Inmates aren't entitled to go on donated organ lists

Inmates aren't entitled to go on donated organ lists
EDITOR:
"Inmate's heart transplant renews debate," an article in The Vindicator of Jan. 30, should have been titled, "2nd-time offender's heart beats on, yet we lose another law-abiding citizen."
Only in America can a person secure a better quality of life as a convicted criminal. Perhaps we should have a national motto: You do the crime, we will provide room and board, warm meals, top-rate medical care and even gym time. Ironically, the victims of these criminals probably weren't asked for a last meal, movie or phone call request. Instead, they were placed at the mercy of an individual who would place them on just another list of statistics.
On every organ recipient waiting list there should be absolutely no discrimination against race, religion, social status or economic standing. But it is a sad day when an inmate, who a jury or judge has denied freedom for reasons of guilt and is considered a threat to society, can have his name placed on a waiting list. Taxpayers are paying for these operations.
So bluntly spoken, the person who violates you, your property or your children, in return, your tax dollars and you can then lend a helping hand to prolong his life.
As an organ donor, I am appalled that this can happen. Maybe when we renew our driver's licenses and they ask if we want to be an organ donor, they can follow that question with, "Would you request not to be an organ donor for a person housed in any penitentiary in this country?"
And with that, I am positive the citizens of this nation could right a wrong that lawmakers, judges and even the Supreme Court haven't yet figured out how to.
CHRISSY FLESCH
Mineral Ridge
Swierz unfairly stripped of assignments by council
EDITOR:
Our blockwatch met on Tuesday, Jan. 29. We believe that the actions of city council in stripping 7th Ward councilman John Swierz of most of his committee assignments and chairmanships is a deliberate and aggressive insult not only to John Swierz personally, but also to the voters of the 7th Ward and the citizens of Youngstown.
Council members are depriving us all of the benefit of having an experienced and able man who has proven his worth in many ways from participating in the job we elected him to do.
This also applies to their effectively distancing themselves from the experience and knowledge of the members of the "arena board."
Councilmen have needlessly taken a great deal of responsibility upon themselves. We as citizens of Youngstown hope and pray that they are successful in building and operating a grand convocation center. We also hope that they make all the right decisions in making and keeping Youngstown a truly good place to live and raise families.
No doubt some of them have further political ambitions. Take a word of advice: good leaders don't get there by being bullies. They get there by doing the right thing.
Our councilman, John Swierz, represents the 7th Ward very well. He also does a great deal of good for the city as a whole. In our opinion, city council made a serious mistake.
JOHN M. EASTERDAY
Youngstown
X Easterday is a member of the Eyes & amp; Ears Block Watch, which represent the citizens of Precinct I of the 7th Ward. Meetings are held at Word of Grace Church the last Tuesday of each month. Former Councilman John Nittoli is the current president.
Seniors want to see county on strict budget
EDITOR:
Mahoning County voters are being asked to renew a sales tax again. It's time to draw the line on our public officials.
We are sick and tired of paying for visiting judges and visiting prosecutors.
We are tired of our county officials using our credit cards for questionable activities.
It's time for our county to live on a budget. We senior citizens have to do it. Remember, the voters are not sleeping well.
THOMAS GILMARTIN Sr.
Youngstown