Recognizing 'partners' for benefits has consequences

Recognizing 'partners' for benefits has consequences
EDITOR:
The Vindicator of Sept. 10 indicated that the Youngstown State University board of trustees is looking to offer fringe and health care benefits to the "domestic partners" of some of its employees. For those not familiar with the term, "domestic partners" is a euphemism for gay and lesbian persons who cohabit. While the article added the phrase, "including those of the same sex" after the term, everyone familiar with the ongoing debate knows fully well that the term has applied exclusively to the gay and lesbian live-ins throughout the land.
However, the board has just opened the proverbial Pandora's Box. Every employee of YSU will now have the perfect right to demand fringe benefits for his or her live in girl or boy friend, respectively. If two persons of the same sex share a bed and deserve health care and other fringe benefits why not two persons of the opposite sex? Furthermore, to take it one step further, if Professor Doe's nephew is sharing his or her apartment, condo, or other domicile on a permanent basis, why not provide that person benefits?
Lastly, there is the lonely spinster professor whose only companion is an Irish Setter. That pooch ought to have his veterinarian's bills paid for as well. In this day and age when the cost of an education is becoming prohibitive, it is an outrage that the university board (I dare not call them "trustees") has decided to spend their short money supply on such a ridiculous and unorthodox venture.
Students and parents should rise up in loud protest of this very unwise and fiscally unsound decision.
C.H. MCGOWEN, M.D.
Howland
Register, vote and feel the pride of being an American
EDITOR:
I only write this because I care. Oct. 4 is going to be a very, very important date for us in the Mahoning Valley and, yes, the U.S.A. You see, that is the last day to register to vote for this year's election. .
Men and women are risking their lives every day for us -- you and me, your family and mine. Over 1,000 men and women have given their lives to keep our freedoms. Their lives, folks. And God only knows how many have lost limbs and been badly injured. All for us and to give another country a chance for freedom, too.
All veterans living and the ones who gave their lives are the reason we are free to vote our conscience. No one will be pointing a gun at your head or threatening your family. No threats of being beheaded or setting off car bombs.
All we have to do is get off our duffs and register, then get out and cast that vote.
Let's stand up for our troops and show them that we really care for the sacrifices they have made and are making to keep these freedoms we have. They don't come cheap! A price has been paid for each one.
So I ask you, what will you get out of voting? A little sticker that says "I voted today," but more than that, you'll have a lump in your throat, feel 10 feet tall and, best of all, have a feeling just like that you get when you hear the Star-Spangled Banner, a very proud American.
So what I'm saying: If you don't register, you can't vote. And if you are registered and don't vote, shame on you.
JOAN FARMER
Poland
Politicians misuse Sept. 11
EDITOR:
I watched the speeches of some of the speakers at the Republican National Convention and I was appalled at the way they kept mentioning Sept. 11, especially former mayor of New York, Rudolph Giuliani. The tragic incident of Sept. 11 should never be used for political gains. To politicize the attack where so many innocent people perished would be to capitalize on somebody else's misfortune.
I don't know why Mr. Giuliani kept on portraying President Bush as a hero of Sept. 11. He just visited the zone as many other people did.
Shame on those politicos who exploit Sept. 11 for their own political benefit!
PORFIRIO ESPARRA Sr.
Campbell