Higher standards would help stem brain drain

Higher standards would help stem brain drain
EDITOR:
I read in earnest your Feb. 25 articles under the banner "Boosting the job market by degrees"concerning the need for improving education and attracting a high-tech economy.
As the oldest of seven from the baby boom generation, I am one of only two still living in this area. The others have all moved to other regions of the country where their education and talents were sought after and appreciated.
The brain drain from this area began a generation ago. Many "baby boomers" went away to college and now only return to visit mom and dad. This scenario will continue unless the mindset of everyone associated with this region, changes. I agree with the statement in this article, "The historic and cultural devaluation of education still lingers." Sad to say, I have seen this mindset not only among blue collar families, I have also seen it expressed by some members of middle and upper management.
The Mahoning Valley is starting a long transition that is slowly working to remove the bulimic mindset that has lead to an anorexic economic region. The recent purging of political corruption is only a start. High standards in education, legal system, financial accountability, political system, personal character, and work ethic need to continue to be established and cultivated by our political, educational, business, industrial, and labor leaders with an active support from the citizens of the Mahoning Valley.
There is value in investing here. We need to believe in ourselves and in what this region has to offer.
The leaders of our remaining corporations need to be persuaded that keeping and/or bringing more high-tech jobs to this area is a wise investment for their companies. A show of commitment by our current business and industrial leaders would make the Mahoning Valley attractive to the other high-tech companies we seek. Unfortunately, some local corporations are quietly moving current high-tech jobs out of the area under the guise of divisional consolidation. Our community leaders need to be more vigilant and far more vocal as this occurs.
A cheap labor pool of intelligent people will not bring the high-tech industry to Northeast Ohio. Nor will it keep our current industrial base intact. Truly skilled and highly trained individuals know the value and worth of their capabilities and left unsatisfied at the local level will relocate and work for an employer who appreciates and is willing to invest in their knowledge and talents.
As we enter the high-tech world of the 21st century I hope the product we export is a tangible asset produced by highly skilled individuals not the highly skilled individuals themselves.
JOHN HALL
Youngstown
Where is Japan's apology for sinking U.S. ships?
EDITOR:
I have been following the story about the accidental sinking of a Japanese fishing boat by a U.S. submarine which resulted in the death of nine Japanese. The accident is being investigated by three federal agencies, including Naval Intelligence and Security. In the meantime, President Bush and the captain of the submarine have sent apologies to the prime minister of Japan and the Japanese people.
The outcome is predictable. The captain and the executive officer will be court-martialed and forced to resign from the Navy. Some enlisted men will be reduced in rank and transferred out of submarines. The families of the dead Japanese will be well compensated. The boat owner will get a new fishing boat and the 26 survivors will also receive something for their "pain and suffering."
The United States has now sent the vice chief of naval operations as a special envoy to apologize in person while outside, demonstrators burn American flags.
I wonder when Japan will send an envoy to the United States to apologize for Pearl Harbor and the 1,300 men still entombed in the USS Arizona.
Rest in peace, fellows. Some of us still remember.
ALEX YANKUSH
Youngstown
X The writer is a former crew member of the USS Iowa.