Support for NFL players’ right to protest

The NFL players have every right to protest the social injustices and inequality that is festering in our country! It is most certainly an arena where people will take notice. It brings attention to the issue of social justice, racism and police brutality and interrupts the mindless mentality of a blind and false patriotism.

We honor what the flag and national anthem stand for. If these values do not exist in all areas of our society or are threatened we have every right to call attention to it. What better arena than NFL football - As long as there is no evidence of any idealogical or religious tone or affiliation - overt or subliminal. Calling attention to these issues is not descecrating the sacred symbol of our Flag It is what it stands for that we must cherish and preserve. Sit, stand or kneel is not the issue. Respect, justice, freedom is the call.

That these players have enough concern for their fellow men and women to put themselves out there on their behalf is as patriotic as you can be. It is not dishonoring the flag or our country. It is addressing concerns that have the potential for destroying what our Flag stands for. They are not dishonoring the men and women who sacrificed for our country. Just the opposite, they are honoring their service by continuing the fight for our ideals.

What better arena to call attention to these issues than when so many are fixated on football. It takes the NFL to a new level. It has some soul! It has some intellect! It has some guts! They are real patriots!

Eileen M. Lyons, West Goshen

Time for tax reform

American businesses have been patiently waiting for leaders in Washington to produce tax reform, but patience is growing thin. It is time for elected officials to put the American people before their differences and produce a fail-proof plan to help America succeed. Let’s not forget, Republicans were voted into power under promises of tax reform and it would be very disappointing to see the party reputation diminished because they could not to deliver.

The average small-business owner in America is suffering under a corporate tax rate as high as 40%, after state and local taxes are combined. Coupled with the fact that tax code is nearly 75,000 pages long in which only a trained accountant can navigate, small-business owners are given the choice between wasting countless hours trying to do it alone or hiring an accountant. It is time for our legislators to produce a tax reform bill that simplifies the tax code, sets a fair business tax rate, and closes the confusing loopholes that only big corporations have the means and experience to exploit.

Americans deserve more jobs and higher wages. Based on a study released by the Tax Foundation, tax reform is estimated to gain 68,777 jobs and $5,254 in after-tax income for median households Pennsylvania alone. The only way to do this is by producing a tax reform bill by the end of the year. I’m proud that Senator Toomey has been a leading voice on Capitol Hill to get tax reform accomplishment. I hope his congressional colleagues, including Senator Casey and the entire Democratic delegation, decide to be a part of the solution and end their obstructionary tactics. If our Representatives cannot come together to help the American people, the only solution is to elect someone that will. Rick Loughery, Chairman, Pennsylvania Young Republicans

Don’t repeal ACA

Every health bill that has been proposed under this 2017 administration has gone from bad to worse for millions of Americans who need and rely on a health care system that can help them live a better life.

To take away this health support system is odious. And it will be unforgettable for more Americans than just those in one political district or another. Because of the malaise this country is going through on so many levels right now, we are ALL in this together.

Repealing Obamacare in the way in which it has been set forth is a great offense to all of us, even those who think at the moment that there is no other way. It would needlessly cost tens of thousands of lives and bankruptcies a year and leave a vast number of others to suffer without recourse.

Already millions of dollars of time, publicity, and congressional pay have been wasted on attempting to tear down what is beneficial under the ACA, instead of seeking to enhance it, streamline it, make it more cost effective and efficient. This is a very sad disgrace and does great damage to our morale.

Please, do not allow this to continue. A health care program must be a bi-partisan effort or it is a lost cause for all of us. It is imperative that you defeat this bill and get on with good and humane solutions to our health care system and make America proud of what we are capable of doing.

Diana Rarig, Kennett Square