Readers Agree: Fire Politicians
I wholeheartedly agree!! (Editor's Note: This Letter was in response to the August 5th Letter titled "You're Fired). (Full Piece)

Marriage Counselors Needed
I think we need marriage counselors in our Lancaster County Prison. I think we need marriage counselors at the Lancaster Health Campus. I think we need marriage counselors at the Lancaster General Hospital (LGH) and the Lancaster Regional Hospital. (Full Piece)

You're Fired
That's the words our/your State and Federal Elected representatives should be hearing for you/us the tax payers and voters of this commonwealth. In fact, every taxpayer and voter of any and all the 50 states should be out raged at their representatives deciding to go on vacation for the next 5 weeks, all the while the citizens, voters and taxpayers go without because of high fuel cost, unemployment, loss of wages as well as the high cost of food, electricity and in fact the cost of life. (Full piece)

Public Health Scares: The fastest path to socialism
Have no doubt about it: health and environmental scares have robbed this generation of the age of prosperity and freedom that was their birthright, for which their forefathers fought and died. The cost of a continual shift of labor and resources from the economically productive sector to the regulatory system and compensation culture have cost all of us billions of dollars. The tobacco settlement and the massive amount of money it generated for anti-smokers is a perfect example. The propaganda it has paid for and the friends it as bought are now rolling over smokers nationwide, and many are cheering. It is teaching everyone else how the socialist game is played. All you need is a new set of victims (the next group in line to loose it all). (Full Piece)

Candidates - A Call for A Do-Over!
Dear Editor,
I thought one person / one vote really mattered, guess not. Now disengaging from this election year, I find myself less concerned with which candidates are running this term and what they believe. (Full piece)

Letter to the Editor on the National Name Check Program
The June 14 editorial "The Name Game" told readers only half the story. (Full piece)

Vote for a New Beginning
Dear fellow Americans:
I am a voice of an American. What is America I ask? What are our dreams? In the 1660’s many arrived on our shores fleeing from oppressions for person choices and hoping to start anew. In the 1770’s we dreamt of freedom and government representation, in the 1860’s we dreamed of freedom from slavery, in the 1960’s we dreamed of equality and rights. HOPE has been the connecting thread in all of these dreams. (Full piece)

Honesty is the Best Policy
Dear Editor,
Honesty is the best Policy
Giddy media pundits have seized on Barack Obama’s recent “misstatement” in which he suggested economically distressed people cling to religion, resent foreigners and cherish guns. They say he exposed his contempt for “simple” Americans and proved himself to be an “elitist.” The next day, we saw Hillary knocking down shots and telling Pennsylvania voters her daddy taught her how to fire a rifle. I could just puke!  (Full piece)

The True Nature of Hillary
Dear Editor,
All little girls are mean, but they have lapses where they turn sweet for short periods. Hillary got stuck on mean. She was a homely kid, one eyebrow, Coke-bottle-bottom spectacles, an over-bite preventing her from eating corn on-the-cob. Then her family foisted her off to an all-girls school, Wellesley. Nothing her fault, but there she was, hung on a hook like beef. Then and there the psycho stuff incubated and a toxic chemical imbalance got her hormones all tied in ugly knots. Her life became an avalanche, beginning with a pebble, growing to a huge, crushing mass. An avalanche is noisy, like Hillary. She lashed out, deciding she would get even by becoming Queen of the World.  (Full piece)

Support Obama
Dear Editor,
I support Barack Obama for President of the United State. I hope your paper will support him as well.
Gloria Townsend, Pittsburgh, PA

Bill Clinton Supporter Chooses Obama over Former First Lady
Dear friends,
First, I want to give my Clintonite credentials. Before I could vote, I pounded the pavement for Bill Clinton in his first presidential campaign. In 1996, I was part of the state party that won Arizona for a Democrat for the first time since Truman and shook the president’s hand on the campaign trail. Inspired by him, I served with AmeriCorps at an inner city school in Houston.

