Talk tough, act tough, be tough

Talk tough, act tough, be tough

I am disappointed in the White House response to the recent world crises — the pirates in Somalia, Egyptian rebellion, the Libyan situation.

Can we not come up with some stronger language than “extremely concerned,” “travesty,” “seriously condemn” and all the other catch phrases that are politically correct but in reality accomplish little?

I want to hear stronger language used — language that assures the American public and also the victims and perpetrators of the events that America is not going to let these events pass without reprisals. Tough words followed up by real action cement the notion that America is still the strongest defender of human rights in the world.

Invasion and force are not needed, but serious threats of force are. The decision to send warships to the Libyan area is a good first move. A decision to arm the rebels and to do it in an overt manner also signals to dictator led countries that we will not hesitate to help. It also informs our friends in those regions that we will not abandon them.

America should not care that reacting to human rights violations in strong talk and stronger actions will be seen as some sort of meddling by the United Nations or by our enemies, of which I include Russia, China and, foremost, Iran.

“Walk softly but carry a big stick” is more true today than the day the words were spoken.

Michael J. DeNiro, Boardman

Equal support for the middle class

MemBers of U.A.W. Locals 1112 and 1714 attended the protest on Senate Bill 5 in Columbus March 2. There were at least 25,000 people there. Other unions, laborers, teamsters, steel workers, iron workers, police, firemen, teachers, and the AFL-CIO. There were 200 U.A.W. workers from the Lordstown plants. Why do we support the firemen, police, turnpike toll workers, teachers, and all state workers? Because not only are we union brothers and sisters, we are middle class. That is what collective bargaining by the unions created for us many years ago.

The U.A.W. comes in force when Care and Share, the United Way and any organizations need help. Can you imagine if our safety forces need life saving equipment and it cannot be collectively bargained on?

Gov. John Kasich said the state is $8 billion in debt. I don’t believe it, but if we are, why does the governor make $144,269; lieutenant governor, $142,501, and secretary of state, attorney general and treasurer, $109,554 each, plus full health care?

Speaking of money, Gov. Kasich is paying his key people more than Gov. Strickland did, and he will pay bonuses about which we will have no say.

State workers in Ohio total 750,760. Of these 539,008 are full time and 54 percent of these are educational employees. In this bill he wants to do away with collective bargaining altogether. If you strike, you’re fired. If Kasich has his way, he will make Ohio a right to work state and lower the standard of living. He also wants to privatize the turnpike and eliminate the toll workers.

I would like to say to all the state workers, we are all union brothers and sisters. If we do not stick together, we are done. Do you know how to support all of us like we support you? Buy American. I look at the parking lots at schools, bars, restaurants, shopping centers, and see a lot of foreign cars. We never question when any of you need help. We need your support.

Paul J. Cubellis, Austintown