Declassifying 9/11 documents could bring closure, progress

Opinion: February 25, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

The federal government is debating on declassifying the 9/11 documents involving Saudi Arabia. However, some officials believe it would compromise the U.S. – Saudi relationship. Other officials like Rep. Stephen Lynch think they owe it to the families of the people who died on 9/11.

The families deserve some closure as to who exactly was behind the hijackings. There are many conspiracy theories the families probably believe, and it would be best for them to know the truth.

Lynch and Rep. Walter Jones have launched the move to declassify the documents.

Since the 9/11 attack, there has been harsh racism regarding Muslims. Some people seem to think all Muslims are terrorists. For example, Charlie Hebdo, the French satirical weekly magazine, poked fun at Muslims. After the release of “American Sniper,” a movie about a war veteran from the Iraq war, many remarks on Twitter were about Muslims.

Releasing the documents about the 9/11 attack could give closure to thousands of families and could potentially reduce racism towards Muslims.

The documents are an essential part of U.S. history. Declassifying them wouldn’t be a bad idea, considering the public has the right to know what happened and who was involved. It’s been 14 years since the attack. It’s time to let the people know the truth.

Brittany Wenner, Howland

If legalized, marijuana would be gateway into stronger economy

According to Kristen Wyatt of the Associated Press, “Pot is making Colorado so much money they literally have to give some back to residents.” So why hasn’t pot been legalized in Ohio and the Mahoning Valley yet?

The Vindicator’s Marc Kovac states that Gov. John Kasich and Attorney General Mike DeWine are naysayers of pot legalization. However, there is still a strong amount of pot-growth and pot-use supporters to vote on the ballot issue.

Among the probable testing sites on the ballot is home sweet home: Mahoning County.

There are many mixed feelings from area residents about legalizing marijuana. If pot were to become legalized, it would stimulate the economy of the Valley and even help taxpayers receive a bigger tax return as in Colorado’s case.

Thinking realistically, pot is already prevalent in the area for medical and personal uses, even if it is illegal.

If testing sites and indoor growing locations were constructed and operated all year round, would it not create thousands of job opportunities for the state? Didn’t the state give an OK to the hydraulic fracturing business a few years back as a reason to create job opportunities?

Pot production is a more environmental friendly way to stimulate the economy as opposed to fracking, which Kasich is so keen on. When was the last time marijuana caused an earthquake? Never.

Some say marijuana is a gateway drug, but in reality it is only a safer gateway to a higher economy.

Mary Van Jura, Campbell

Was Ryan’s change of heart on abortion simply a political move?

I am writing to respond to Democrat U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan’s new views on abortion.

After reading a story in The Vindicator about how Ryan is switching from pro-life to pro-choice, I felt embarrassed. Everyone has a right to his or her own opinion on the issue, but being from the Mahoning Valley I find it embarrassing to be represented by a congressman who has made a huge flip-flop on such an important issue. It seems like simple politics to me.

Ryan says that one of the reasons he has changed his views is that he has matured in Congress, which seems like something you would say throughout your time spent in high school or college. I don’t buy it.

I have never supported Tim Ryan, but I did respect that he stood against his own party on this issue when he first ran for Congress in 2002. Now, it seems as if the Democratic Party is moving toward making a pro-choice position mandatory for anyone who wants to move up in ranks.

Could that be why Ryan switched his view on the matter?

Caitlyn Brown, Warren

Ohio must act fast to increase its shamefully low vaccination rate

In Response to the article, “Ohio Ranks Dead Last in Rate of Measles Vaccination for Toddlers,” published Feb. 8 in The Vindicator, I believe Ohio isn’t doing enough to ensure our public safety. Public health is of utmost concern in Ohio and all of the U.S., and vaccinations are a vital part of our public health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, measles were eradicated in the U.S. as of 2000. What happened? Measles were eradicated because of vaccinations.

Do Americans now think they no longer have to vaccinate their kids? The article is correct that we need to extend vaccination requirements to licensed day cares, but that isn’t going to be enough. Ohio needs to get rid of all vaccine exemptions except for medical.

According to the CDC website, Ohio has exemptions for religious, philosophical and temporary or permanent medical reasons. Ohio is one of 19 states that have an exemption for philosophical reasons. That is ridiculous.

Public safety should come first. Try searching the Ohio Department of Health website for useful information on measles statistics. It is laughable considering our state is “dead last” in its rate of vaccinations. ODH proposes a “Healthy People 2020 goal of increasing vaccinations among children 0-2 years of age.” Check out the chart titled, “Ohio Immunization Coverage Rates.” In every category, the rate of immunization has gone down from 2006 to 2013. Clearly Ohio is not doing enough.

Jake Myers, Cortland

With so many snow days, students fail to learn how to be responsible

Are school administrators being careless with our children’s education? I say yes.

Mahoning Valley schools are on the way to a longer school year. That’s partly because many schools are closing or delaying, even during the mildest winter weather. What are these students going to do when they enter the working world? Most employers are open on time during cold, snowy weather in the Valley. The constant cancellation of classes is teaching students that it’s OK to stay home.

Superintendents need to consider that students need to be shown a certain level of difficulty that is going to help maximize their creativity and benefit their futures. Do adults get to call off work when it’s cold and snowy outside? As children become adults, they’re entrusted with the responsibility of knowing when it is unsafe to leave their home.

As a YSU student, I have had one snow day in four years along with no delays. Granted I drive to school, and some children have to walk or get dropped off. The constant cancellation and delaying of classes for Mahoning Valley schools is interfering with class schedules.

School administrators need to give students the responsibilities to become a successful adult.

Amanda Lehnerd, New Middletown