Obama Represents What Pennsylvania Needs
My name is Mark Saleem. I grew up in Leola, attended Manheim Township high school. I am now a surgeon. I am writing to implore you to endorse senator Obama for president.

Obama - an Upright Man
Dear Editor,
With our primary coming up, I feel impelled to write and speak of my number one reason for supporting Barack Obama for President.

Is Dumpster Diving Really Theft?
Dear Editor,
Is this really a crime, isn’t it call trash picking. Give me a break, the person was probably trying to make ends meat for his family. If I understand this, the items were already in the dumpster and currently if something is left curbside, it becomes discarded material and free to whomever wants it. Can’t we find better thing to focus on. Thank you, Marci Watterson, Providence Township Note: This was in result of this article: State Police Stop Theft in Progress

Cutler Issues Statement on Health Care Legislation Debated in House
HARRISBURG -- Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-100) released the following statement in reaction to the health care legislation debated in the House yesterday:

PETA Sends Kudos to Fashion Giant
Dear Editor,
Kudos to Swedish fashion giant Hennes & Mauritz (H &M) for agreeing that mutilating sheep is unacceptable. The company’s decision to stop purchasing wool from sheep who have been mulesed will have a profound impact on sheep in Australia.

PETA Pushes Animal Birth Control
Dear Editor, While many of us were celebrating the passage of the new mandatory spay/neuter law in Los Angeles—a measure that will drastically reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats in animal shelters—beagle breeders were cheering for Uno, the pedigree named “Best in Show” at the Westminster Dog Show. They’re hoping people will be tempted to run out and buy a beagle while those of us who want to stop euthanasia are hoping people won’t.

Cutler Releases Statement on Governor's Budget Address
HARRISBURG -- Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-100) released the following statement in reaction to the governor's budget address to the General Assembly Tuesday:

Senatorial Candidate Steve McDonald Releases Statement on Governor's Budget Address
HARRISBURG -- The following statement was released by Steve McDonald, Republican candidate for the 13th State Senate District, regarding Tuesday's budget address by Governor Ed Rendell:

February is American Heart Month
Dear Editor, February is American Heart Month. Heart disease is caused primarily by high cholesterol, and cholesterol is found only in meat, eggs, and dairy products. The best way to keep your ticker ticking long and strong is to eat a plant-based diet. Don’t just take my word for it, read what the experts say:

Castle Doctrine Protects You
The "Castle Doctrine" simply says that if a criminal breaks into your home, your occupied vehicle, or your place of business, you may presume he is there to do bodily harm and you may use any force against him, thereby removing your "duty to retreat." Furthermore, this law would provide protection from criminal prosecution and civil litigation for those who defend themselves from criminal attack.

American Coalition for Ethanol Issues statement on House energy bill passage
The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), the nation’s largest ethanol association with nearly 2,000 grassroots members nationwide, today issued the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives passage of an energy bill, the “Energy Independence and Security Act” by a vote of 235-181. Brian Jennings, ACE Executive Vice President:

Religion & Politics
I find it quite interesting that Governor Rendell chooses to quote Jesus when he is demanding support for his government-run health care program. As the Governor has been promoting his plan, he has criticized politicians who promote morals and family values, yet do not support his one-size-fits-all plan for covering only some of the uninsured. Rendell stated that these politicians should heed the Bible's advice to "heal the sick" or stop claiming that they support moral and family values.

Harrisburg Democrats Propose Two City State
The Democrats are at it again trying to pass laws to save us from our self. It would be a lot simpler for the powers to be in Harrisburg to protect us, the citizens and taxpayers of this commonwealth, if there were just two cities, Pittsburg west of the Susquehanna River and Philadelphia east of the river as it seems that we would benefit greatly it this were to happen as it looks to me (and others I hope) that these two cities get the bulk of the tax money.

Gun Laws Need to Be Enforced
I agree with the law proposed by the Governor Edward Rendell , that a mandatory 20 years for shooting at a police officer with a firearm.

