Punishment Fails To Fit The Crime High Gas Prices In Pa. Narcissistic Humans Rejecting Principles Santa Is Coming Youthful Sound Advice Celebrating…

Punishment Fails To Fit The Crime High Gas Prices In Pa. Narcissistic Humans Rejecting Principles Santa Is Coming Youthful Sound Advice Celebrating Today Gas-Price Gouging A Great Helper Give Him His Car Parents: Behave Online

Am I the only one in Lancaster County who is appalled by the recent sentencing of Stewart Lazarus, the Millersville man who stole from his neighbors?

The man is a compulsive burglar and thief. And he betrayed the trust of his neighbors. But up to 66 years in prison? That's giving a nonviolent thief of Lazarus' age a virtual life sentence. Do we really do that in America?

I fully appreciate the emotional toll that the crimes of Lazarus levied on his community. People were anxious, angry and afraid. That emotional toll is real and should be taken into account. But emotions also have to be kept in perspective when one is meting out justice.

People were quoted as saying that Lazarus "terrorized" his community. I don't know Lazarus but I'm pretty darn sure he's not a terrorist. Since 9/11, any form of the word "terror" connotes certain types of acts. Use of that word in Lazarus' case is more than a little overblown.

Millersville's mayor said that Lazarus' crime spree was one of "the most horrific crimes in Millersville history."

Perhaps that's true for a little borough like Millersville. But on the grand scale of things, serial burglary is not a horrific crime. Citizens of Chicago or Detroit or Philadelphia would laugh at that characterization.

People also said that in Millersville now, trust in one's neighbors no longer exists. Gosh, can we lay on the hyperbole any thicker?

No one who knows my stance on capital punishment would ever call me soft on crime. But a life sentence for a nonviolent serial burglar? That sounds more like Iran than America. Five to 10 years in state prison, plus the $80,000 restitution, seems like ample punishment for Lazarus to me.

Len Eiserer

Millersville

It was most unfortunate that the recent article on "Pa. pension reform" (Sunday News, Dec. 1) made no mention of the reckless 2001 Act 9 legislation championed by our former Republican governor. The soon-to-be-leveled financial hit on the state's residents could fairly be called the Ridge tax. And it doesn't end there.

Thanks to our current Republican governor, Pennsylvania will soon have the highest diesel fuel tax per gallon in the nation and, after adding 28 more cents to the current 50 cent per gallon gasoline tax, we will eclipse New York as the nation's leader in that category.

It is amazing that our state currently collects half a dollar on every gallon of gasoline and diesel sold and can't figure out a way to maintain the roads without this tax increase.

As the Republican Party gears up to get itself back into the White House, we will no doubt be warned that the Democrats don't want you to be able to keep your hard-earned money, and to beware of a donkey in your wallet.

You won't see the donkey, however, for he'll be under the elephant.

Jim Murray

Nottingham

It's bad enough the human species eats cows, lamb, veal (baby cows), pigs and most fowl. I just read in the paper red deer are now on the menu.

In the article, it literally says how unnatural and unpleasant it is and scares them to death being closed in barns at night. This should be illegal.

It also stated the deer farm sells these poor, innocent, imprisoned beautiful animals to monsters who find pleasure in hunting them down. It's horrendous, to say the least.

As a compassionate eater (I do not eat factory-farmed animals), I and millions of others are trying to stop these deplorable places, not add another animal to the shameful imprisonment they endure their entire lives.

We all were meant to be free on this planet, not just the narcissistic human species.

Enough already, and shame on this newspaper for publicizing yet another horrendous situation on yet another animal who was born to be free.

Denise Ploppert

East Lampeter Township

The Constitution of the United States of America, the nation and "We the People" are wholly inadequate, except for a God-fearing people. A God-fearing people exercised personal and civil restraint because the supreme authority of God's rule over them is established in the hearts of its people.

What we are seeing in our nation is not lawlessness. It is not about rebelling against civil authority or committing robbery, rape, murder, dishonesty or deceit. It is the outright rejection of the truth that is in Jesus Christ, a casting aside of God's holy word and rebellion against the restraints of scripture.

Visit our capitol in Washington or in any capital in any state and you will see scripture in the founding documents, buildings and character of the men and people who laid the foundation of our nation of the United States of America. It's time to wake up to God's truth!

We no have legislation that seeks to banish God from our society. Just as there is fruit in righteousness, there is also fruit in rebellion.

