Society thwarts felons' re-entry; Hathorn circumvented will of people; Islamaphobes abuse free speech; YDC is godsend

Felons seeking to start new life too often get thwarted

I’m writing this letter out of extreme frustration. When a person is convicted of a felony and sentenced to prison to serve their sentence, you might assume that after they have completed their sentence, they would return to society and become productive citizens.

In reality that is the furthest thing from the truth. When they are released, they are thwarted at every turn from doing just that. They assume that they have paid their debt to society, but the reality is they are continued to be punished – especially if they are a woman with children. Women returning to the community find that not only are they continued to be punished, but their children are as well. They can’t find employment, and they can’t find a place to rent for themselves and their children, and that is just the tip of the iceberg. They don’t qualify for government housing. It is these things that cause so many to end up back in prison.

My daughter is one of these people who will be punished for the rest of their lives. Right now she is in desperate need of a place to live ,and each time she goes to see a suitable place in an area with good schools for her children, she is turned away because she is a felon. Even if she has three months’ rent in advance, she is unable to find a place. These places she has went to look at are not the top of the line, in plush neighborhoods. It is unfair when she is trying so hard to make a life for herself and her family. It is a sad commentary on our judicial system and our way of life.

Keith R. Beal, Franklin, Pa.

Youngstown schools chief ignored will of the people

I attended the Academic Distress Commission meeting when the decision was made to provide additional funds for tutoring in an attempt to meet the requirements for the Third- Grade Reading Guarantee. Yet, there has been less than 100 percent passing rate, even after spending additional funds.

I was present at the first meeting with a neighborhood group when we were informed by our new superintendent that whether we “liked it or not,” there was going to be a levy.

I was present at a board meeting when I publicly addressed the ungodly hours our children wait in the dark in dangerous neighborhoods for their school bus. My message was completely ignored.

I was present at a board meeting when I presented my views about the lack of sleep our children get because of the bus schedules. At each, your superintendent was present.

In my memory this was the first time the public had input in selection of our new superintendent, yet, this is the worst example of leadership circumventing the will of the people! Our parents have put trust in this operation, and it continues to fail us. Much hype is being made about the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, but what of grades 4 to 12 – what is to become of them?

While attending a commission meeting, I learned of the poor attendance rate of our teachers and the subsequent impact this has on children’s academic performance. What has been done to improve teachers’ attendance rates?

In the May 31 edition of your paper, board president Brenda Kimble clearly identified that the superintendent had early plans to leave, despite his claims that he left because of board micromanagement. Since when does an employee fail to respond to the requests of his superiors, namely members of the board? Since when is a subordinate allowed to dictate to his supervisor?

Youngstown, wake up! Two things are clear: First, as parents of our children – even though you may work splits ortwo or even three jobs – you need to become part of a parental investigation into learning the truth about the poor classroom management, the frequency of substitute-teacher use, and the updated regulations on your child’s IEP evaluation reviews.

Second, your newly chosen superintendent will need to clearly understand that, according to administrative policy in Ohio, he or she and the school treasurer are subordinate to the board. These two staff persons are the only employees the school board members have and are answerable to the school board employing them.

Delores T. Womack, Warren

Islamaphobes abuse rights

Another “Draw the Prophet Muhammad” cartoon contest took place recently outside of a Phoenix mosque, followed by anti-Islam protests. The event organizer called for participants to wear T-shirts that cursed Islam and to bring firearms. I think freedom of speech is a beautiful thing in America, which should be given to all humans of the world. However, I do not understand why Islamaphobes continue to abuse the right, by being disrespectful, provocative, and hateful at such an absurd level.

How can the event’s organizer, a former Marine, betray his fellow brothers of the military who are serving in unstable Islamic countries, by feeding into the narrative that the West is at war with Islam? It is time to drop the hateful rhetoric and instead approach our differences in a peaceful way.

Labeeb Ahmad, North Canton

Labeeb Ahmad is regional representative for the Muslim Writers Guild.

To some, YDC is godsend

For the people in this area and families of the disabled, we weigh our decisions from compassion, love and affordability. I have been at the Youngstown Developmental Center with a veterans group to post the colors and give a speech about Veterans Day.

What I saw stirred my inner feelings about the disabled and the handicapped – human beings who had to be cared for, some unable to speak, others confined to a wheel chair. What caught my attention was the fact that with all these unimaginable conditions, their faces were beaming with love, happiness and joy because we were there in uniform with the flag, singing “God Bless America.”

It hit me hard emotionally. The environment was wonderful to see. They gave me a tour of the facility and the workshop. The staff that cared for them are angels, dedicated to the disabled.

I knew of a few families with loved ones there, and it is a godsend in their eyes. There is no doubt in my mind YDC is where it should stay. Now, the government has a different view of the situation,; its mindset is all about numbers. The human factor is not in the equation.

The government decided to do away with most mental facilities. The mentally ill today are housed in jails and prisons across the U.S. I feel it is major blunders from the top causing heartaches in this nation, and we seem to be at their mercy.

Paul Lawson, McDonald