These are necessary steps for energy security
The Post-Gazette board rightly noted in its editorial “Say No to Russia” (July 31), touting the letter from Sens. Pat Toomey and Bob Casey urging the Department of Defense to take steps to reduce American military bases’ reliance on Russian energy, that “Russian manipulation of energy could disrupt American military operations. They can disrupt the operations of our allies, too, and even bend some nations’ foreign policy to Russian will.” We applaud both senators for their bipartisan leadership on this important issue.
To increase the energy security of both our military installations and our allies, we as a state and nation must embrace the increased build-out of natural gas infrastructure in order to deliver energy abroad, in addition to bolstering domestic manufacturing and lowering utility bills for working families. We must also oppose policies and taxes — such as a severance tax — that would hamper our economic growth, environmental progress and national security. Pennsylvania’s leadership in energy innovation, including in nuclear; energy efficiency; and combined heat and power can also provide valuable support.
Further, we must continue to be vigilant against the direct meddling in our energy system, whether that be through cybersecurity breaches, stirring up dissent on social media or funding environmental groups. These tactics have been wellchronicled by intelligence officials of both the Trump and Obama administrations and are under continued investigation by officials in our nation’s capital. Pennsylvania’s abundant energy assets can and should be used to bolster our economy and security — and we should oppose any efforts to block usage of American energy here and abroad.
GENE BARR President and CEO PA Chamber of Business and
Industry Harrisburg Plan, they paint my neighbors as blindly opposed to progress and afraid of change. But development in a community doesn’t have to and never should come at the expense of its residents. That’s true in every neighborhood of this city, not just ours.
The development-related inequities occurring throughout Pittsburgh are not a force of nature we should sit back and accept. Panther Hollow and The Run may be topographically isolated, but we’re united with our neighbors in fighting for the needs of our communities — not the wants of an alreadywealthy few. ZIGGY EDWARDS
Greenfield
Trump’s good work
I must strongly protest letter writer Jim LeJeune’s use of the word “cult” to define me and my support for President Donald Trump (Aug. 4, “Cult-like Support”).
Webster defines cult as a group of persons showing faddish devotion to a formal religious veneration. I am an 88year-old conservative who supports the actions Mr. Trump has taken to reform this country after the disastrous eight years of the previous president. I do not support many of his words but have learned to ignore them, following the advice that “actions speak louder than words.” I can honestly say that I generally agree with the actions our president has taken since being elected.
Mr. LeJeune supports his argument by using the example of the Helsinki meeting. The conciliatory words that Mr. Trump used to describe that meeting were later adjusted. However, the more important facts were the many harsher actions he had already taken and the actions to follow — in excess of the previous administration. It appears that Mr. LeJeune judges the president personally rather than logically.
Of course, words definitely do have meanings. What actions should those who oppose Mr. Trump take if they truly believe that the country is being run by a cult of nearly 50 percent of its population? And what action should they take if they believe we are all Nazis, governed by Hitler or Stalin? Violence? Or revolution?
When are we going to get off this carousel of hate? JUNE MORRISON
Zelienople
Worth keeping
The Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation has embarked upon a worthy cause in its effort to preserve the Venturi house (Aug, 2, “Preservationists Hope to Block Demolition of Landmark Squirrel Hill Home”). It is not the Union Trust Building sitting at the intersection of Grant and Fifth Avenues. Venturi is hidden, out of the way, and cries out for preservation. RAYMOND NOVAK
Pompano Beach, Fla.