I’m humbled to be your next Lehigh County executive. We made history by electing the youngest county executive in the history of Pennsylvania and prevailed with a mandate to act boldly and decisively in the four years ahead. Our campaign promised a new generation of leadership, and declared that we needed a new type of politics and governance that moves beyond the broken framing of left vs. right and red vs. blue.

As I enter this new year and role, I’m excited and energized. However, I recognize so many are starting 2026 with the same anxieties that defined 2025. The cost of living is higher than ever, from housing and groceries to the price of providing basic public services like trash collection. And our toxic political culture continues to divide and anger us, piling onto the strain. We are at the dawn of the 250th anniversary of our republic, and faith in its ability to deliver progress for all is lower than ever. Despite these challenges, I believe that we will endure not because of our institutions, but because of the individuals it is made of. Our destiny is the pursuit of a more perfect union — a better nation for ourselves and our children.

We’ve always met darkness with determination to find the light, and confronted imperfect promises of equality and justice with an enduring spirit of reinvention and rebirth. Our greatness isn’t found in any single point in time in our past, but rather an unshakable sense of forward momentum towards the future.

We are all inheritors of that history and spirit of purposeful citizenship: pioneers and patriots who struck down tyranny and stitched together a continent from sea to shining sea, abolitionists and activists who broke the bonds of oppression and expanded the blanket of opportunity. Innovators, architects and astronauts, who conquered the stars and skies, and scientists that pushed us into new frontiers of space and technology. We molded our mountains into monuments, repurposed mighty rivers and built bridges and buildings to rival the Great Pyramids of Giza.

At the core of this success was the politics and patriotism of addition, not subtraction. Leaders who believed in building and not breaking things offered a path forward that inspired instead of inflamed, albeit never perfectly. I believe our strength has always been an invisible string of civic spirit, an enduring faith that we the people, in this nation, truly can accomplish anything together, knowing the only limits are our own ambitions.

Today it seems that spirit is sapped, overtaken by the sickness of zero-sum competition which tells each of us someone else’s success can only come at our own expense or failure. This public misconception is what I want my administration to disprove, once and for all. My administration will be focused on proving that together we can defeat division, rebuild our sense of community and restore our sense of spirit, not in a higher power, but higher purpose and ourselves.

I call that vision OneLehigh which means all of us together and no one left behind. OneLehigh means that locally we must act boldly, decisively and urgently to reduce the cost of housing and address homelessness, building more housing itself and buying older housing before greedy corporations price out families. OneLehigh means regionalizing police and fire and basic municipal services to reduce the costs of providing them, acknowledging that old ways and systems aren’t working anymore. OneLehigh means stepping up locally to take on child care, paid family leave and medical debt relief. OneLehigh means coming together around the shared purpose of building a better politics in our own backyard, together. OneLehigh is about restoring a sense of positive patriotism and civic pride.

We must defend democracy and expand access to the ballot box at a time when it is under siege. We must protect access to health care like mental health and addiction treatment, and ensure that Cedarbrook remains publicly operated. We need a new era of partnership with our universities, hospitals and regional employers to strengthen our valley.

Now isn’t a time for the unambitious or unimaginative, or naysayers who defend their failed approaches without offering an alternative, branding inaction as “do no harm.” I have no patience for those who sit silent while a corrupt, cruel and chaotic authoritarian administration harms our neighbors, rips away their health care and enriches their wealthy donors at the expense of entire communities.

I believe people want a life well-lived, not one of luxury. They want security and prosperity for themselves and their families, and a government that acts in their best interest and fights for their quality of life. We must show them that the government can be a force for good and not greed, and through it, we can in fact accomplish great things together.

This is a contributed opinion column. Josh Siegel is the incoming Lehigh County executive. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. For more details on commentaries, read our guide to guest opinions at themorningcall.com/opinions.

Congress is expected to debate the issue when it returns in January. It is unlikely the question will be resolved quickly meaning health insurance premiums will double for many working families in Pennsylvania. Households across the state — in rural areas and urban areas alike — will face increases of hundreds, and in many cases more than $1,000, every single month.

This isn’t theoretical. It’s New Year’s Day, 2026.

Every one of us is going to suffer.

I’ve been a bedside nurse for more than 40 years and know that this is what will happen once the ACA tax credits are eliminated.

First, tens of thousands of people across Pennsylvania will lose coverage. Thousands already have. When people lose insurance, they don’t stop getting sick. They delay care. They will ration and skip medications and they hope problems will resolve on their own.

