Remember what America and patriotism is
Regarding this weekend’s violence in Charlottesville: We seem to have forgotten our history. Some seem to be confused about what this country and patriotism are all about.
Have we forgotten that the Confederate Army was the enemy, or how this country paid dearly in blood and treasure to reunite this land? Have we lost track of the heinous acts of the Nazis and our historic war effort?
It seems to me that some of us here have forgotten who our enemies are. I wonder what my great-great-great-uncle would say about Confederates in the street today.
I wonder what my grandfather would say about Nazis in the street. As a matter of fact, I wonder what Jesus would say about these so-called “Christians” preaching white supremacy.
I’m not arguing their rights to free speech and protest. But maybe they should remember the great costs that those rights came at. If they were actually superior, perhaps they’d remember their American history a little better. WILSON KONDRICH
Swisshelm Park
We welcome your opinion
Water” by Dan Grossman, Perspectives, Aug. 7).
It is shameful that our elected officials continue to cater to the oil and gas industry at the expense of citizens. This is an industry that continues to pollute our air and water, and yet, how do we propose to return the favor? By suggesting they regulate themselves.
We have environmental rules for a reason. Clean air and water continue to be elusive in this region. Without reasonable protections, our children and families will continue to suffer.
As stated by Mr. Grossman, this bad budget deal cannot stand. Who among our elected representatives in Harrisburg is willing to stand up to a powerful industry and finally work on behalf of the people? MEGAN BLOCK
Squirrel Hill the great Jewish cantor Moshe Taube (“‘Music Is Life!’ ” Aug. 7). I have spent my entire life as a professional musician and band leader and through the years I have performed at many Jewish wedding ceremonies and receptions, a large number of them at Beth Shalom, where Mr. Taube worked and served for many years.
It was my great pleasure to accompany Mr. Taube at many wedding ceremonies. He had a fantastic voice, but better yet, he was a great teacher of Jewish music and I learned so much from him through the years.
My first ceremony with Mr. Taube was in 1982, and I must have played 60 or 70 ceremonies with him. Besides the gifts of his music and singing, I was always blessed to be in his company because of his keen mind and great religious faith.
He was always and will always be a great inspiration to me. And when I learned about the role that the Holocaust played in his life and his families’ life, I was even more awestruck.
There are great people that make a wonderful difference in your life. Moshe Taube has been one of those people in my life. RICK PURCELL Mt. Lebanon
The current “threat-fest” between President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un of North Korea reminds me of two adolescent or younger schoolboys arguing and threatening each other.
It also, in my opinion, reflects the maturity level of these two individuals. ROBERT CARRELL
Hampton