Letters: Muhlenberg College failed to defend academic freedom

Muhlenberg College violates its own principle of academic freedom

Many college and university administrators eloquently defend academic freedom until they sense that this devotion to principle might place major monetary donations in jeopardy. This appears to have been the case when Muhlenberg College caved to outside pressure and fired tenured anthropology professor Maura Finkelstein for criticizing Israel's policy in Gaza. This shameful decision violates the college's most fundamental principle of academic freedom and the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has opened an inquiry into Finkelstein's dismissal.

Gary Olson

The writer is professor emeritus of political science, Moravian University.

Edward P. Morgan

Tamworth, N.H.

The writer is professor emeritus of government, Lehigh University.

Important to attend hearing on truck terminal

On Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, at 7 p.m., the Allentown Zoning Hearing Board is scheduled to hold a hearing regarding the development of a trucking terminal at Union Terrace off Fairview and St. Elmo streets.

The owners of the property wish to open a 24/7 terminal for tractor-trailers in the lot adjacent to the Union Terrace ballfields, Union Terrace Elementary School and just 100 yards from Cedar Creek, in an area zoned as park land.

The residents of Union Terrace as well as Hamilton Park and Lehigh Parkway will be exposed to increased semi traffic, thunderous noise, diesel fumes and bright lights all night if the board allows this. I urge everyone to attend the hearing or, at minimum, send an email to the board by 4 p.m. Monday stating your objections to this abomination.

Richard D. Gorski, Esq.

Wild supports bipartisan solutions for US to reduce climate change

Scientists have long known what is causing the rise in global temperatures and thanks to the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission's recent report, we know what our share of the problem is. But while the problem of greenhouse gas emissions is worldwide, the U.S. has still not taken significant steps to ameliorate our nation's share of that pollution.

The climate deniers in Congress, beholden to fossil fuel interests, refuse to acknowledge that action must be taken to stave off future climate disasters of more severe drought, hurricanes, flooding, wildfires and tornadoes that are happening all over the world.

Congresswoman Susan Wild has long been a climate champion and an advocate for the environment by supporting meaningful, bipartisan legislation to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas pollution and increase use of alternative energy sources.

As the world's largest per-capita emitter of greenhouse gasses, the U.S. needs to take swift and strong steps to cut our greenhouse gas output. Congress needs to recognize the problem and find solutions that will reduce fossil fuel use and bolster our electrical grid, which will also improve health and create jobs.

As the report's authors said, "inaction is not an option."

John Gallagher

Bethlehem Township

Harris' plans are better for economy than Trump's

Since 35% of Pennsylvania voters cited the economy and inflation as the most important issue in this election, let's compare the two presidential candidates.

Donald Trump recently announced he'd slap tariffs (a national sales tax) on everyday goods that families rely on, with or without the help of Congress, raising costs on typical middle-class families by nearly $4,000 a year, according to some estimates. Experts warn that Trump's economic plans would cost America millions of jobs, explode the national debt, send inflation skyrocketing, and cost as much as $10.5 trillion over a decade, hurting everyone but the richest Americans. The Project 2025 agenda (which he disclaims, but was created by many of his former advisers) would privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which could, based on a 2015 study, drive up the cost of mortgages by about $1,200 a year for the typical family.

It's a stark contrast with Vice President Harris, who is focused on building up the middle class and lowering costs for families. Her plan would lower the costs of everyday needs like health care, housing and groceries, cut taxes for more than 100 million Americans, and create an opportunity economy where, with hard work and ambition, everyone has a chance to compete and a chance to succeed, from buying a home to starting a business and building wealth.

Lori McFarland

Upper Milford Township

The writer is the Lehigh County Democratic Committee Chair.

Morning Call should have had coverage of economic speech

I have to question the coverage of The Morning Call on the ongoing presidential race. In the Sept. 26 edition there was an on the front page that covered new polls out in Pennsylvania. The covered both candidates. The next , which appeared a few pages later, was an on Donald Trump's deportation plan. Then a few pages later there was an on how JD Vance embraces conspiracy theories. There was no mention of the economic address Kamala Harris gave Sept. 25 at Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh. I find it ironic how the about the new polls on the front page has the economy listed as "top of mind for Pennsylvania voters this election cycle." We hear so much about undecided voters needing more information on where the candidates stand. I would have thought it would be responsible journalism to have information about the address in the paper.

Michael Mowad

Weisenberg Township

Wild has delivered for region, shows integrity

Congresswoman Susan Wild is running for reelection. She has proven herself to be an effective leader for the Lehigh Valley.

She has helped obtain funding for many of the road and bridge projects that are being done around the area. As a child of a military family, she understands and fully supports military and veterans issues and projects. She fought to lower insulin costs. She and Sen. Bob Casey obtained more than $950,000 in grants for the Allentown Police Department for new cruisers and updated crime scene equipment. She voted for the bipartisan border bill and wants a secure border.

I first met Susan before she became our congresswoman. My first impression of her was that she had integrity and was a good person. I met her several times since then. I believe in her just as much now as I did then. Character matters!

Please vote to reelect Congresswoman Susan Wild.

Karen Hayes

Bushkill Township

ELECTION LETTERS

Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the Nov. 5 general election must be received by 10 a.m. Oct. 28. Election-related letters will not be published after Oct. 31.