The U.S. must correct its course internationally

The U.S., it seems, has managed to self-exile itself from the world stage by dissecting its role in international affairs. Eastern countries are undergoing an internal evolution with the changing dynamics of the world. They have adopted modern financial and international trade practices that allow them to compete with superpowers. It is only a matter of time before the United States loses its edge over these countries.

Economists now believe that a multipolar world is more balanced and paves the way for more opportunities. One cannot progress in isolation these days — it’s a global village and political boundaries are becoming a thing of the past.

A new international order is in the making, and the United States needs to quickly adapt before it is shoved out of the pack and into oblivion. We need to heavily invest in academic institutions that imbibe a culture of learning and innovative thinking — hallmarks of the American dream. Our broader policies must resonate with the rest of the emerging economies and bear a flavor of inclusion.

The United States has a lot to offer, but with a lack of initiative and stringent foreign policies that raise red flags, the country is on course to hit the iceberg — and the rest is history! NAYYAR AHMED Robinson

After almost two decades of spinning our wheels in Afghanistan and a five-year debacle in Iraq, the thought of a war versus both China and Russia is not appealing.

What can we do? Get out in November and vote. Taking both chambers of Congress from Republicans would provide a series of checks and balances neutering Mr. Trump and effectively making him a lame duck.

Tell-all books, anonymous op-eds and a Republican-led Congress won’t stop Donald Trump.

Your vote will. JOE LUCAS South Side Graham Spanier, Tim Curley and Gary Schultz were convicted and sentenced to jail terms. Penn State paid a $60 million fine, and Joe Paterno lost his job for his role.

Now we will see how many priests are convicted and jailed for the same crimes. How much of a fine will the church pay? How many in the church hierarchy will go to prison or lose their jobs for covering up these crimes? My guess would be a big fat zero. DARRELL LAMOTTE

Butler

I want to express a heartfelt thank you to U.S. Rep. Conor Lamb for his leadership in taking a stand for the humane treatment of animals by working to ban the cruel practice of slaughtering American horses for foreign consumption.

Like most Americans, Pennsylvanians regard horses as companions and partners, not food. Subjecting an animal that has been trained to work with and depend on people to the horror of slaughter is a cruel betrayal of a good and trusting friend.

And because we don’t raise horses to be food, we give them medications that are toxic if consumed by people. We are putting all our food exports in jeopardy by exporting a product that makes people sick.

Horse slaughter is a shameful blight and has no place in this country. Passing the Safeguard American Food Exports (SAFE) Act will finally end the cruel horse slaughter industry, which benefits only the predatory kill buyers, auction houses and foreign meat companies.

Please join me in thanking Rep. Lamb for his compassion and leadership in cosponsoring the SAFE Act. DAVID SAUL SPIVAK

McMurray