Trick or Treat Thoughts
To the editor: Your piece on trick or treating safety reminded me of an article I had read a while back in Snopes. Thought you might be interested. Here's the link: http://www.snopes.com/horrors/poison/halloween.asp  -- Barrett Root

Area Legislators Vote Against EC, Reader Takes Note
Dear Editor, Seven area legislators voted to deny taking action on helping rape victims when they appear in the emergency room. Reps. Bear, Boyd, Creighton, Cutler, Denlinger, Hickernell and True voted to refuse to take action on House Bill 288, to ensure that rape victims get access to emergency contraception in all PA hospitals.

PETA Warns of Bird Fly
There’s disturbing news about bird flu: A recent study led by Dr. Yoshihiro Kawaoka of the University of Wisconsin-Madison shows that the H5N1 virus has mutated and may now be able to grow in the upper respiratory tract of humans.

Pennsylvania’s Biodiesel Industry Reaches Critical Juncture
By Carl T. Shaffer  The development of renewable fuels to reduce the dependence on foreign oil, while boosting our economy and protecting the environment, has won strong support from policymakers as well as the general public. In a state where the economy is substantially driven by the agricultural sector, any energy solution which can be both positive for Pennsylvania’s environment and economically valuable to Pennsylvania’s farmers, is a ‘triple win’ for our energy independence, our natural environment, and the future of farming.

An Open Letter to the U.S. Cattle Industry
Sharon McDonald, wife of former R-CALF USA director Dennis McDonald, and former member Judie Manuel have been submitting letters to various publications that mislead readers by asserting that litigation against former directors and members has absolutely no basis, that the lawsuits are frivolous and wasting producer dollars.

LCB Comments on Supreme Court's "Eating Place Malt Beverage" Decision
HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Chairman P.J. Stapleton issued the following statement on the state Supreme Court’s decision Tuesday to hear the LCB’s appeal of a Commonwealth Court decision that would require holders of “eating place malt beverage” licenses to sell malt or brewed beverages for on-premises, as well as off-premises, consumption:

Gas Tax: Statement by Robert L. Darbelnet, President and CEO, AAA
AAA welcomes the dialogue started by President Bush and Congressional leaders on the need for increased funding for our nation's bridges and roads. It should come as a surprise to no one that we have tremendous unmet transportation infrastructure needs in this country. We have only just begun to make up for years of underinvestment, and we still have a long way to go.

Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance Speaks on Farm Bill
Over the past two years, the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, a national coalition of more than 120 specialty crop organizations, have been outspoken in our efforts to shape a Farm Bill that is geared towards the 21st Century marketplace. This includes a focus on producing a safer, healthier and more nutritious food supply for all of us, especially our children.

Relay For Life Organizers Thank Community
The organizers of the 5th Annual Quarryville Relay For Life commend the community for their tremendous support in helping to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Committee members, team members, residents, business owners, service organization representatives and local food vendors came together to make this year’s relay a great success.

U.S. Cattle Producers Need Competition Title in 2007 Farm Bill
There has been a lot of coverage of commodity, conservation and disaster payments, but many U.S. cattle producers believe the core problem facing the cattle industry today is that the overall framework, which defines how our cattle industry operates, is no longer adequate to ensure a balanced and properly functioning competitive marketplace. A competition title in the 2007 Farm Bill could correct this.

Cutler Issues Statement on House’s Failure to Meet the Budget Deadline
HARRISBURG -- Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-100) issued the following statement regarding the vote taken by the House to continue budget negotiations past the statutory deadline:

Reader Challenges Chamber
I read with dismay the struggle that some local businesses are having with attracting and maintaining business. It seems that there should be an increase in local business, due to high gas prices, but sadly, not the case. I’d like to challenge the Southern end’s Chamber of Commerce to be visionary and active in preserving and promoting our town, before we have empty storefronts within and big box stores surrounding our town.

