Killing terrorists will send a message to others

Killing terrorists will send a message to others
EDITOR:
I agree with a recent letter that killing Osama bin Laden will not end terrorism. But killing him and other members of his organization will send a powerful message to the other terrorists throughout the world.
We and the West have been wimps for the past 30 years. During this time, the level of terrorism against us has steadily increased, culminating with the WTC attack. Perhaps, if the United States had taken a more militant stand against these people during the early '70s, things might be different now.
I realize it is popular to blame the United States for all the woes in the world. Doesn't it occur to people that maybe lack of freedom and corrupt governments is the probable reason, and that a population is ultimately responsible for its government?
We didn't become a great nation by accident or magic. We have freedom and the rule of law, and most of us are basically good. Without these three things there is no great nation. I firmly believe that these countries in the Middle East do not want peace. The leaders wouldn't know what to do if they had it and hence would lose control of their government. It is probable that terrorism will never be eradicated. There will always be power-hungry individuals trying to take away our freedom. But we may buy 10 to 20 years of peace which is better than none.
Eternal vigilance is the price we have to pay.
JIM McCLOSKEY
Boardman
Adults with no diploma should go after GED
EDITOR:
In today's job market, education is more important than ever before. Whether it's for college courses or graduate school courses, additional vocational training or high school equivalency, today more adults are returning to classrooms. For those who never finished high school, more Ohioans than ever before are getting their General Education Development certificate.
The GED is the equivalent of a high school diploma, designed for those who did not graduate. GED certification provides workers added opportunities in the job market, and it allows many workers to become eligible for promotion in their current jobs. For some, the GED can even be a stepping-stone to higher education. Like employers, colleges and community colleges treat the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma.
In Ohio, the past 10 years have seen the percentage of Ohioans with secondary education credentials increase by 11 percent, from 75 percent in 1990 to 86 percent by year 2000 census data. Meanwhile, the percentage graduating from high school in four years has remained unchanged at 69 percent. This shows an increase in adults who receiving the GED. Ohioans are finding out that it is never too late to get a GED.
Many social and economic factors can lead individuals to the decisions to drop out of school. With local agencies providing GED classes and tutoring, that decision no longer need be final.
DENISE VACLAY-DANKO
Youngstown
X The writer is the administrator of Youngstown-ABLE.
Kindness begins at home
EDITOR:
Many of us know the aggravation we feel while driving the speed limit and following traffic laws, only to look in our rear view mirrors and see a car so close to the back end of our vehicles that the headlights are not even visible, or to need to slam on our brakes because someone cut in front of us improperly.
Currently, though, I find it interesting to note that many of the vehicles driven by these aggressive personalities are decorated with American flags and/or "United We Stand" stickers. Apparently, these individuals never learned that peace and kindness begin in our own homes and neighborhoods.
LORRAINE M. SCHOTT
Youngstown