GOP leaders’ response to racist remarks very revealing
Let’s examine the response by Republican leaders to the reports of an online chat involving members of Young Republican groups which included over 250 racist, homophobic and antisemitic slurs.
Vice President JD Vance’s response was “Kids do stupid things, especially young boys.” Grown men in their 30s and 40s are kids? Over 250 slurs? That is more than an occasional off-color joke. Also, from my experience as a teacher, kids usually parrot what their adults say.
Moving on to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. Mr. Johnson, when asked a question, always chooses his words very carefully, “Whatever they’re saying, if it’s true, we obviously condemn that.” A lot of the right words to obfuscate his true answer. If it’s true? If what is true, that they said those things? Notice he did not say that those things that were mentioned were condemned by the party. Which leads one to believe that they condemn them saying those things, not necessarily what was said.
Each of the above, taken individually, means little. Their meaning when taken together? That analysis is left to the reader.
Paul Koba
Durham Township
Caution needed on false claims legislation
As a doctor and practice owner, I urge caution regarding Pennsylvania House Bill 1697 providing for liability for false claims.
One reason I left the traditional insurance model was the constant threat of chargebacks and retroactive denials. Insurers create shifting rules where even minor documentation errors — a missing note, a line out of place — can trigger repayment demands or threats of litigation. The care is real and medically necessary, yet a paperwork slip becomes grounds to allege “fraud.” That climate drives providers away from patient care and could push more out of Pennsylvania.
I agree that intentional fraud must be punished and taxpayer dollars protected. But as typically structured, these laws often invite lawsuits where attorneys exploit honest mistakes, turning minor documentation issues into costly litigation and mass recoupments. This diverts time and resources from patient care, ultimately hurting Pennsylvania families and discouraging clinicians from practicing here.
We need balance: a system that punishes intentional fraud, safeguards taxpayers and allows honest providers to care for patients without the constant fear of jackpot lawsuits over paperwork.
Buddy Touchinsky
West Brunswick Township
Wildlife refuge under threat
With fall quickly passing, it’s important for citizens to know the dangers of this particular winter for the animals and the people inhabiting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. On Oct. 21, the Department of the Interior took the first steps towards permit sales for oil and gas drilling within the refuge this winter.
In the same vein, this past week, a Congressional Review Act was introduced looking to repeal protections from such drilling in the coastal plain of Alaska, where the land is vital to indigenous peoples and to species such as polar bears and caribou. The Arctic faces more danger than it has in decades.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest untouched wildlife refuges in the country, and it is crucial to the livelihood of both people and the natural environment that it is not touched by oil and gas drilling. Even here in Pennsylvania, we can make a difference. Call on your local legislators to oppose the repeal of Arctic protections to ensure the safety of this magnificent area and those who live there.
Nora Kirby
Bethlehem
The writer is a senior at Lehigh University.
Trump demolished East Wing and our democracy
As the East Wing disappears, one wonders how much of the White House will need to be demolished before our elected leaders speak out? In a sense, though, destroying a large chunk of “the people’s house” is symbolic of the way this administration is hobbling and dismantling our nation’s institutions — universities, major news organizations, the National Park Service, the Constitution itself, the list goes on — on the eve of our 250th birthday. My wife and I are planning a trip to the United Kingdom, and we’re a little worried that we’ll be asked, “Has the U.S. completely lost its mind?” and not know how to respond (especially given the fact that the UK and countries as diverse as Australia, Canada, China, Denmark, France, the Netherlands and Portugal have issued travel advisories warning their citizens not to visit us). It’s not too much of a stretch to ask how much of both the White House and our country will be left for us to celebrate in 2026.
Stephen Simmons
Bethlehem
Trump lives lavishly as others struggle
Grocery prices continue to rise, but President Trump still jets to and from Mar-a-Lago. Food banks are experiencing shortages, but the president still lives lavishly. The government shuts down, and workers are without paychecks and losing jobs, but the president still tears apart the East Wing of the White House to build a huge, expensive ballroom. What’s wrong with this picture?
Beverly Springer
Emmaus
Congress should extend health care subsidies
Like millions of Americans, I feel the state and federal governments have left me behind. As I struggle with debt and high prices, I’m about to get another slap in the face. My Affordable Care Act health care premiums are set to increase unless Congress extends subsidies. I’m a cancer survivor under surveillance. That means I see my oncologist every six months, get a CAT scan every year and a colonoscopy every three years. My life depends on having access to affordable health care. But in 2026, I might have to drop coverage to pay for groceries to eat and gas so I can get to work.
I just want a fair shot at staying healthy and keeping my job. Congress needs to extend these subsidies so people like me aren’t forced to choose between cancer care and basic expenses. Don’t make us pay the price for something we can’t control.
Brian Kline
Richland 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.
