Friday, July 30, 2004
Fallen-away Democrat says party has gone too far to left
EDITOR:
I have no dislike against any group of people regardless of race, color, creed or sexual persuasion. I believe equal under the law applies to same sex unions, but we should not call it a marriage. I attend church to worship God. I believe people should be allowed to worship in any way they choose. Freedom of religion is important to me. My family believes in the right to own guns. If they outlawed guns the only people to have them would be the law and the crooks. That is stepping on my freedoms.
I believe love could save the world. As a ''60s child, I believe in love not war. However, war to safeguard peace and freedom is sometimes necessary. I believe marijuana for medicinal purposes is valid. I have found that wisdom does come with age.
For 30 years I was a Democrat. The liberal-left of the Democratic Party has disenfranchised me. They are running the first and third most liberal men in the Senate for the highest offices in our land. Their form of liberalism does not include me.
They have stated they are representing the Hispanics, African-Americans and Hollywood. The Republican Party does not break Americans into groups -- it represents all of us. We need leadership willing to see Americans as a whole. When asked our nationality we should say AMERICANS!
PATRICIA NIGHTINGALE
North Jackson
Safety forces no better off than before levy passed
EDITOR:
It makes no sense to me that the passage of the levy that was needed to fund the safety forces seems to have left the safety forces no better off than before.
I find it very discouraging that the police department should be understaffed, and its officers forced to work at a high risk to their lives.
The well being of any community deserves to have the best and strongest safety forces to help maintain law and order.
Until there is some noticeable improvement made concerning the safety forces I can't help but question and wonder, exactly where does the buck stop and who bears the responsibility for the welfare of its safety forces?
I firmly believe there is safety in numbers, and those who work in the safety forces deserve to do their job with an added measure of safety.
A safe community is an upbeat one. Anything less is a letdown leading only to defeat.
MARY LOU JURINA
Youngstown
Air freight possibilities for airport shouldn't be ignored
EDITOR:
Seeing passenger flights come to Youngstown is great. For us it's like seeing the first crocus in the spring. However, we must not pass up other opportunities. Today the worldwide marketplace is expanding fast. The shipping industry has been a major benefactor of this expansion. New shipping companies are starting up. It would be difficult for them to ignore Youngstown's proximity to major markets and the intensive investments we have made in our infrastructure. We would attract their business to our area.
Moreover, the future value of Youngstown as a strong manufacturing base depends on attracting these companies. In order to compete worldwide, manufacturing has changed a great deal. We cannot ignore the importance of robotics in the newer factories. We will be depending upon many machines of all types. When these machines break down new parts will be ordered directly from manufacturers from around the world. The success of the factories could depend upon how quickly they can obtain these parts. Also given Youngstown's history it is clear we must welcome diversity and be careful not close any doors too soon.
ROBERT G. MOSSMAN
Youngstown