Mahoning Valley's Tim Ryan leads congressional brat race

Mahoning Valley's Tim Ryan leads congressional brat race
EDITOR:
So the Mahoning Valley has sent another immature brat to Congress to join the other childlike Democrats in their unpatriotic hissy fit. Oh, I would like to say that these are the loyal opposition, but the only loyalty they have displayed is to their party. Their guiding principle appears to be: if Bush says it, it must be opposed. There is no loyalty it that. There is only tantrum.
When Bush let the Afghans take the lead at Tora Bora, Democrats cried, "Let the Americans do it." When he disbanded the Iraqi army, Democrats whined, "Let the Iraqis do it." When he refused to wait for the Europeans to go into Iraq, Democrats shrilled, "Don't go it alone." When he insisted on six-party talks with North Korea, Democrats demanded, "One-on-one diplomacy." When he wanted less troops, they want more. Now he wants more troops, they want less.
Now, Mr. Ryan is giving speeches on the House floor about loyalty like a teenager who wants all the privileges of an adult, but none of the responsibilities. And this comes from a Congressman whose first act as our representative was to hop onto Ted Kennedy's lap and mouth the party line. Grow up, Mr. Ryan. It's time to have an independent thought -- one that is not predicated on what's best for my career and me.
But that is the Democrat way today. And why not? Like any teenager, they know there are adults in the room to clean up their messes. Clinton, another child in an adult world, made a mess of the war on terror. He allowed it to fester and gain strength. But, 9/11 wasn't a big enough mess for these Democrats. They are willing to risk more so that they can enjoy their Bush-bashing party.
But you can't blame the politicians. They are a despicable lot, at best. The blame belongs to the people who put them in office -- the voters.
THOMAS MASKELL
Poland
Ohio joins the better half
EDITOR:
Thank you, voters of Ohio. Last November, you voted into law the Smoke-Free Workplace Act, which protects all workers in the state from the dangers of secondhand smoke.
Two months ago, this law took effect, and what a pleasure it is to visit a restaurant and enjoy a meal while breathing clean air. My family and friends have found that most businesses in the area are complying with the law and thus protecting their employees and patrons.
We need to let these businesses know we appreciate that. Why not personally thank the manager or owner of the law-abiding establishments? Or print out a thank-you card to leave on your table by going to www.smokefreeohio.org/oh/.
With Ohio's adoption of this law, our country has passed the 50 percent mark. Now more than half of the U.S. population is protected by a smoke-free law at either the local or state level. While our legislators in Columbus are working on the rules of enforcement for this law, I hope they keep in mind that the voters sent a strong message that they want Ohio to be a healthier place to live, work and breathe.
GEORGIA CASE, RN
Austintown
The writer is a school nurse in Austintown Local Schools and an American Cancer Society volunteer.