Most of the time, that doesn’t happen. Treatable conditions become emergencies. Those emergencies land in emergency rooms and hospital beds, where care is more expensive, more dangerous and often unpaid. Patients wait longer for care and hospitals, already struggling, are forced to absorb the costs of more and more uncompensated care. That means hospitals have to do more with less, and the cost of care goes up for everyone else.

Patients suffer first. Hospitals suffer next. Communities suffer last, but they suffer the most.

If Congress does not renew the Enhanced Premium Tax Credits for Pennie, the Pennsylvania state marketplace, health care in Pennsylvania will be deeply destabilized. Hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians, including laboring mothers, trauma patients and people battling chronic or life-threatening illness, will be priced out of life-saving care.

Average premium increases will exceed 100%. A family of four may be forced to pay $800 to $1,400 more each month just to keep their coverage. Many simply won’t be able to. Pennie estimates 150,000 Pennsylvanians will lose insurance if Congress fails to act.

At the same time Congress is dithering over whether to extend ACA tax credits and maintain access to health care for millions of Americans, cuts to Medicaid have already been passed and are set to go into effect next year. Medicaid is a major source of hospital funding. Medicaid reimbursements already fall short of the cost of care, and those gaps are growing. So letting ACA tax credits expire now would remove coverage at the very moment hospitals are already absorbing financial losses, with more on the way.

That isn’t sound policy. It’s insanity.

We are already seeing the warning signs: Hospitals across the state are shutting down areas of care, forcing patients to travel farther for critical care. Communities are losing maternity services, behavioral health care, cancer care. Even intensive care units are closing – Pottstown Hospital just closed its ICU. And whole hospitals are being sold or consolidated.

This is how health care deserts are created — and once access is lost, it is incredibly difficult to restore.

Nurses across Pennsylvania are calling on Congress to to extend the Affordable Care Act premium tax credits — and to stop compounding the damage being done to our health care system.

This shouldn’t be about politics. It’s not about whether you are a Republican or Democrat. It’s about access to care. It’s about hospital stability. And it’s about preventing a crisis that we at the bedside know is already taking shape.

Frontline caregivers are sounding the alarm: The health care crisis in Pennsylvania and across the nation isn’t coming — it’s here.

The patient — our entire health care system — is in acute distress. Nurses take an oath to do no harm. We are calling on Congress to do the same. Protect patients. Protect access to care. And stabilize the system before the damage becomes irreversible.

This is a contributed opinion column. Maureen May is the president of the Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals, which represents more than 11,000 frontline nurses, techs, paramedics, pharmacists, social workers, and allied professionals across the commonwealth. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. Do you have a perspective to share? Learn more about how we handle guest opinion submissions at themorningcall.com/opinions.

We at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council supported Pennsylvania’s entry into the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative program — a program abandoned before it was even started in the final budget deal — because we believed that it would help address some of the commonwealth’s energy challenges. These challenges include new, power-hungry data centers and a backlog of new electric generating projects waiting to connect to the regional grid, which remain primary drivers of rising electric bills. We face long-term fuel and operational costs, and foreign markets holding our exports to increasingly higher standards of sustainability. And we need to improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and help families pay their utility bills. RGGI could have been a powerful tool to provide the means to help meet these challenges, and others we’ve only barely begun to consider. It also could have helped with the worsening funding crisis for public transit systems statewide, another priority left unaddressed in budget negotiations.

Failing to meet looming energy challenges puts Pennsylvania at risk of continually rising electricity costs and loss of jobs and economic opportunities to other states — particularly those tied to emerging technologies. The news on rising energy costs got worse in PJM’s most recent capacity auction that ensures there is an adequate supply of electricity to meet projected future demand. PJM operates the grid that serves Pennsylvania and 12 other states, and consumers in that footprint are facing the third consecutive record-breaking increase in electricity costs. Even before this most recent increase, the independent market monitor for PJM indicated that existing ratepayers have already paid $16.6 billion in increased electricity prices for the 2026-27 capacity auction due to existing and forecast data center demand alone.

So, what now?

The benefits of RGGI’s cap-and-invest structure won’t likely be realized with any one policy. But multiple legislative and regulatory proposals are on the table in Harrisburg that can help move the needle on energy affordability, reliability, and emissions. It’s more important than ever that these measures advance with due urgency.

