be made without knowing what an abortion actually does and understanding prenatal ...