We owe it to children
to act on climate crisis
I was greatly encouraged to read the July 8 op-ed by state Delegate Danielle Walker, D-Monongalia, that underscored just how important addressing the climate crisis is for West Virginia.
From flash floods and torrential rains that have damaged our communities to wildfires that have consumed over 6,000 acres in our state, we are experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change firsthand.
At this time it is vital to remind West Virginia’s leaders that we too have a stake in the climate crisis and should be advocating for action on climate change in spite of a few deep-pocketed voices in our state whose personal interests lie in the past rather than a cleaner and more prosperous future.
Despite those voices who try to deny the scientific evidence, our world is changing dramatically, and it will ultimately affect not only our economy, but our safety and public health.
As a mother of two, and a health care professional for over 25 years, I know that when it comes to addressing the climate crisis, the health and well-being of most West Virginians is at stake.
Like many folks across our state, I join in thanking Sen. Joe Manchin for his leadership. I now encourage him to take the next logical step by joining his colleagues in the U.S. Senate in supporting bold policies to act on climate change. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to do all we can to combat the climate crisis and leave a healthier planet for future generations.
Catherine Shaw
Fairmont
Group should become
reformed Catholic Church
The Lay Catholic Voices for Change (LCVC) is to be highly commended. Martin Luther would be proud of them. They wouldn’t have to look far to see Apostolic Pentecostals in their cheering section.
Sadly though, whatever win they achieve will be as hollow as the words relayed by Pope Francis. The pope held true to Roman Catholic doctrine when he declared former bishop Michael Bransfield could no longer participate in active Roman Catholic Church services in West Virginia. Did you catch that?
This places a welcome mat out for Bransfield in the remaining 49 other states and all countries where a Roman Catholic Church is located.
If it mattered to the Pope that sin abided with a few Roman Catholic leaders, he would have followed all other established religious organizations by making a clear cut; in place of “in West Virginia” there would have been a penny-size period!
In my opinion the LCVC should become Reformed Roman Catholic, split with the Vatican, organize its own church. In their worship receive the wafer and wine by a priest who desires to also follow the Lord. It would be great if they then conducted a Bible study in the book of Acts.
Carl W. Sypolt
Terra Alta
Science camp in state
a wonderful experience
I recently spent over three weeks in your fine state of West Virginia thanks to an opportunity through the National Youth Science Camp. As a recent high school graduate from rural Iowa, I had never been to West Virginia.
While I was there I had the opportunity to experience mountain biking, cave exploration and backpacking. I learned from lecturers, staff members and the other delegates about topics like gravitational waves, neuroscience, sloth paleontology, acrobatic yoga, how to crochet and so much more.
This experience showed me about how different STEM fields touch all aspects of our lives from medical devices to satellites.
The experience also taught me about how to collaborate with peers with diverse experiences and how that can enrich whatever we pursue.
I realized at camp the joy of living in the moment because we had limited access to the daily schedule, much less a long-term schedule, and I hope to take this concept back home.
As a proud citizen of your great state, I want to thank you for your support of the National Youth Science Camp and I encourage your continued support of this worthwhile organization.
Laura Stowater
Algona, Iowa
