Self-righteous politicians have a bad playbook

Recent comments by state Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Cranberry, once again point out how intolerant, myopic and bigoted this so-called representative is (Dec. 6, “Metcalfe: ‘I’m a Heterosexual … Keep Your Hands to Yourself’”). He is an embarrassment not only to his district but to the entire state of Pennsylvania.

Together with that other example of self-serving self-righteousness, House Speaker Mike Turzai of Marshall, the Republicans in the Pennsylvania House have exhausted most rainy day funds by their unconscionable and unconscionably late budget, setting the stage for a massive cut in state services to the poor, elderly, children and education in the next budget, crying that their “hands are tied.”

The Republicans refuse to consider a budget-saving measure to impose a tax on fracking drillers, making us the only fracking state totake this position.

The frackers are here because that is where the gas is. They will pay a substantial tax to conduct their business, and maybe they can offset that tax by a reduction in political contributions to these two-faced, blatantly incompetent and disruptive state legislators joined at the hip.

This is part of the same playbook as written by the Republicans in Congress — giving massive tax cuts to the wealthy and then in the next breath unabashedly stating there are no available funds for children’s health insurance. PAUL BATES

Hampton he would answer my questions there. Instead, he told his constituents that he could “guarantee that those bills will move out of committee” because he was “in control and get[s] to decide which bills will move.” He refused to engage further with attendees who attempted to address either gerrymandering or gift ban issues. In fact, he asked to have some people removed by the armed constables who were in attendance that evening.

I continue to ask Mr. Metcalfe to release HBs 722 and 39 from “his” committee for discussion by our elected representatives and for a fair vote. It seems to me to be the democratic thing to do. LYNN RICHARDS

Seven Fields

Imagine a Trivial Pursuit question in a future edition of the game: What same city is the capital of two separate states?

I am not a fan of President Donald Trump, but what’s wrong with Jerusalem being recognized as the capital of Israel? However, if Mr. Trump truly wants to keep the peace process going he really missed an opportunity: What’s wrong with Jerusalem also being recognized by the U.S. as the capital

We welcome your opinion

of Palestine?

So, the only thing wrong with Mr. Trump’s announcement was that he did not announce that Jerusalem would be recognized as the capital of both states. Turn Jerusalem into a symbol of agreement and peace, not conflict! CHRIS FORBES

Edgewood