At the top of the list is the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard initiative, a long-overdue expansion of Pennsylvania’s antiquated Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards, which PEC has advocated for nearly two decades. PRESS will further diversify the mix of energy sources our power generation system relies on while also reducing carbon pollution. Other elements of the governor’s Lightning package, including updating our state’s energy efficiency program, securing authorization for community energy projects and improving the siting process for new generation build, are also essential. Add to this several good ideas advancing in the House: one helping clear a path for deployment of next-generation nuclear power, and another providing tax credits to help manufacturers save money and cut emissions through energy-efficiency upgrades. Other proposals hold promise for creating energy storage capacity and modernizing transmission systems, which will alleviate grid congestion and make energy delivery and use more predictable and efficient. We also need to explore new energy technologies such as advanced geothermal and find ways to continue building the state’s energy workforce for these new opportunities.

All of these goals are within reach in 2026. But given rising demands, costs and emissions inherent in how we currently operate, business as usual won’t meet Pennsylvania’s energy challenges and maintain our place as an innovative energy powerhouse. Government must lead by providing the right policies and incentives to ensure that Pennsylvania thrives. A sound energy policy can check all of the boxes. Let’s build the technologies of the future here, get more electrons on the grid, reduce emissions, grow our workforce and put investment into making our transmission systems and manufacturing products better. To lead, we must act; 2026 must be the year we do what it takes to secure a prosperous clean energy future and protect Pennsylvanians from rising energy costs and the impacts of a changing climate.

This is a contributed opinion column. Tom Gilbert is president of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. Do you have a perspective to share? Learn more about how we handle guest opinion submissions at themorningcall.com/opinions.

The median annual income for Americans in 2024 was about $84,000. Keep that in mind as you read the following statistics: In 2025, food price increases outpaced their 20-year average, a median home today costs $419,122, utility costs rose 12% this year over 2024, employer-sponsored family health insurance increased 6% in 2025, the cost of sending one child to day care increased by $1,546 from 2023 to 2024, and student loan debt has hit a record of $1.81 trillion.

Also consider the following information. The inflation rate for November was 2.7%, lower than expected. However, middle income household paycheck gains were 2.3% this past year and low-income gains were even lower at 1.4%. The unemployment rate in November was 4.6%, the highest it’s been since September 2020. Top all this off with two other facts — over the past year, wealth of the 10 richest American billionaires soared by $689 billion and the share of total U.S. wealth by the top 0.1% is now at a record high of 12.6%.

For Donald Trump and his billionaire cronies, a “Golden Age” of prosperity may be a reality. For most of us, however, this year was anything but.

Rich Israel

Bethlehem

Trump speech was a disappointment

It is common practice for a president of the United States to address the nation when there is a crisis or national emergency. Last evening, I watched and listened with disappointment as our commander in chief yelled at the camera about everything from affordability to immigrants who live in Minnesota. I have to ask, what was the point? Neither topic is a matter of national emergency. I can only assume he thought that his snarling would make his mistruths and poor poll numbers go away and make us believers of his accomplishments so far this term. I found his overall delivery very uncharacteristic of a president. Whoever advised him regarding this televised speech to the country needs to rethink the overall approach. Once the accusatory address started, I’m sure a large majority of viewers either switched channels or mysteriously became deaf. The American public is a lot smarter than Donald Trump gives us credit for. We, middle class Americans, know what we can afford and not afford. It’s a joke that a billionaire who is not in touch with the middle class is telling us he is doing a great job. Please excuse my snarky attitude, but give me a break.

Mark Atwood

Lower Nazareth Township

Trump speech was latest in his petty behavior

The highlight of President Trump’s recent address to the nation were the words “good evening, America.” After that, his speech descended into an abyss of gross exaggerations, little factual information, and blistering attacks on former President Biden and Democrats. Not surprising behavior since this speech was just another tirade following his cruel remarks regarding the tragic murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, along with the derogatory plaques he hung under the White House presidential portraits of Barack Obama and Biden.

Trump has repeatedly shown us that he is a petty-minded man consumed by his own ego and lust for revenge against critics. Just look at how quickly he turned against one of his former strongest allies, Marjorie Taylor Greene, who he used to call a “brilliant” and “incredible woman” but now calling her a “ranting lunatic” after she called for release of the Epstein files.

