Cal finally sees the light

Cal finally sees the light
EDITOR:
The first paragraph in the Cal Thomas column Jan. 26 said it all, unfortunately it is five years too late.
After five years, Cal Thomas has finally put in words what President Bush should have done immediately after Sept. 11, 2001 [establish a bipartisan advisory council on the war against terror]. The liberals, and even Secretary of State Colin Powell were in agreement then that a war on terrorism was what was needed. The secretary, much to his discredit then sided with W on the war in Iraq.
The United Nations would be the best bet in putting together a mechanism to sell oil, receive payments for the oil sold, and make payments to workers where due, and set up a purchasing system for goods and services needed for Iraqis, as funds are received. Would there be a blood bath if the United States and other allied forces were to leave Iraq? I cannot answer this question definitely, but undoubtedly there would be some turmoil.
But, in the final analysis men can see that the killing on each side produces only death, and solves nothing. At that point they will consider sitting down, and solving the dilemma they have imposed on themselves. This, of course, would entail wise considerations in the United Nations. It would be hoped that there are enough sane heads in that body to help avert a blood bath.
A solid United Nations force would be needed on the periphery of Iraq to monitor exports and imports and keep undesirables out. Can this be done? I don't know, but isn't it worthwhile to try to do something, rather than do nothing?
LEONARD J. SAINATO
Warren
Foundation for success is built before kindergarten
EDITOR:
The Jan. 4 article "For Success, Pa. kids' chances top Ohio" in the local section reminds us of how education throughout our lives can effect our success as adults.
The foundation for this success begins long before kindergarten. New research on brain development has taught us that nearly 90 percent of brain development occurs before the age of five. The truth is, early experiences last a lifetime. To be successful in school and in life, Ohio's young children -- ages birth through five -- must grow up in environments that develop their self-confidence, their social and emotional skills, as well as a love for learning. It's why we -- community members, parents, educators, business leaders and public officials -- must continue to support early childcare and education initiatives.
All children benefit from high-quality early care and education from improved math and language ability, to better social skills and behavior. And the impact is even more pronounced in disadvantaged children. Low-income children who attend high quality programs are more likely to stay in school, attend college, earn more money and be in high-skilled jobs than their peers who do not have the same opportunity. As more parents join the workforce and society places new demands on them, we need to make sure all Ohio families have the support they need to provide their young children with rich developmental experiences. We can do this by increasing community and public investment in young children, particularly in quality early care and education programs, and other supports for all children and their families.
Investing in our youngest children not only helps them prepare for future success, but also pays society big dividends in the long run. For every dollar we spend on high quality, early care and education for low-income children, our return on investment can be as high as 16 with savings in special education, criminal justice, and welfare costs. This is confirmed in research done by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis.
More information about the important issues in teaching young children is available at www.groundworkohio.org.
BRENDA GARCIA-FRONZAGLIO
Youngstown
The writer is a project director at Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull, and Columbiana counties.