Camp Oak Hill Article Appreciated
Glad to see the article on Camp Oak Hill. I was some involved when the previous owner took over. My friends and neighbors at that time were also involved as the mother's daughter was owner. It has come a long way since then. I am so glad you have shared this with the people in the area as it was not very well known before by the people around here. -- LaVerne Hanna, Quarryville

Hope Rides Alone - A Soldier Speaks Back
Hello Everyone, I wanted to share an article my son Eddie sent me from Iraq. I was not going to send it through the usual means; I’m looking to have this published somehow. I just felt after reading it again this morning that I wanted people to begin reading it and begin to/ continue to pray for our brave men and women in uniform.

Neighbors In Uniform Response
I am writing in regards to the April 12, 2007 posting of Neighbors in Uniform. I would just like to inform you that things like deployment schedules and return dates are not to be released to the public like this. I know it seems like harmless information but in the wrong hands it could be very bad.

PETA Offers Tip to Prevent E coli
Here’s yet another reason to eat veggie burgers instead of hamburgers: Davis Creek Meats and Seafood recently recalled 129,000 pounds of potentially E. coli-contaminated beef that was sent to distributors and retailers in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Studies have shown that when contaminated meat is recalled, only about half of it is actually recovered—the rest remains in grocery stores.

PA Medical Society Issues Statement on Health Affairs Study Related to Physician Supply
Up until recent years, hard data on practicing patient-based Pennsylvania physicians was not available, and many relied on anecdotal evidence to determine the state of health care affairs in Pennsylvania. In the earlier half of this decade, anecdotal evidence pointed to a large number of Pennsylvania physicians opting to practice elsewhere, retire early, or stop taking high-risk medical cases.

Firearms are only as dangerous as the person holding one
Like it or not.... You cannot depend upon government to protect you! The Founding Fathers understood this when they acknowledged your right to protect yourself. It wasn't a "right" they gave you, it is one that is inalienable" and no government can take it away.

Someone check and see what flag is flying on the flagpole please
It seems like the DEM-O-CRAPS are at it once again. It seems to me that they are using the old smoke and mirror trick, by that I mean, keep harping on the war in Iraq while they are trying to take away your rights and freedoms, the same rights and freedoms that our service personal are fighting for in other countries around the world.

Time To Show Your Discontent With The Powers-To-Be By Changing Your Voter Registration
May 15, 2007 will soon be upon us and it’s time to show your feelings about the goings on in the commonwealth as well as the rest of the country by considering changing your political party on your voter registration.

Rendell's Reforms Questioned
Governor Ed Rendell should step aside from his bid to become the state’s reformer-in-chief. While some of his ideas may have merit, the Governor has no more right than the average citizen to prescribe the structure of state government in Pennsylvania and his viewpoint is distorted by his position.

Letter to the Editor:
Celebrations of great purposes and achievements are officially declared for every day, week and month of the year.  The period of March 18 – 24^th recognizes something vital and basic to everyone. It’s National Agriculture Week.

Reader Praises Council Corner
Greetings! My name is Queshia Bradley, and I work at the Alliance for Consumer Education. I commend you on bringing the dangers of Inhalant Abuse to light via you article entitled "Inhalants: Hidden Household Dangers” in your Council Corner in yesterday’s Solanco News.

Reader Voices Concern with Animal Transportation Conditions
The JetBlue passengers who were stranded on an icy runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport for up to 10 hours, and the commuters who were recently stuck on the Philadelphia turnpike for a similar length of time, understand how frustrating it can be to be trapped in a small space, especially if you need a bathroom break.

Should School District Administrators and Elected Officials Be Prosecuted for Theft by Deception of the Taxpayers They Serve?
To the Editor: Every year you hear from the powers to be of the local school districts that they once again have to raise the school tax so as to provide a better education to the school students of the district and yet every year you hear of there not being enough room for more students or to put it another way school over-crowding.