Barbara Adamcik

Freemansburg

What’s in a name? Obamacare subsidies

I have an idea that will end the prospect of current Obamacare enrollees having their subsidies canceled: Congress comes up with a new plan that has a very detailed description that, in fact, changes nothing from the current plan. But, most importantly, it calls it TrumpCare. To further promote this plan, have this “new” legislation signed ceremonially at the Trump Kennedy Center for Performing Arts. Either there or on a boat in The Gulf of America.

Allan Bevevino 

South Whitehall Township

Understanding, sensitivity, goodwill should be valued

I feel a need to express what I am sure is in the hearts and minds of many of us: Where is our heart, compassion and sensibility as a nation? Values such as sensitivity, understanding, diplomacy, charity and goodwill are now noticeably absent in the administration of our government’s policies, both foreign and domestic. Recognition and inclusion of such values now appear to be looked upon as fruitless and a sign of weakness. A reflection of man’s history, especially at this time of year, would suggest just the opposite.

Pat Mazza

Easton

Health care crisis in America is near

Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s conversion from diehard Trump supporter to defender of Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) subsidies is almost comical. He has noticed which way the wind is blowing and has suddenly become a champion for continuing the subsidies that allow uninsured lower income Americans to afford health care. Heroic? Not exactly, since, as he admits, any such measure would never pass the Senate. An opinion piece by Mackenzie (The Morning Call, Dec. 22) regarding health care is full of fine words but no actual proposals. Not surprising, since the GOP has no viable ideas regarding health care access. Modern medicine may be humankind’s greatest achievement, but it doesn’t come cheap. Other advanced nations manage to deliver top-quality health care at affordable prices where we can’t. Why? Because as long as you run everything through insurance companies, which are a deadweight on the system, health care is going to be unaffordable for the uninsured. 2026 may be the year when our health care system finally collapses, as millions suffer because it is priced out of reach. Maybe then “single payer,” which eliminates the middleman and is the only sensible solution, won’t sound so scary.

Lucy Horton

South Whitehall Township

The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.

Serious callers wait for the beep and leave their message. We can tell when a caller is not serious or eager to talk with us because at the mention of “the Lord Jesus Christ,” the line goes dead. Someone has hung up on Jesus.

We have just exited the only holiday that actually has Christ’s name attached to it. It is the most popular of Western holidays, whose purpose is to celebrate the birth of the Messiah. From behind the sales, Santas, snowmen, and sleigh bells, the Birthday Boy calls to each of us. Holiday reveler, will you hang up on Jesus?

Jesus calls to people who weary themselves with religious rituals and efforts to please God but find no satisfaction or relief from the guilt of sin. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, ESV). Laborer, will you hang up on Jesus?

Jesus was often at odds with the religious leaders of his day, who thought they were righteous enough for God. They criticized Christ for hanging around with sinners. His answer summed up his mission: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:31–32, ESV). Sinner, please don’t hang up on Jesus! Heed his call to repentance!

To what does Jesus call? Hear Peter at Pentecost: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself” (Acts 2:38–39, ESV). Jesus calls sinners to receive forgiveness and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Listener, please don’t hang up on Jesus!

One of our phone’s luxury features is caller ID. We can see who is calling or who has called, which determines if and when we answer or return the call. Of course, modern technology enables fraudulent callers to conceal their true identities for nefarious purposes. It can be hard to identify the one who calls in truth. How do we know it’s Jesus calling?

When Jesus asked if his disciples would desert him, “Simon Peter answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life’” (John 6:68, ESV). Jesus alone offers eternal life. Jesus was affirmed by God Himself: “‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him’” (Matthew 17:5, ESV).

If you have answered the call of Jesus, you are called to follow him. “‘My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me’” (John 10:27, ESV). Christian, stay on the line and follow the Good Shepherd closely!

Jesus will never hang up on you! “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13, KJV). “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37, ESV).

Listen in on the party line: “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price” (Revelation 22:17, ESV).

Why would you want to hang up on Jesus? Listen to the entire message today, and get hung up on Jesus!

This is a contributed opinion columns. Alan Allegra is a freelance devotional and Bible study author, and L.I.F.E. Group Coordinator for First Baptist Church, Allentown. He and his wife, Lynda, reside in Hanover Township, Northampton County. alan.allegra@gmail.com

To understand how various faiths view writing a last will, it helps to look at the Bible, Torah and Quran. These sacred texts emphasize the importance of preparing for death, offering guidance on inheritance and fair distribution of property. The Quran, especially in chapter Al-Baqarah (2:180), clearly calls it a duty to write a will (wasiyyah), underscoring the need for fairness and transparency in sharing wealth.

Recently, my wife and I went to our family doctor for our annual checkups, and each year they ask if we have a living will to ensure our medical and financial decisions are managed in our best interest, especially if we become incapacitated.

From Prophet Moses, Samuel, Solomon, Luqman, Jesus, Noah, David, Jacob and Muhammad to Imam Ali, the patriarchs, prophets and messengers of Christians, Israelites and Muslims often gathered their families to share final words, leaving behind a legacy of timeless wisdom on the importance of writing a living will or offering heartfelt advice.

One of the masterpieces is the last will of Imam Ali to his sons, Hassan and Hussain.

Looking into the last wills of influential figures like prophets, Imam Ali and notable civil rights leaders or freedom fighters provides spiritual insight and a guide for leading a virtuous, righteous life, emphasizing the value of faith, morality and helping others.

It also sheds light on their historical background, showcasing their courage, generosity and wisdom, and inspiring others to follow their lead in helping the homeless, the sick, orphans, those with mental illness and the underprivileged.

In recent years, following the deaths of Hassan Nasrallah, Gen. Qasim Soleimani and others, I’ve developed a habit of reading the autobiographies, speeches and final wills of influential figures — martyrs, prominent leaders and civil rights icons like Nelson Mandela, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. There’s so much to take away from their last wishes and the legacies they left behind.

Reading the wills, autobiographies, and speeches of influential leaders can inspire us to stay committed to justice. Good habits include staying connected to faith, understanding life’s purpose, living simply without ego, and facing challenges with the goal of freeing the community from racism, poverty and oppression.

Whatever your faith — Christian, Jewish, Muslim or otherwise — writing your will is a deeply meaningful act. It makes you pause, reflect on your life and destiny, and view death from a perspective you may not have considered before.

It’s more than just an idea — it’s real. You start to realize how near and unavoidable death is as you leave behind directions and words that shape how you’ll be remembered.

Every word is chosen with care, every sentence crafted with intention, because once you’re gone, that’s all that remains. Your family will read these words, and if you’re a leader, activist, elected official, editor, scholar or public figure, so will the world. So, write your will, act as your own executor and keep your shroud (kafan) by your bedside, so your children won’t have to search for it in their time of need.

Eventually, we realize that our legacy isn’t defined by the possessions we leave behind, but by the values, memories and love we’ve shared. A last will is often viewed as just a legal formality — a list of who gets the house, the savings and the cherished family treasures.

A last will can be a meaningful chance to heal old wounds, settle lingering debts, honor lifelong friendships and safeguard the legacy we hold dear. Still, many avoid making one, as if putting mortality into words could somehow bring it closer.

A will isn’t so much about death as it is about care. It’s about shielding the people we love from uncertainty, preventing conflicts and giving clear guidance on what to do if emergencies or unexpected situations happen.

We plan so much in life — our careers, marriages, homes and adventures — so why leave the final chapter unfinished? Writing a will isn’t gloomy; it’s a smart, caring act that brings a sense of order to an unpredictable world.

When my time comes, I hope to leave behind more than just my belongings. I want my story to be shared — the journey from Mombasa to Nantwich, England, then on to the United States, who I was, what I believed in, and how deeply I cherished the documents of our constitutional republic, along with the principles of liberty, justice for all and freedom of speech.

In the end, the most meaningful legacy we leave behind isn’t money, gold, diamonds or property. A last will is more like a final mirror of one’s character (akhlaq), humility and kindness (adab), family ties (silah rahm), self-purification (tazkiyah-e-nafs), and repentance (taubah).

This is a contributed opinion column. Mohammed Khaku is past president of Al Ahad Islamic Center in Allentown. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. For more details on commentaries, read our guide to guest opinions at themorningcall.com/opinions.

The irony of U.S. Rep. Mackenzie appearing alongside Vice President Vance to praise the strength of President Trump’s economy was hard to miss — especially given what followed. Shortly after celebrating economic “success,” the congressman was photographed serving meals at a homeless shelter.

If the economy is truly thriving as claimed, why are so many Americans still lining up for food assistance? Homeless shelters are not symbols of prosperity; they are evidence of systemic failure. Applauding economic statistics while simultaneously acknowledging widespread hardship sends a deeply conflicting message.

Public officials should be honest about the reality facing working families. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages and inadequate social safety nets are not solved by news conferences or photo opportunities. They are solved by policy choices that prioritize people over political talking points.

Serving the homeless is commendable. Pretending their existence does not contradict claims of economic success is not.

Paul Anthony

The writer is the business manager for IBEW Local 375, Allentown.

Administration’s move puts U.S. at risk

At a time when this science is needed most, the United States is putting blinders on our national security by dismantling the National Center for Atmospheric Research. This is all part of Project 2025 spearheaded by Russell Vought. You remember, the plan that Trump didn’t “know anything about.” Well, that plan is well under way and we are all going to suffer for it.  This particular research institution will be ripped apart, and that will end some of the most significant research on climate and weather that gives us all (including our aviation sector) a heads up for severe weather issues that are coming our way. Voting matters, folks, we need to stop the systematic destruction of what has always put the U.S. at the forefront of science in this and many other research fields of consequence. I, for one, am not willing to outsource my country’s security to others.

Deborah Hunter

Forks Township

Tax credits vital for health care coverage

My name is David Zins, I am a retired chef, baker and volunteer firefighter from Bethlehem.

I rely on the Affordable Care Act for health insurance. I am on the cheapest plan because I’m already struggling with rising costs, from health care to housing to groceries. With the expiration of the ACA tax credits, my premiums are expected to jump $100 dollars more per month. I live in a house with two other guys. With the way that prices keep going up, this could be my whole life. I’ll have to work until I die.

On Dec. 15, I met with Rep. Ryan Mackenzie’s office to call on him to sign HB 1834, the discharge petition closest to forcing a vote on extending the ACA tax credits. I shared my story, along with four other constituents also facing skyrocketing health care costs.

This morning, Dec. 17, Rep. Mackenzie signed the discharge petition to bring the tax credit extension to the House floor for a vote.

As his constituents like me are forced to make significant sacrifices to afford basic necessities, I am urging Rep. MacKenzie to stay in Washington however long it takes and vote yes to extend these tax credits for three more years.

David Zins

Bethlehem

Trump’s angry speech full of falsehoods

For those that may have missed President Trump’s recent address to the nation, you missed, perhaps, the angriest, machine gun-like delivery of falsehoods ever delivered over the span of 18 minutes. At one point I thought he was going to lurch forward and take a bite out of the camera.

It was a tempestuous tirade of trash delivered in the vapid, rapid style of a drug commercial voice-over talent reading the ominous health warnings at the end of a commercial.

If there was a Nobel Prize given for the most lies, per minute, given in a speech, he would be a sure thing.  It was an address that will likely “never, ever to be seen again in the history of our country.”

Now back to the somewhat believable viewing of reality TV.

Bob Aylward

South Whitehall Township

Trump makes us proud again

As 2026 comes, we as a nation have much to look forward to. Massive tax cuts, a continued safe and secure border, low inflation and lower interest rates.

Thanks to the tireless work of our magnificent President Donald J. Trump, America is surviving the feckless group of incompetent politicians who ravaged us for four brutal years. We now stand proudly saluting our country’s flag and thanking God to be able to live in the greatest country man has ever known.

Donald Koza

Bethlehem Township

American republic is in danger

To paraphrase Shakespeare, “Something is rotten in these (United) States of America.” If upon reviewing the events of this past year weren’t enough to dampen your patriotic spirit and if you are filled with trepidation about the future, you have good reason to be. History tells us when the people throw in their lot with egomaniacal leaders, the results usually don’t favor the people. Turn your attention to World War II Germany and Japan, and if history isn’t your forte maybe a few contemporary examples may suffice. Take for example North Korea, where the people are starving to preserve a despot’s power. Look to Russia, where thousands are dying to realize Putin’s dream of resurrecting tsarist Russia. Now I can hear you saying that it can’t happen here, but with our system of checks and balances undermined by a Congress that seems content to cede its power to the president and a court system that is the product of bipartisan posturing, it doesn’t look good for our republic. Republicans will tell you that things are better and there’s nothing to fear, but increasingly the administration’s view of reality is looking like a fairytale with a bad ending.

Martin Stockman III

Bethlehem Township

The Morning Call publishes letters from readers online and in print several times a week. Submit a letter to the editor at letters@mcall.com. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication.

A panicked squirrel suddenly flew past us, touched down on a guy’s shoulder right in front of us and then vaulted farther down into the crowd before disappearing. We had no idea where it came from or ended up.

It all happened too quickly for anyone to faint or scream, “Squirrel!” But I immediately thought about the great scene in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” when the family panics over a squirrel perched in their tree and then springing into — and pretty much wrecking, with the help of Cousin Eddie’s dog — their house, not to mention mauling neighbor Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

If you remember all those details from that scene and other memorable snapshots from Christmas lore, you might just get a passing grade in today’s 25th edition of my Christmas holiday quizzes.

Then again, you might disgrace yourself in front of your family and friends. Best to take it before they arrive.

So pour yourself an eggnog, sharpen your No. 2 pencil — as President Trump reminded us, you’ll only need one, not 37 — and put yourself to the test. If there are kids around, they’ll be helpful for several of these, so get them involved.

Answers at the end. No peeking.

1. The 2024 Christmas movie “Red One” starred Dwayne Johnson as:

A. The North Pole’s chief elf B. Santa’s head of security C. Santa’s enemy D. Tooth Fairy E. Scorpion King.

2. Something the Angel Gabriel did NOT tell Mary was:

A. Do not be afraid B. You are favored by God C. Name your baby Jesus D. Go to Bethlehem. E. God will give him the throne of his ancestor David.

3. In the movie “Elf,” the last straw for Miles Finch was when Buddy:

A. Said, “He’s an angry elf.” B. Said, “You smell like beef and cheese.” C. Got drunk in the mail room. D. Redecorated the Gimbels Christmas display. E. Sang with him while he was showering.

4. What did my true love give to me on the seventh day of Christmas?

A. Swans-a-swimming B. Lords-a-leaping C. Maids-a-milking D. Ladies dancing E. Pipers piping.

5. In “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” who played Scrooge?

A. George C. Scott B. Kermit C. Animal D. Michael Caine E. Alistair Sim.

6. This happened on Dec. 25, 1776.

A. First time “Silent Night” was performed in public B. Birth of Sen. Mitch McConnell C. Washington crossed the Delaware D. British surrender at Yorktown. E. Publication of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.”

7. This was the first song ever broadcast from space.

A. “Silent Night” B. “Deck the Halls” C. “Jingle Bells” D. “Winter Wonderland” E. “Fly Eagles Fly.”

8. What song do the waiters struggle to sing for Ralphie’s family at the end of “A Christmas Story?”

A. “Blue Christmas” B. “Deck the Halls” C. “Jingle Bells” D. “O Holy Night” E. “All I Want for Christmas is You.”

9. Santa’s main challenge in “The Santa Clause 2,” besides the robot takeover attempt:

A. Foil Jack Frost B. Find a wife C. Avoid arrest by police D. Foggy Christmas Eve E. Not enough Christmas spirit.

10. Ancient dreidels were made from:

A. Tin B. Rocks C. Clay D. Wood E. Styrofoam.

11. Who kept time as the Little Drummer Boy played for Jesus?

A. Joseph B. Horse C. Mary D. Ox and Lamb E. Shepherds.

12. Villain in “Miracle on 34th Street.”

A. Mr. Sawyer B. Mr. Potter C. Mr. Miyagi D. Mr. Shirley E. Mr. Macy.

13. Frosty’s nose was made from:

A. Carrot B. Coal C. Stick D. Button E. Zucchini.

14. In “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” Yukon Cornelius’ explanation for how he survived falling off a cliff with the Bumble.

A. Bumbles sink B. Bumbles bounce C. Parachute D. Christmas magic E. Bumbles fly.

15. This carol brings us “tidings of comfort and joy.”

A. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” B. “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” C. “Deck the Halls” D. “O Come All Ye Faithful” E. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”

16. “In the beginning was the Word …” begins the Gospel of:

A. Matthew B. Mark C. Luke D. John.

17. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was first recorded by:

A. Bing Crosby B. Elvis Presley C. Frank Sinatra D. Kate Smith E. Nat King Cole.

18. What the Grinch disliked most about Christmas.

A. Fruitcake B. “Wonderful Christmastime” song C. Noise D. Presents E. Traffic.

19. This Yule classic was the only one here set entirely in December:

A. “Holiday Inn” B. “Die Hard” C. “Miracle on 34th Street” D. ”Santa Clause” E. “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

20. What do kids in Sweden leave for Santa?

A. Rice pudding and coffee B. Milk and cookies C. Candy cane D. Chocolate E. Swiss cheese.

Here are the answers: 1.B 2.D 3.A 4.A 5.D 6.C 7.C 8.B 9.B 10.C 11.D 12.A 13.D 14.B 15.E 16.D 17.A 18.C 19.B 20.A.

How’d you do? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

On the bright side, all the shopping and wrapping are behind you, the goose is in the oven, the rest of the family will be arriving soon, “A Christmas Story” is playing all day on a continuous loop and there’s football, too.

So there’s only one thing left before you settle in for a wonderful Christmas day.

Check your tree for squirrels. You never know.

Bill White can be reached at whitebil1974@gmail.com.

The practice of bloodletting is 3,000 years old. The Egyptians used it as did the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Asians and Europeans with the practice continuing into the 19th century. Bloodletting persisted not because it actually worked, but because people believed that it did. Doctors truly thought they were doing the right thing when they applied leeches or cut a vein and bled a patient until they got dizzy. That so many patients died from the treatment didn’t affect their belief. Not until the medical community switched to clinical trials did it became clear that bloodletting made illnesses worse, not better.

British Navy surgeon James Lind conducted the first documented clinical trial in 1747 onboard the HMS Salisbury. Sailors in that era were often plagued by scurvy, a condition with symptoms of fatigue, anemia, gum disease and bleeding under the skin. Lind gathered 12 afflicted men, split them into six groups and dosed each pair with a different treatment: sea water, cider, vinegar, oranges and lemons, an elixir of vitriol or a mixture of horseradish, mustard and garlic. In six days, he had an answer. The sailors who ate the lemons and oranges recovered from scurvy. Lind applied the findings of his experiment to the rest of the crew who all showed signs of improvement once they started eating citrus. He took his discovery back to England and, by 1795, the British Navy made it a standard practice to stock all of its ships with citrus fruit. It’s why British sailors became known as “limeys.”

Recently, a federal vaccine advisory committee voted to end the longstanding recommendation that all U.S. babies get the Hepatitis B vaccine on the day they’re born. The director of the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., fired all members of that committee earlier in the year and replaced them with his own handpicked candidates. Several of the new members, like RFK Jr., are known to have anti-vaccine viewpoints. They don’t have evidence to back up their claims that vaccines are dangerous, they just have beliefs and feelings. Much like George Washington’s doctors who believed that relieving a man of 40% of his blood supply could cure a cold.

Hepatitis B is a virus which infects the liver and can cause cancer in people who contract it when they are young. It is spread by bodily fluids and can be transferred from an infected mother to her baby, but that transfer can be prevented by vaccination. When the hepatitis B vaccine was first introduced 1981, the strategy to lower infection rates focused on only vaccinating high risk groups such as prisoners, health care workers, gay men and IV drug users, but the number of cases remained unchanged. Ten years later the government issued a recommendation that all newborns should be immunized and the rates of infection fell dramatically, resulting in a near elimination of hepatitis B in children.

Vaccines are some of the most regulated pharmaceutical products on the market. Because they are, for the most part, given to healthy people, the clinical trials are much larger than those required to test a drug. After a vaccine is approved, any adverse reaction must be reported back to the manufacturer’s pharmocol-vigilance department and the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, a department at Health and Human Services. If a pattern of adverse reactions is detected, the vaccine is flagged for further investigation. If evidence indicates a vaccine poses a danger to the public, it is pulled off the market.

The hepatitis B shot has never been flagged. Its safety profile, including with infants, is excellent. That is a  act backed up by data. Belief and feelings do not figure into the equation. Some members of the vaccine advisory committee admitted there was no documented evidence of harm from the doses given at birth, but suggested larger studies be conducted. Why? Because they believe there is a problem, but beliefs aren’t data.

George Washington’s physicians did not mean to kill him when they prescribed bloodletting for his cold. I’m sure they thought it was the best course, a belief backed up by 3,000 years of tradition, but it wasn’t backed up by data. During human history, a lack of facts has caused the deaths of millions. This changed when science decided to take beliefs and feelings out of the equation and base medical decisions on verifiable evidence.

RFK Jr. and his handpicked members of the vaccine advisory board are taking us into a dark time where, once again, ignorance will spread illness.

This is a contributed opinion column. Becky Bartlett taught microbiology at Northampton Community College for 15 years. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author, and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. Do you have a perspective to share? Learn more about how we handle guest opinion submissions at themorningcall.com/opinions.