Traficant a disgrace to the city, community

Traficant a disgrace to the city, community
EDITOR:
When CNN "News Letter" aired "The man from Youngstown" on Feb. 25, it was another 100 nails in the coffin of the city. Yet there are those who still think that this congressman is great. How deep are their heads buried in the sand?
He has used, abused, stole and covered up so many wrongs that it is incredible. He could only do this by using others of shady character. Yet his loyal followers turn their collective heads and believe that he can walk on water. It appears that he too thinks that he sits at the right hand of God. How many times can this area be duped and lied to?
The evidence being brought forth in Cleveland is so devastating to his defense that he has not repudiated one part of it. He may try at some time in this case, but who will he call as witnesses? The prosecutions list is a mile long and they are supposed to be his friends? With friends like that who needs enemies?
Now he must run as an Independent. Nobody from either main party wants anything to do with him or his antics. Yet, you can bet that some of his die-hard followers will vote for him. How sad.
This man is totally and completely ineffective as our representative. He is still using our money to be transported to and from his trial by using a paid employee. Is this legal? I think not. His arrogance and ego has not decreased one bit. Who are the victims here? You and I, that's who.
When is the Valley going to wake up? When are we going to demand that anyone who represents us do their job as it should be done? No more paybacks, illegal use of credit cards, no more good old boy appointments, etc.
Our judicial system is so smelly that it reeks to high heaven. Our buildings are in ruin, our infrastructure is a disgrace, etc, etc, etc. We have had saviors by the dozen: some active, some resigned, some quit. All with no results.
ROBERT J. THORNTON
Youngstown
Passage of child rape bill: better late than never
EDITOR:
There are times when you will read, re-read and read again something and be left with such disbelief it is hard to comprehend. The sentence "House Bill 485 would remove the requirement for prosecutors to prove force when a child 10 or younger is raped" from the article on toughening child-rape law in Wednesday's paper is a perfect example. The key word in this statement is child.
A child is loving and hasn't yet learned to be skeptical.
A child is trusting and thrives in an innocent world.
A child seeks comfort from adults to provide them a safe and healthy environment.
Before this bill passed, prosecuted child rapists were given three to 10 years in jail, and many served less.
Think of what their young victims were given. I believe their trauma and fear greatly surpassed the time their attackers served. With this bill, prosecutors will be able to seek a life sentence, similar to the emotional sentence these predators handed their victims. Concerning this bill and the bill presently in the Senate: "Better late than never" seems to apply directly.
CHRISSY FLESCH
Mineral Ridge
Yates verdict unjust
EDITOR:
With the guilty verdict in the Andrea Yates case, a new low of ignorance has been reached by the jury and the legal profession as a whole.
The Salem Witch Hunt may well pale in comparison to this ruling and to the rationalization of her psychosis.
RAYMOND S. BONIFACE, M.D.
Poland