Uncle Sam has become prime abuser of children

Uncle Sam has become
prime abuser of children

EDITOR:

Anyone concerned about the health and welfare of children in America? Evidently Uncle Sam is not.

For far too long, the richest nation on earth has had the highest child poverty rate among industrialized countries. For far too long, affordable quality child care has been inaccessible for far too many young children in America. For far too long, our nation’s infant mortality rate has been embarrassingly high and its enormous racial disparity downright shameful. For far too long, far too many American children have been left way behind by dysfunctional and immoral public policy.

Just when you thought it could not get worse, it has. Last August, the Bush Administration issued draconian rules for SCHIP (State Children’s Health Insurance Program), which make it practically impossible for states to extend health care coverage to millions of America’s 9 million uninsured children. By the way, no other modern nation has any uninsured children.

To very, very modestly correct this shameful situation, Congress recently authorized $35 billion over five years (less than we spend on the Iraq war in three months) to expand SCHIP to families with virtually no net wealth. Bush vetoed it.

Thus, the Bush Administration has degenerated Uncle Sam into America’s foremost neglecter and abuser of America’s children who are not rich. I don’t think Uncle Sam is happy with that. Nor is Jesus Christ who once said to let the little children come to him, for the kingdom of God belongs to those like them. Bush, by contrast, says to the children: go away and drop dead. Why is this man still president?

REV. WERNER LANGE
Newton Falls

Maniac drivers controlstretch of Interstate 76

EDITOR:

I travel Interstate 76 West to wor and Interstate 76 East from work between Youngstown and Newton Falls. It is the absolute worst part of my day. I am sick and tired of all the trucks, SUVs, semis and so on that cannot and do not use the brains God gave them. If I haven’t been hit broadside, it is only because I have developed eyes on the side of my head. I have seen people weave in and out of traffic at such speed that even if there were no construction, it would be dangerous.

I love to drive and I just got a nice convertible to enjoy, and believe me, I cannot enjoy this ride till the work is completely done. It is the most unsafe travel that I experience, and I do not look forward to either of my drives to or from work. Wake up, people. You will get there when you get there. You want to get there alive, I presume. No, I don’t think that you do. It takes me a half hour to get to work, and in that amount of time I see more discourteous driving each day. It is so dangerous that it can make my head spin, and while I am driving, it is not a “good” thing.

Linda Lehtonen

Youngstown

A job well done

EDITOR:

Congratulations to Kelly Pavlik on a great fight, and well deserving title WBC middleweight championship. This champ has been working out and training for months and gives credit to his victory to his family, trainer, sparring partners and fans. He is just one humble and mild manner guy; you never heard him brag about himself.

I went to his send off party Thursday  evening and he was so gracious signing autographs always with a smile.

I think I can say it for all of Youngstown, we are proud of you, Kelly, and thank you for being such a great guy. 

PATTY and CARL GORDULIC

Youngstown