Accusations about socialism off the mark
In response to recent letters deeply concerned about the election of socialists: I don’t like excessive government ownership of the means of production or of businesses either. Though President Trump doesn’t seem to mind direct government stakes in publicly traded corporations, that seems a bit too socialist for me.
But as for other issues typically supported by American socialists: How much do you really want to oppose higher taxation of the very rich in order to redistribute wealth more appropriately? How much can we object to raising a federal minimum wage level that hasn’t changed since 2009 while the cost of living has increased far beyond it? How much can we oppose the freedom to unionize so that workers have a greater chance against large corporate employers?
People toss around the word “socialism” as if it were like anthrax. I think of it, though, as being more like salt. Though countries like Venezuela, Cuba and North Korea fell into it so heavily that it became worse than unpalatable, that’s not a reason to treat socialism as if it were categorically poisonous. You can kill a recipe with too much salt, but do you really want to do without it?
John Groff
Allentown
Don’t pay legislators who don’t pass budget
Thank goodness the state budget has been passed. The four-month delay caused chaos for many school systems, counties and nonprofits in the commonwealth. Loans had to be taken, layoffs were required and uncertainty created stress on many. This mess was caused because our elected officials didn’t do their No. 1 job, pass a budget by June 30.
That date used to be important. Now it’s treated as just a guideline. Our legislators are some of the highest paid in the country, but they don’t deserve their salary if they fail this basic responsibility. I believe that the next politician to run on the motto “No budget, no pay” would win in a landslide. As I stand on the street corner during the 2026 primary season, my sign will read just that: No budget, no pay!
Joan Howe
Bethlehem Township
Veterans Day ceremony was memorable
We have celebrated Veterans Day each year, with an assembly at Mosser Elementary School in Allentown. I hold a special place in my heart for veterans, as my father was a member of the Greatest Generation and a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient. This year’s assembly was extra special as it was the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War. There were many Vietnam veterans in attendance who after receiving a standing ovation were presented with commemorative pins, certificates and citations. In attendance was state Rep. Josh Siegel; Ryan Aument, the state director for U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick; and Sara Baran from Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s office. Also in attendance was Carol Birks, superintendent of the Allentown School District. It was overwhelming to see these veterans make their way down the line, shaking hands with these wonderful people who came to honor our veterans. I know it is a moment I am that neither the veterans nor the dignitaries will soon forget.
Rose Bruno
Allentown
Before the penny other US coins were discontinued
In a recent edition of The Morning Call, the Associated Press’ Maryclaire Dale reported that U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach said the last U.S. coin to be discontinued was the half cent in 1857. This is not only incorrect, but six times incorrect, as the two-cent piece was discontinued in 1872, the half dime and silver three-cent piece in 1873, the regular issue 20-cent piece in 1876, the proof 20-cent piece in 1878, and the nickel three-cent piece in 1889. Just one more indication of the irrelevance that many in Washington and the media assign to those quaint items of former value we refer to as coins.
Jim Sorensen
Salisbury Township
Trump should have reported Epstein’s crimes
In Pennsylvania any teacher, social worker, church member, medical employee, law enforcement officer — anyone who has any contact with young people — has to register with the state. This involves fingerprinting, several hours of training, and a background investigation. Once you jump through these hoops and pass the tests, you are then a “mandated reporter.” This means that, if you suspect that a child has been abused, trafficked or neglected in any way, you are required by the Child Protective Services Law to report the situation. Not to your principal, not to the director of your social agency or hospital network, not to the head of your church or organization. You are given a phone number to call at the Department of Human Services. Failure to report abuse immediately at this number will result in your being charged with a misdemeanor or, in some cases, a felony.
That the president of the United States, even though perhaps he did not approve of Jeffrey Epstein’s behavior, did not report to anyone what Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were up to is unconscionable and amoral. He didn’t get charged. He got elected to the highest office in the country. What’s wrong with this picture? What’s wrong with this country?
JoAnn Klucsarits
Walnutport
Town Square item is excellent
The Morning Call recently published a Town Square/Your View commentary authored by Kellie Walenciak that was based on her family experience concerning staying informed with the news as she was growing up. Experience that a fair number of us most likely shared. Excellent analysis, well stated thoughts, facts and guidelines on staying informed and civil to each other at the same time. Congratulations to her. She hit it out of the park.
Mark Porcaro
Palmer Township
Will everyone really be able to use White House?
Since the White House is the people’s house and it was said after construction it’s going to be magnificent and everyone is going to use it: Can I have my next birthday party there?
Beth Laury
Allentown
Trump is wrong about food prices
How can our president say food prices are way down? Did he ever buy food in a grocery store for his family? Who is telling him all these lies? I’d like to have him come here and check out food prices in our grocery stores.
I don’t think it will change his mind. But one can hope for a miracle.
Ron Snyder
North Whitehall Township
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/2025/11/22/letters-a-little-bit-of-socialism-isnt-so-bad/
