Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Move to protect DeLay is break in faith by GOPwith the American people
EDITOR:
House Republicans have done something truly appalling. They've knocked down an ethics rule that banned House members from holding leadership positions if they've been indicted on felony charges.
They did it on behalf of House majority leader Rep. Tom DeLay, R-Texas. A number of his associates have already been indicted by a Texas grand jury and he's expected to take a similar hit in the near future.
What's astonishing about it is that the Republicans just repealed a provision that THEY put in place back in 1993 when they said they were cleaning up Congress.
This is no mere act of hypocrisy, though. Nor is it just a Beltway issue that's only relevant in Washington. This is a national moral lapse that cuts to the heart of our government. It's an utter outrage, and you need to stand up for the public good and shine a spotlight on it.
Tom DeLay has already been rebuked four times by the House Ethics Committee for various violations. It makes people like me -- who play by the rules and pay the taxes that provide for Tom DeLay's salary -- even more cynical about politics and American democracy. Just imagine how great Republicans like Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt would react. It's a disgrace.
We, the people, are ultimately the caretakers of our democracy. When politicians fail to govern with dignity, we must stand up, speak out and hold them accountable.
DONALD PEW
Youngstown
Why is the Grinch trying to steal our Christmas carols?
EDITOR:
Why does the ultraliberal ACLU continue to try to destroy all Christianity in our country? They succeeded in removing all Bibles from public schools, and are trying to eliminate anything that pertains to Christ, Christian values, and even God on our money.
Have we forgotten why we have public schools? We should not forget that the writers of our Constitution wanted all people to know how to read. The main reason was so they could read the Bible. That is why every public school had a Bible in each classroom from the beginning. They knew that the Constitution was worthless without the teachings of morality we get from reading Scripture.
Today, the liberal ACLU supporters, prefer having our children read about witches, sorcerers, and the like such as is in the Harry Potter books rather than knowing the Ten Commandments. They object to Christmas, but never object to Halloween or witchcraft of any kind. Did you ever ask why?
Well, today we have reached a new level, the ACLU is objecting to singing Christmas carols in our schools. They even object to instrumentals -- music without the words.
I suggest that we object to this and not let the ACLU Grinch rob our joy this Christmas. They want anything but Christianity. I would call this anti-Christianity.
R.A. CANACCI
Youngstown
The treatment is great, but the food is awful
EDITOR:
I have just returned home from spending six weeks at a local health care center for physical therapy following a total hip replacement due to a fall at home.
I received excellent care and encouragement from nurses and aides and very excellent therapy.
I am a senior and I have senior friends who are residents of local nursing homes. All of them, in different facilities, complain about the food. I must agree, now that I lost weight while being unable to eat all the food served. It is far from enjoyable when noodles seem to be the lunch choice over and over. Ground up meats in gravy with no flavor, the same dessert of slice peaches daily, soggy bread for toast and other less tasteful choices are all that is on the menu.
Our state provides money for these centers, and they are not underpaid.
Can't something be done to benefit residents who must spend their last years in these establishments? My friends have complained for years about the food, but now I know what they mean. My son had to bring in food for me, and I saw other families taking food to their loved ones.
Who is to blame? Where can we seek help for those being served such distasteful food?
NANCY L. GENCO
New Springfield