Lawmakers should not question science amid pandemic.

I found myself totally dismayed upon reading "Mask mandate reignites turf war" in the Erie Times-News on July 3. The article quoted some state representatives as stating, "We live in a free society, people can make decisions for themselves" and "I feel it is up to your personal choice whether or not to abide by this mandate."

Overall, I can agree with these statements with the huge exception that this mindset is promoting many people to buck wearing masks in public, encouraging people to potentially infect all of the people around them.

The article also stated, "Five House Republicans issued a statement questioning the science behind using a mask to contain the virus." This even raises my concern as to the level of intelligence in our House of Representatives. I dont feel anyone has the right to potentially pass along COVID-19, possibly leading to the serious illness and even death of others.

Wearing masks does not prevent the wearer from getting COVID-19, but does help stop the spread to others. If it were the other way around, fine, do whatever you want, but who wouldnt even voluntarily wear a mask to protect others? Unfortunately, the self-centered and severely partisan society we live in today seems more important than showing respect and kindness to others.

They are placing peoples health and even lives at risk in fighting this idiotic political turf war. Shame on these state representatives and all of the people refusing to wear a mask in public.

Gay Marie Catania, Erie

We express our faith best

through words and deeds

I agree with Charles Adamzycks recent letter. Sharing the love of Jesus by our actions and words are the best ways to share our faith. But this is not a forum to preach.

Brennan Manning said that the greatest cause of atheism are Christians who honor him with their lips but not with their lives. That is what people find unbelievable. But in my letters that the editors of the Erie Times-News graciously allow me to share, I try to show that faith and science can coexist.

I try to influence those who are sitting on the fence, so to speak. And yes, maybe I can influence atheists because their souls matters to me. Lee Stroebel, author of "The Case for Christ" and "The Case for Faith," was an atheist who investigated the claims made by Christians.

He came to the conclusion that there is a creator and that he became a man to lead us back to our true home.

There are clues to Gods existence that support my faith, but in reality Ive experienced Gods presence, his overwhelming love, answered prayers and even miracles. I would like to encourage anyone who doubts their faith to investigate the clues of a creator and of the empty tomb.

By the way, the song "Amazing Grace" was written by John Newton, a former atheist. I dont understand why mankind prefers the created over the creator and the temporary over the eternal.

We can see whats happening in society today. Mankind is deciding what is moral without knowing the moral lawgiver (God). The world needs to turn to God for healing.

Dave Heintzel, Erie

To defeat Trumpism, we

must defeat Mike Kelly

As the HMS Trump begins its overdue and well-deserved descent to the bottom of the sea (attaching the "USS" designation to the name feels wrong, even in jest), some elected GOP officeholders are finally showing signs of donning life jackets and jumping ship.

Its not yet clear how the U.S. representative for Pennsylvanias 16th District, our Mike Kelly, is going to play this. Studying the worsening polls, he may try to recast himself as an independent sort, radiating moderation and common sense.

If he goes this route, dont be fooled. Mike Kelly is not one of those reluctant supporters of Donald Trump, duty-bound to respect his partys choice. Kelly has always been full-bore MAGA, an early and painfully visible toady. Kelly is Trump; Trump is Kelly.

I subscribe to the notion that it wont be enough to merely defeat Trumpism in November. It must be sunk with an overwhelming and historic defeat. If not, the vestiges of Trumpism always with us will remain lurking just below the surface.

The Democrats have nominated an excellent first-time candidate to run for the 16th District seat. Please vote for Kristy Gnibus on Nov. 3 and send Trump, Kelly and Trumpism back to the muddy bottom of the American psyche, where they belong.

Richard Boler, Erie

Originally posted here:

Idiotic political turf war puts lives at risk: Letters to the editor - Echo Pilot