Local Vet Supports Troops in Iraq
To the Editor: When will the American people and our Politicians learn. Seems to me that History is repeating itself and we still haven’t learned our lesson. I recall the Vietnam War, maybe because I was in the Marine Corps during this conflict.

Pennsylvania Medical Society comments on Governor Rendell’s ‘Prescription for Pennsylvania’
Governor Edward Rendell publicly announced his proposals for health system reforms in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Medical Society applauds the Governor for his leadership in proposing needed reforms to improve the quality, safety, and affordability of health care in Pennsylvania.

The Short End of the Stick
Here it is not one week after the election and the DEM-O-CRAPS have started the “WE ARE HELPING YOU” routine.

Constituent Asks, "Where Is Representative-Elect Cutler?"
Has anyone seen Representative Elect Bryan Cutler recently? I have looked and looked on the internet and have not found any information on Mr. Cutler since his win over Representative Gibson Armstrong back in the May Primaries.

The Great Election of November 2006
Well the elections are over, and what will be will be and I hope that everyone gets what is good for them. This election showed just how easy the mushrooms (people) of Lancaster County and else’s were can be swayed by voting poles and the news media.

Condolences
My thoughts and Prayers are with all of you! Tara Cotter Nesci

Troy, Maine Sends Condolences
On behalf of the people in our small community of Troy, Maine, we want to send our deepest sympathy to all the people of your community. We are thinking about you all in this sad time. Sincerely, Bob Brennan and Barbara Adams

USDA Kills Game Hunt Pigs In Raid 
I’m writing in regards to the underhanded tactics of the USDA and the ‘depopulation’ of the livestock at Willis River Hunting in Gladstone, VA on September 12, 2006. This horrific raid of killing and mayhem was a result of ‘possible’ infection of pseudorabies and can be treated.

PETA Addresses E. coli, Petting Zoos and Fairs 
While the E. coli outbreak linked to spinach is making headlines, there is another source that puts people’s health at serious risk: petting zoos. Yes, those ubiquitous fair and carnival sideshows can land you in the hospital, or worse.

Helmet Law Should Be Reinstated
The unfortunate serious motorcycle accident by Pittsburgh Steelers’ star quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has brought to the forefront the decision by Pennsylvania’s legislators to repeal our helmet law.

Solanco Alumni Turns to SolancoNews.com To Stay Current
Dear Editor, I wanted to take a few minutes to thank you, for your hard work in regards to reporting on Southern Lancaster County News. Being a Solanco Grad of 79 and having a brother reporting on your staff. I, of course, take a look each day to see what is happening in that neck of the woods.

NAIS is Bureaucratic Boondoggle
If National Animal ID is such a great idea why are only 10-15% of American farms registered? Answer: Because it isn't a great idea. NAIS is the worst bureaucratic boondoggle to come out of Washington in a long time.

National Animal ID - A Government Intrusion
If fully adopted and implemented, the likely outcome of NAIS is that animal ownership increasingly will be limited to large entities who can afford to comply and who are willing to accept the governmental intrusion.

National Animal ID Continues to Raise Concerns
I have read quite a bit about the proposed NAIS, mostly from government documents. The possibility of this being foisted on animal owners of all kinds has all the rural people I know up in arms!

Sec. Wolff's Article One Sided
Why only one side of the story about NAIS? How about, like Paul Harvey, telling the rest of the story? How about writing why the majority of those who hear about the tagging, tracking and reporting DO NOT WANT NAIS!

National Animal ID Creates Questions Not Answers
I have asked Government several questions as to this program and how it will affect me. I got a "canned" letter in response, basically telling me not to worry about it, be happy.

National Animal ID Not The Answer to Safer Food
National Animal Id is not going to make our food supply any safer. An animal with an electronic tag will not make it BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) free.

National Animal ID Raises Concerns
I am a (very) small farmer and I am very concerned about the USDA's National Animal Identification System (NAIS) that lumps everyone together from the huge factory farms to the small family farms to grandma with her single laying hen in the backyard.