Published: May 08, 2008 11:29 am            

READERS' FORUM 5/10 | Democrat chief: No rally snub of Obama

After reading Jim Jacoby’s May 4 letter to the Readers’ Forum (“Tactics forced voter to change parties”), I feel compelled to respond.

He accuses the Cambria County Democratic Committee of not inviting the Obama staff to our rallies. Nothing can be further from the truth.

When the Obama staff first came to Cambria County, I met with Max Lesko, local campaign coordinator. I gave him a rally schedule and invited him to speak at our rallies, or to send one of his staff.

At our first rally, on March 6 in Johnstown, David Casker, a delegate for Obama, was invited to speak. He declined.

At the second rally, on March 13 in East Taylor, Frank Fantauzzo of the Cambria County Democratic Committee executive board spoke on behalf of Obama.

The third rally was on March 20 in St. Michael and Dina Gleason, a member of the Obama staff, spoke.

The fourth rally was in the East Hills on April 3. Lesko spoke.

The last two rallies were on April 10 in Ebensburg and on April 17 in St. Benedict. No one from the Obama staff came to speak.

Lastly, I invited Lesko to speak on April 19 at our breakfast. He declined, but former Lt. Gov. Mark Singel, a delegate for Obama, did speak.

I would suggest that Jacoby get his facts straight. If he is such a strong supporter of Barack Obama, why didn’t he come forward and speak on his behalf? Contrary to what he says, he would have been welcome.

Helen K. Whiteford

Ebensburg

Chairwoman

Cambria County Democratic Party



Rosebud mining has negative impact, too

Rosebud. The name brings to mind the allure of roses wafting through the air.

We got allure all right, but it’s Rosebud Mining Co. permeating Railroad Street in Windber with several pollutants.

An editorial in this newspaper lauded the benefits of this company, but also questioned whether there would be any negative impact.

We’ve got plenty of impact – from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days a week: Truck convoys passing each other; other coal companies trucking coal into the area to be cleaned; trains hauling coal; and support and employee traffic.

You can’t park your car in the street, sit on your porch or hold a conversation outside. Everything is covered with filth.

I am enclosing information and begging this newspaper in this letter to expose this company and find out why Cooney Road has not been implemented as an alternate coal transport route.

Ann Roy

Windber



Christians in Prayer targets drug addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction is a terrible human tragedy, one that has directly or indirectly touched almost every family in Cambria and Somerset counties. Whether a loved one, friend or acquaintance, many people’s lives have been shattered by the devastating effects of addiction.

Unfortunately, over the years, we have adopted the attitude that addiction is unstoppable, that there is nothing anyone can do to bring healing to those who suffer the chains and shackles of this new brand of slavery. We have abandoned the one element needed to break those chains – and that is hope.

I am part of a small women’s group called Christians in Prayer. For the past several months, we have been preparing a conference to be held at Blue Knob Conference Center from May 30 to June 1.

Our conference, titled “Breaking the Chains,” is a local, faith-based effort to educate, organize and mobilize local Christian communities. Our mission is to stop the growth of drug addiction in our area. We hope to accomplish this by coming together in prayer to change the atmosphere of drug addiction in our communities.

You can be a vital part in helping our efforts. At 6 p.m. on May 31, we are asking that you please stop wherever you are and say a short prayer to break the chain of drug addiction.

Prayer is a powerful source of hope and blessings, and it is our belief that where humans have failed, God can succeed.

For further information, please visit our Web site: breakingthechains2008.com.

Many thanks to you for your contribution to our cause.

Rebecca Rusnak

Windber



War funding better spent on health care

The Iraq war was supported by Congress. It has caused deaths and serious injuries for servicemen and women – not only the enlisted but also those in the guards and the reserves as well.

Congress created the National Guard to protect our country’s borders, and not to participate in another country’s civil war.

Some $6 billion a month is being spent on the war. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to spend the money to help every American obtain free health insurance?

Congress can easily make it a reality.

It’s also time for Congress to help this country’s railroads become financially stable. That could help some states attract more industry.

Geno Stevens

Windber

        

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