Support service bonuses for Mideast war veterans

Opinion: March 17, 2008 at 12:00a.m.

EDITOR:

I’m writing to garner support for the constitutional amendment recently proposed by Ohio Treasurer Richard Cordray, which would provide a service bonus for Ohio veterans of the current conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as for those who served during the Persian Gulf War.

Ohio has a long tradition of honoring the sacrifices of Ohioans who served during periods of major conflict and assisting them upon their return home. This amendment provides for monthly compensation of $100 for veterans who served in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, and Iraq, up to $1,000, and monthly compensation of $50 for those serving elsewhere during these conflicts, up to $500. Family members of those killed in action would receive $5,000 in addition to any other allowable compensation.

Legislation authorizing the constitutional amendment was sponsored by State Senator Timothy Grendell and has received the unanimous support of the Senate. Now, it is being considered in the Ohio House. I hope our state representatives follow the lead of prior generations and their colleagues in the Senate and pass this measure promptly so that we, the people of Ohio, may ratify this measure at the polls this November.

We owe Ohio’s veterans a debt of gratitude. They deserve a modest service bonus in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

BARRY E. LANDGRAVER

Youngstown

X The writer is executive director/county veterans service officer of the Mahoning County Veterans Service Commission.

Thanks for nothing

EDITOR:

I read the letter from a Struthers woman saying that the Clinton administration hadn’t done anything during eight years in office. Well, one thing is for sure the Clinton administration left with a surplus, and if it wasn’t for the Republican Congress, we would probably have a national health plan.

At the end of her letter she thanks G.W. Bush because her husband makes a lot more money. I don’t know what her husband does, but more power to him, because in G.W.’s seven years and counting he has done absolutely nothing for the working man. He’s anti-labor, he takes care of the rich, he’s against any national health plan, he’s a warmonger, he’s violated the Constitution so many times, it’s hard to count. He should be impeached but we can’t get anybody to start proceedings.

Bill Clinton’s biggest mistake was signing the NAFTA Accord. But G.W. has been in seven years and counting. What’s he done to repeal it? Nothing. He loves all so-called free trade pacts (none of them are free or fair).

The Bush administration has given tax breaks to companies who move off shore and take our jobs with them. This lady doesn’t bad mouth G.W. on anything. All she does is say thank you, President Bush. Well, I say thanks for nothing, G.W.

BUD McKELVEY

Hermitage

Where does the money go?

EDITOR:

I recommend that anyone who experienced problems driving the morning of Wednesday, Feb. 28, contact the mayor’s office and demand a reprimand for the head of the street department for poor decision making by “spot salting,” leaving the roads a sheet of ice.

Anyone who lives or works in the city should be appalled at the service we recieve, while paying the highest income tax in the state.

DAVID P. LORENZI

Youngstown