July 4th offers important reminders
Though June 20 is the official start of summer, Independence Day marks the true beginning of summer for many. The parades, flags, fireworks and displays of patriotism are how Americans celebrate their love for the “representative constitutional democratic republic” that connects this vast land.
Our elected government is an example of patriotism at work. Our government is guided by the Constitution, the rule of law, separation of powers, free expression of the people, and protection of individual rights. By voting, citizens empower elected representatives to enact laws on our behalf which directly affect daily lives: health care, education, sanitation, public safety, transportation, finances and everything that contributes to quality of life.
July 4th is a humbling reminder that America has had issues, since the first explorers stepped onto our shores. But there has never been a time when our “grand experiment” of democratic government has failed to move forward.
July 4th is a reminder to stay connected with loved ones, community, and with elected officials, even as an outsized election season looms. In our “imperfectly perfect” country, there remains far more that binds us together than divides us. Political differences can be resolved only through voting. Every individual needs to cast a ballot.
Not voting robs us of our voice, and therefore, our power.
Enjoy a wonderful Independence Day. And while you’re at it, please check your voter registration status. Make sure you are ready to cast your ballot. Help the country to move forward!
Sue Sargo, State College
Boalsburg a true ‘jewel’
On behalf of the Boalsburg Village Conservancy and our community, I would like to sincerely thank Josh Moyer for his wonderful article about all that Harris Township has to offer. Those of us who live here know that we are blessed to live in this “jewel” of a community. We so appreciate Josh sharing our knowledge with others.
The Conservancy is currently working on several projects, including a narrated, self-guided walking tour. It’s a work in progress, but invite you to access the work we’ve done so far and other Boalsburg information on our website www.historicboalsburg.com .
The next event will be Hometown Christmas, which will offer some nice surprises this year. Please keep checking our website for updates!
Dottie Yukish, president of the Boalsburg Village Conservancy
What’s the choice?
I am submitting this Letter to the Editor about one hour before the June 27 presidential candidate debate because the debate really doesn’t matter. We have President Joe Biden who supports and believes in the value of our democracy and we have Donald Trump who does not support and apparently does not believe in the value of our democracy. What’s the choice?
Ross Adams, Boalsburg
Opinions highlight dilemma for some Dems
On the Opinion page of the CDT’s Sunday print edition was, side by side, a letter from Andrew McKinnon and a piece by Jane Eisner of the Los Angeles Times that together lay out a dilemma for Democrats who question Israel, but should support President Biden against Trump redux. McKinnon, with apparently impeccable liberal credentials, insists that the whole enterprise of Israel is immoral and that the narrative of the Oct. 7 attacks as unprovoked is false. These are obscene lies. A cease-fire between Hamas and Israel was in place on Oct. 6, 2023. On Oct. 7 Hamas started a war and murdered, complete with video coverage of rape and torture, over a thousand civilians. If that happened to the United States, we would not rest until the perpetrators were dead and obliterated, as we accomplished with those who began World War II. McKinnon has swallowed all the anti-Zionist and antisemitic tropes of the Palestinian narrative, which has not much evolved since the days of the Mufti of Jerusalem who was one of Hitler’s most ardent fans. If Hamas gave a fig about Gaza’s civilians, they could surrender unconditionally and stop hiding among their women and children. If Democrats fail to rally to Biden, Trump will definitely win, and we can expect a policy that is not just pro-Israel, but pro-right wing Israeli and pro-Netanyahu, and hateful toward Muslims as well. If you are a Democrat, is that what you want?
Steven Smith, Houserville
Celebrate NPAC’s progress
2024 has been a banner year for the Nittany Performing Arts Centre! The NPAC Board of Directors has been working with the State College Borough Redevelopment Authority along with more than 250 donors to provide a full-sized, 800-seat theater, a 200-seat studio theater, and facilities for community meetings and celebrations, on the Pugh Street Garage site.
In just the first two quarters of 2024, grants, donations and pledges in support of the project have exceeded more than $800,000 and there are hopes for more to come from grant proposals submitted through the Redevelopment Authority.
State College is a culture-rich destination for Centre County’s performing artists and especially for tourists and visitors to our area. The recent CBICC event “The Arts Mean Business” brought together more than 150 attendees to hear messages about the Arts and Economic Development in Centre County. Instrumentalists and members of the State College Choral Society highlighted the importance of the event with a stirring “Flash Mob” performance of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy from his 9th Symphony.
We hope you will come, celebrate with us at the Central PA Festival of the Arts. You will have the opportunity to view the model for the Nittany Performing Arts Centre at the Kish Bank/NPAC tent on Allen Street across the street from Bill Pickles Tap Room. We’ll be giving out collectible NPAC coffee mugs to the first 50 visitors on each day of the fest, July 11-14. More information at nittanypac.org .
Douglas Meyer, NPAC executive director
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