New Congress should grasp chance to solve nation’s woes

Opinion: January 12, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

The beginning of a new, two- year session of Congress offers an important opportunity for our political leaders to work together to solve our nation’s problems. No matter who we supported in the last election, we all have an opportunity to work together in the next two years to generate solutions to the many problems facing our country.

The new Congress includes more than 70 new faces that I would like to welcome (and welcome back) to Capitol Hill.

With almost two years until the next congressional elections, Congress has an opportunity: to come together and govern.

As the 114th Congress gets underway, I hope my senators and representative will work across party lines to solve the problems we face.

I support the positions of the Friends Committee on National Legislation — find out more about its work at fcnl.org.

Tammy Weatherly, Cortland

Let’s hope virus of violence can be controlled this year

Peaceful protest? Yes.

Violence? Never.

Violence against police officers or civilians will never solve problems. Violence is a contagious virus that will combine to spread and become more and more deadly if not controlled.

People of all races, nationalities and religions must learn that civilization survives when people live and obey the law we are given. Police officers risk their lives every time they put on their uniform and are deserving of society’s respect. Without the services of law and order, law-abiding people would be victims for those criminally minded.

Sadly our country is suffering with a boil on its back and will become infected by violence.

I believe in communication with those with cool and reasoning minds, and honest seekers of peace, fairness, justice and respect for all people.

I strongly urge people instead of pointing fingers at one another to put their hands together and pray for a solution to the troublesome problem.

With God’s help and prayers, may we strive for peace at the start of the new year.

Mary L. Jurina, Youngstown