The meaning of patriotism

What does it mean to be patriotic? It seems that some Americans have forgotten. Patriotism means that when our country needs us—for support, for defense, for public health—our people come to the fore and volunteer, or allow themselves to be “volunteered” to help out. Hence, millions of American soldiers went overseas to fight for our country, our freedom, during World War II—at great personal sacrifice—some, never to return.  

Why are so many Americans today having such a hard time volunteering to get a vaccination that will save their own lives, the lives of their family members and also the lives of many others? It seems that some people have lost the ability to fight for our country by simply getting a basically painless, provably effective and free shot in the arm. And why? Apparently for some pretty farfetched, misinformed, thoroughly fake  reasons. Kind of shocking. And pretty selfish, small minded and seriously ignorant.

Definitely NOT patriotic.

Joan Rosenfelt

Pond Eddy, NY

NYSUT: Masks keep us safe

Public health experts have been clear that masks are an important part of the strategies designed to keep students, educators and our communities safe. Their current guidance is that masking up is the right thing to do, particularly given the still-elevated infection rates.

In the meantime, we’re looking to state health officials to set a clear off-ramp for when mask requirements in schools can be relaxed so students, families and educators have some certainty that there is light at the end of this long tunnel.

Andy Pallotta, President

New York State United Teachers

No-excuse mail-in ballots let all eligible voters vote

Today, an appellate court ruled that PA’s mail voting law is unconstitutional, but the decision is almost certain to be appealed and decided by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Pennsylvania voters should be able to cast a no-excuse mail ballot, which is convenient and secure and used by voters from all parties in all regions of Pennsylvania. If we want high-quality elections, we need to ensure that we maintain a modernized system for voting, which includes individual freedom and convenience and the appropriate systems—which we now have. This is the wrong direction for Pennsylvania and smacks of partisanship.

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania will continue to advocate for every eligible voter to be able to participate, for our elected officials to act in the interests of their constituents, and for the courts to rule in favor of the voters, not the politicians.

View our statement here: https://www.palwv.org/.

Susan Gobreski, Director of Government Policy

League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania