Pope shows hypocrisy by condemning wealth
In the Oct. 10, 2025, Morning Call, there was an article on Pope Leo condemning wealth. Boy, what a hypocrite. He is quoted as saying the wealthy live in a “bubble of comfort and luxury.” Oh, you mean like you, your Excellency? Catholic dioceses are required to send money to the Vatican, even as some small parishes are at risk of folding. I went to Catholic school for nine years, and was always taught that the pope is infallible. What a joke.
Robert C. Nickisher
Upper Macungie Township
President needs to unite divided US
President Trump is disappointed that he didn’t receive the Nobel Peace Prize, which he thought he deserved.
President Trump presides over a nation that is deeply divided, with both sides thinking the other to be seriously misguided. Insults abound and civil discourse between the two sides is impossible. This situation is truly tragic for our country.
How does our president handle this problem? Does he try to heal the division, dial down the hate speech, put a stop to the schoolyard insults? Not at all. He is the name caller-in-chief.
Mr. President, peace, like charity, begins at home. Perhaps it is too late now to mend fences but our nation truly needs help.
Sara Macgowan
Bethlehem
Gaza truce vindicates Netanyahu’s actions
Democracy thrives in an atmosphere of vigorous discussion and debate hopefully followed by a coming together when success that serves the greater good is accomplished. In that spirit, one can hope that the many opinion writers who decried the actions in Gaza by Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.S. support he received via President Trump’s policies and actions can now celebrate the initial success of those efforts. An example of an anti-Netanyahu sentiment was the column in the Sept. 28 Morning Call in which the author proclaimed that “Netanyahu has failed” and that “His war on Gaza is not a strategy for peace.” The author criticized Netanyahu’s “pursuit of a one-state solution,” while somehow ignoring the decades that Palestinian leadership has not worked constructively toward a two-state peace. While we all share sympathy for everyday Palestinians — particularly Palestinian children — we must also remember that a Palestinian survey indicated over 70% of Palestinians approved of Hamas’ actions Oct. 7, 2023. Through strong military action and excellent diplomacy, Netanyahu and his partnership with President Trump have accomplished unprecedented cooperation amongst Arab partners — critical to sustaining the progress in Gaza and the broader Middle East that has now taken its dramatic first steps.
Jim Sorensen
Salisbury Township
Vote for Monica Hodges in South Whitehall race
I’ve known Monica Hodges for her entire life.
I’ve witnessed firsthand her dedication and commitment to the township.
Before she was elected in 2021, she advocated for her fellow neighbors. She promised to continue to do so once elected. And she delivered, keeping the promises she made.
She’s a dedicated servant to her community. When I am with her, I see her taking time to answer calls, texts and emails from residents. If she doesn’t have answers, she finds answers.
Her care and concern for all residents reflects not only her genuine compassion as a person, but also her calling as a nurse — someone who is devoted to caring for every patient with dignity and respect, regardless of their beliefs or background.
She votes thoughtfully. She’s harder on herself than anyone will ever know. There are sleepless nights. And the desire to serve to the best of her ability.
I encourage South Whitehall residents to vote for her on or before Nov. 4.
I am proud to call her my daughter.
Veronica Horvath
Northampton
Trump administration should learn from US history
The French and Indian War was part of a larger conflict, the Seven Years War between England and France. When that war ended in 1763 the British found themselves victorious but burdened with heavy debt from financing the war. In the British view, because they had spent considerable treasure in protecting the North American colonies, it was only reasonable to expect that the colonies would help pay off the accumulated debt. Thus a series of taxes was levied on the colonies.
The Americans did not agree and protested the taxes. The British then sent troops to suppress the protests. Most of the colonists had considered themselves good Englishmen and were shocked and outraged by the sight of British soldiers patrolling their streets, starting an escalating antagonism between the colonies and the mother state, eventually triggering the Revolutionary War. The point of this history lesson is that Americans have never liked or tolerated troops in their streets, and have always been careful to limit the use of the military domestically in both traditions and law.
Perhaps the current administration should keep our history and laws in mind.
Roger Ochse
Lower Saucon Township
Vote for Hodges, Peischl in South Whitehall election
As president of the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners, I have the unique opportunity to see the work of my colleagues up close. Commissioners Monica Hodges and Chris Peischl have consistently demonstrated outstanding dedication and a deep understanding of our community.
Long before they were elected, both were longstanding participants in our local government — and that experience shows every day in their work. They are thoughtful, transparent, fiscally responsible and always accessible to residents. Their commitment to public safety, strong budget oversight, support for community parks and events and dedication to transparent government truly sets them apart.
Equally important, while holding differing viewpoints, our board works together to support the best interests of all residents in our community.
Monica and Chris work seamlessly within our bipartisan board — building consensus, not division. In an era where cooperation is too often the exception, their collaborative approach ensures real progress for our township.
I have complete confidence in their leadership and integrity. Commissioners Hodges and Peischl have earned our trust. Our community can continue to rely on them as we work together to continue building a strong township that truly serves its residents. I strongly endorse their reelection Nov. 4.
Diane Kelly
The writer is president of the South Whitehall Township Board of Commissioners.
ELECTION LETTERS
Letters to the editor about candidates and issues in the Nov. 4 general election must be received by 10 a.m. Monday. Election-related letters will not be published after Oct. 30.
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.
