You call this resurrection of city?

You call this resurrection of city?

A couple times a month, I have occasion to travel to the North Side of Youngstown from my home in southern Mahoning County. I leave early and travel the main north-south streets to observe the resurrection of the area I hear local politicians claim is taking place.

First I notice a large amount of vacant land (one could graze livestock on it) and numerous deserted buildings (jobs in demolition).

Next, no matter the time of day, the traffic is much lighter than when I was younger, and there are nowhere near the crowds of people.

A recent article in The Vindicator talked of President Obama needing to come to town to influence voters. I ask why?

A long history of Democratic Party rule is responsible for this utopia we live in, so why should the national Democrats waste time on a sure thing like the vote in Youngstown?

As a footnote, I would ask the loyal Democrats to think about the fact that all but one of their senators voted to kill an amendment that restored the cuts in pension and benefits to retired and disabled veterans. It really upsets me when I hear the Democratic Party supported by so many at local VFW’s and other service clubs. In closing I say think more about a person’s politics than you do about their party affiliation. It really does matter.

Robert J. Husted, New Springfield

Friendship brings awareness

I started kindergarten in 2006 with a peer who had spina bifida. She was very petite and had to be in a wheelchair. She was unable to walk and play. I talked to my teacher, my parents and her family to learn what spina bifida was. I automatically thought of her having a disability that would limit her during her entire life. It was hard for me to understand her limitations and difficulties that she faced.

My opinion of children with spina bifida and their disabilities has changed immensely as my friend and I are now in the seventh grade. We have matured together and grown in closeness as our friendship allowed me to follow her disease process and experience the changes. I have been able to witness the positive and negative effects that she has been through and continues to experience. I have witnessed the physical and mental changes and challenges of spina bifida and now realize that disabilities do not make a person different or limited.

My friend has overcome many obstacles that I have been easily able to do throughout my life. Often, people without a disability take for granted what we achieve and accomplish in our everyday lives. As my friendship continues to grow, I would like everyone to try to accept individuals with a disability and realize we are all alike.

Mackenzie Grope, North Jackson