Silvonek belongs in prison

Jamie Silvonek, who is serving time for her role in her mother’s murder is seeking commutation of her sentence. This is not a pardon, but a reduction of time served. Neither should be allowed in this case. In a letter published in The Morning Call, she writes “I’ve lost my mom, the person who took care of me …” It’s a retelling of the old joke of the guy who kills his parents then asks mercy of the court because he is an orphan. That Jamie Silvonek is remorseful and is doing well in prison shows that she is exactly where she should be. Her participation in the scheme to kill her mother, and her callous behavior immediately afterward cannot be whitewashed with the pretty words she now writes. I believe in forgiveness. I believe in redemption. But “Honor thy mother and father” and “Thou shall not kill” trump any excuse that she now offers.

Ed Ortolaza

Walnutport

We don’t need guns to protect our rights

Charlie Kirk said, on numerous occasions, that “having an armed citizenry comes with a price, and that is part of liberty … I think it’s worth to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights.”  How is it then, that so many other countries in Western Europe, Scandinavia, Japan, Canada, Australia, etc. are able to protect their “God-given rights” without needing 500 million guns or suffering 40,000 gun deaths annually. What is wrong with this country?

Howard Amols

Allentown

School district did the right thing

I want to thank Southern Lehigh School District for doing the right thing and testing for radon in their buildings. Based on residential homes in the Lehigh Valley, we know that our schools are at risk for elevated levels. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking. Our children, teachers, and staff deserve to know if they are being exposed. I hope Bethlehem Area School District follows suit. The $41,000 price tag for testing is pennies to the potential cancer treatment of those exposed.

Connie Andrejko

Upper Saucon Township

Don’t invoke God to support political views

It’s interesting how people on opposite sides of an argument, particularly about personal, political or moral issues, often co-opt God to support their position.

From my perspective, God’s will is love, understanding and respect between all of his children, regardless of who they are or how different they may be.

That’s the trouble with bringing God into politics and personal affairs. God is all-powerful and to act in the name of God to support a political or personal position is surely very powerful and persuasive, but often a divisive tool.

I’ve done much thinking about this and wondered what God might say to both sides. Possibly something like the following? “Hey, I love both of you guys. Leave my name out of this and please stop judging each other. I created both of you. You are very different and you can remain different but with effort, and my help, you can learn to understand each other and coexist without fear or anger.”

Pat Mazza

Easton

Americans must show decency

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is, for his family and friends, a tragedy. For the rest of us, it is a call to demonstrate decency. No matter where one stands politically, now is the time to practice restraint. Finger pointing and blaming have no place in this situation. No one is immune from suffering and loss. By publicly displaying respect, we exemplify our best humanity. Did I support Mr. Kirk’s political stance — no. But I certainly recognize that his life, like all life, was precious.

Beverly Springer

Emmaus

Free speech is what makes US great

Here we go again. Everyone says that we must lower the rhetoric and divisive speech. But free speech is what makes America great, now and forever.

Many people believed that if 9/11 made America change too much, then the terrorists would win. Same principle here. If we are to stop free speech and tell people to keep their opinions to themselves, then the assassins win.

And who would volunteer to “be nice” first? Who would promise not to say anything negative about anyone else the rest of this year?

We cannot allow ourselves to stop passionate debate out of concern for that lowest common denominator who might turn violent.

When I strongly disagree with someone, I do not want to hurt them, I want to debate them. I want to talk to people about those opinions so we can learn from each other.

David Faulkner

Easton

Reforms needed in Lower Saucon Township

I was the Lower Saucon Township manager between 1978 and 1980. Township politics was over the top then but is even more toxic in 2025. I recently started watching council meetings after spending over 40 years as a city, township or county public administrator.

My take away: 1. Council needs to back off and honor the town code in letting the manager do his or her job. 2. Develop a policy or charter amendment where council members out of control are removed from meetings.

This will help some but I fear Lower Saucon may be on the brink of never attracting good talent to administer its affairs.

John D.Berchtold

Davison, Mich.

Where is proof of what DOGE claimed?

When will we see some documentation/proof of all the waste, fraud and abuse that was eliminated by the actions of the Department of Government Efficiency? It is time the government starts proving the statements they make. We have heard plenty of how widespread it was: Show me.

Jack Siplak

Allentown

ELECTION LETTERS 

Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the Nov. 4 general election must be received by 10 a.m. Oct. 27.  Election-related letters will not be published after Oct. 30.

The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. 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.

https://www.mcall.com/2025/09/20/letters-jamie-silvonek-should-not-be-freed-from-prison/