We will reap what we allow our elected officials to sow in the fields of our nation's governance, what we allow to be communicated by media and what we allow to be taught to our children in our educational institutions. By passive acceptance, we acquiesce to the changes that are being made.

Do we, as a nation, have the heart to repent and stand for God's truth? The battle for the heart of America is on.

John B. Stipe Jr.

Manor Township

In response to Janice Loraw'sNov. 18 letter, "The end of a tradition," I want to first thank her for bringing back the memory of this wonderful tradition.

There is a Santa and he will be at the Mountville Fire Company No.1 Station 7 Fire House this coming Sunday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For all of the children, and all those young at heart who believe in Santa, please join us that day. Santa and his elves will be visiting the station house bringing happiness, love and joy to all. There is a toy raffle for children ages 3 to 12 years of age.

The local Lions Club is joining the Mountville Fire Company No. 1 in bringing back a tradition that has been almost lost in our community. We invite all to visit Santa that day at the fire station on North Lemon Street.

Paul M. Rossi

President

Mountville Fire Company No.1

Damian Hondares had an excellent article in the Dec. 1 Freestyle section, "Don't wait, do 'more,' right now."

I'm a Baby Boomer and a free spirit. My philosophy has always been to work hard and play hard - to choose doing a job you like (even if not the highest pay) - and to take a risk (when others say to not do it). I was single until I was in my 30s, so working two or three jobs at the same time was easier.

My 62nd birthday was in October this year and we celebrated my birthday/retirement. I feel good that the work and life I have chosen is very simple and rewarding. After working at 78 different jobs, ranging from being a secretary at Millersville University to working at law offices to delivering flowers to working at a day care and many more jobs through a temp agency, I would do it all again the same way.

I agree with Damian, "Take a leap and do what makes you happy!"

Darlene Wile

West Lampeter Township

Today we come together. Today we share a special time, Today we remember times gone by and look forward to times to come.

Today may we plant our feet deep into the core of Mother Earth. Look up, the stars are bright. Bring the light into your soul. Unite together light and Mother Earth.

Today allow yourself to glow within, having peace and gratitude inside.

Today is one of many times to come; remember this is not just for today, it is for all days to come.

Today remember and give thanks to all. The world is so ready for peace and unity.

Today remember what Christmas really means and keep the feeling for the years to come. Give the feelings of unity and peace for all.

Arlene DeLaRosa

West Donegal Township

Any person with a computer is able to check websites to see the current gas prices in any given city, county or state.

These prices are phoned into the website by customers in the given area who have just purchased gas there. It has been going on far too long that consumers buying gas in Mount Joy and Elizabethtown area are being gouged by excessively high prices as compared to surrounding area station prices.

Best example: On Dec. 6, three well-known stations in Mount Joy all had regular gas at $3.49.9. The same name company stations in York area sold gas at $3.13. to $3.18.9. One does not have to be an accountant to realize we are being gouged at the pump in Elizabethtown and Mount Joy.

James Ebersole

Maytown

Having recently spent part of the morning at the Lancaster Social Security office, I was able to witness a very unique and kind individual - Elden Baitzley.

From the moment I arrived at the door of the office, he ushered people into the building with kindness, patience and compassion. He led us through the "check-in" process in a very easy fashion and made sure everyone's needs were addressed. What could have been a more arduous process was not.

Elden exhibited graciousness and kindheartedness, going above and beyond "expected" job qualifications.

Thank you, Elden, for your humble, thorough service and for a job well done.

Judy Jesiolowski

Pequea

Are you kidding me? A law-abiding citizen has his Model A Ford stolen from him, the police recover it, the insurance company settled by paying the gentleman $20,000, (way too low for what the car is worth), and now he can't return the money and get his car back?

If it's the insurance company's policy, they should do the right thing: take his $20,000 back and let him have his car.

If it's a law, surely there is a lawyer out there that can find a loophole, pro bono. Give the man his car.

Dave Lewis

Lancaster Township

I have this large concern with parental misbehavior. There are parents in Manheim Township that seem to be best friends to their children. While I do see mothers and fathers who instill good behavior and morals, there seem to be just as many that don't.

In a previous letter to the editor, a man was concerned with parental misbehavior. He was addressing the communication between parents and coaches, and it was the parents getting out of line. This malicious behavior has been on the Internet. Mostly, it has been on social media. I see parents posting highly inappropriate things. My mother gets on my profile to check on how I am acting online and finds things that completely appall her. Things that wouldn't come out of my mouth.

I feel that social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, etc., need to be more proactive about this issue.

Taylor Merritt

Manheim Township

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