Apr 9, 2002 3 min read

Dear Editor: In recent weeks a toe-tapping mob of dubious origin has been trying to drum up support for a cause based on false premises that will have direct impact on the citizens of our fair commonwealth.

Their cause will benefit only themselves as they attempt to have it waltzed through the back doors of our capitol as a benign “cultural artifact” when in fact Pennsylvanians will have to suffer their results like a misspelled tattoo.

The group I am referring to is the Pennsylvania Polka Dancers and their cause is to convince our legislators to recognize the “Polka” as the “official dance” of the commonwealth.

Their premise, reported across the state in letters to the editor, falsely offers the idea that the polka was created in Philadelphia. Not true.

The polka originated in Eastern Europe in the early 1830s. The erroneous link to Philadelphia is due to the book “Philadelphia Assemblies” by Thomas Balch reporting that a new polka composition was created for the Assembly of 1849.

I strongly believe that as good citizens and neighbors, we owe our allegiance to the truth and to righteous causes whose roots are firmly planted in the history of Pennsylvania.

If we are going to adopt a dance that will represent us with the honor and dignity that is owed to our children and theirs, then let it be one that was created in Pennsylvania, by Pennsylvanians and for Pennsylvanians.

Let it be a dance such as the “Twist” or the “Bristol Stomp” that were inspired by songs of the same name. Each of these was co-composed by Pennsylvania’s departed son, Kal Mann.

Let us put Pennsylvania first.

Let us promote the products and the arts that have been created in Pennsylvania.

Let us keep the Polka out of Pennsylvania legislation.

Wayne Kachelries

Morrisville

Red Raider team has class

Dear Editor:

I want to thank the Uniontown Red Raiders men’s basketball team players and coaches for the season of joy you have given this community.

With courage, tenacity, and unselfish teamwork, you have developed into some of the finest young men of your generation.

You are truly champions. We are proud of you.

God bless you as you enter your young adult lives.For those of you who are so inclined, please return with your education and skills and experiences to become citizens of Uniontown by choice.

You have learned much already, and you will have much to contribute.

Watching you grow and play has been a pleasure.

If you exemplify the next generation, we can be old folks in peace, laughing, as you raise your families and enjoy your accomplishments.

You’re solid and dependable, positive attributes that will last a lifetime. Raiders, you’ve got class.

Mary K. Sykes

Uniontown