We shouldn’t ignore facts pertaining to immigrants

We shouldn’t ignore facts pertaining to immigrants

I respect the author of a letter in last Sunday’s Vindicator (“Immigrants must learn the language we speak and accept core beliefs”) and the concerns she feels so deeply. Perhaps a way to come together on this important and potentially divisive issue for our nation begins with a thoughtful consideration of some of the facts involved.

1. Although I have not had vast experience with people from other countries seeking to make a home here, I have not encountered any who are not ready and willing to learn our language. For over 30 years The English Center, a nonprofit organization, as well as the English Language Institute at YSU have enabled countless people to accomplish the difficult task of mastering American English. The notion that the vast majority refuse to learn is no more true today than it was a century ago.

2. For reasons I still am unable to understand, some insist there is disrespect for the customs they cherish or that they are somehow prohibited from freely exercising their religion. There is no evidence such behavior is widespread. Moreover, there seems to be a notion that celebrating the cultural traditions of others shows a similar lack of consideration. The international festivals and celebrations enjoyed by many Valley residents would seem to indicate these too are fallacies.

3. It’s important not to confuse “immigrants” and “refugees.” While members of both groups have compelling reasons for wanting to be here, refugees are fleeing conditions you and I cannot begin to imagine and therefore merit special consideration. In addition, significant research indicates how our economy has benefited from the presence of those who come here seeking to share in the American dream.

We can find a way to move on from the simple idea that there are two sides to every story. We are and always will be a nation of people from every country on the planet. Let’s find a way to make that work for all of us. The clock is ticking.

John Polanski, Mineral Ridge

Plan for Poland Forest must avoid doing harm

The Poland Forest Board adopted a forest management plan that will convert more than one-half of the Poland Municipal Forest into a woodlot. This adoption was done in haste without debate, citizen input, expert testimony, consideration of alternative management strategies, cost estimates and without a cost/benefit analysis.

The plan does not even consider many forest uses and values, including ecological services, existence, legacy, historical, and research values. The plan is contrary to the wishes of Grace Butler, the major land donor to the forest, who states in the deed of transfer that the forest “… is to be kept in its natural state so far as possible.”

Although the plan contains many useful suggestions and information, it is fundamentally flawed by a management philosophy that embraces timber production. Included in the recommended management practices are: “thinning,” cutting trees that compete with and, “cleaning,” removal of vegetation from around saplings of desirable species; “killing vines,” native vines that grow into the forest canopy; “removal of invasive shrubs,” by pulling, cutting, grubbing, machines, and herbicides and “planting desirable species.”

If these practices are carried out, the character of the Poland Forest will be altered for centuries.

The Poland Municipal Forest is a special place in Northeastern Ohio. It is a green island in a sea of urban development. It is unique in its diversity of plants and animals. The forest is noted for its outstanding display of spring wild flowers and autumn colors. Many older trees in the forest were growing during the Revolutionary War. The younger trees now stand witness to the demise of the steel industry in Ohio and other changes occurring in the Valley. With each passing year its wildness and value increase. The axiom, attributed to Hippocrates, advising physicians in the practice of medicine to “first do no harm” also applies to the management of the Poland Forest.

Lauren Schroeder, Poland

Nurses seek safe staffing by hospitals’ new owner

In light of the recent announcement regarding the sale of ValleyCare Health System of Ohio to Steward Health Care System of Boston, the Ohio Nurses Association is hopeful that Steward Health Care will implement safe nurse-staffing protocols to ensure high quality patient care and optimal nurse safety.

In 2015, ONA, in conjunction with 52 nurses, filed mass grievances against Community Health System’s Northside Medical Center because they were being forced to work mandatory overtime even though their contract prohibited this practice. As a result, ONA and the nurses won the arbitration against CHS.

ONA looks forward to working with the hospital’s management to prioritize patient care and nurse safety.

Mandatory overtime contributes heavily to nurse fatigue that can lead to errors and jeopardized patient care. This is not only a problem in Youngstown, but across Ohio. ONA is working diligently with Ohio’s nurses to build upon the safe staffing law we helped pass in 2008, and is developing budget language, which will address safe staffing policies, including mandatory overtime.

Lori Chovanak, Columbus

Lori Chovanak is the chief executive officer of the Ohio Nurses Association.

Keep Chief Wahoo alive; logo is not racially biased

It was reported in The Vindicator’s “Sports Digest” Jan. 28 that Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has discussed solutions regarding the Cleveland Indians “divisive” Chief Wahoo logo with Indians owner Paul Dolan. The baseball club is under pressure to retire its smiling, red-faced logo.

The graphic is viewed as racially insensitive. As a baseball fan and rights crusader, I see both sides and conclude, I hope reasonably, that the figure in question is not insensitive, but rather promotes native identity and emphasizes that Native American is central pillar of American culture.

The smile is viewed as insensitive, but smiling is never insensitive. Smiling is welcoming and shared. The red face is viewed as insensitive. However, the combination of red, blue, white allude to the flag, not a racial stereotype left over from early journalism.

It is felt that the cartoonish face insults native character. But the curves and lines that compose the drawing are speaking of a mathematical relationship, not a cultural and personal. All graphic depictions, it must be admitted, are stereotypes. Some few are directed to harm. Most are intentioned to entertain. Chief Wahoo is a popular and universal symbol of sport and promotes native identity. A polite thank you should be tendered, not a demand to discontinue.

Jim Villani, Boardman

Protest – in a peaceful and civilized manner

I believe and respect peaceful protest. The work and behavior of some of the protesters are making themselves be viewed as a mob with brain slippage and sore losers who cannot accept defeat.

Their hatred of President Trump won’t change the fact he was fairly and legally elected.

If the Democratic Party once held in high esteem wishes to repair its image, it is in desperate need of good behavior and civilized manners. Hate does not repair anything. It is defeating and destructive.

Protest peacefully and intelligently instead of with a mob mentality is the way protests should be handled. Anything less defeats the purpose. Respect and best wishes.

Mary Lou Jurina, Youngstown