New Zealand is model for US on gun violence

Opinion: March 31, 2019 at 12:00a.m.

Once upon a time in America, the mass slaughter of innocents evoked much more than mere thoughts and prayers, but rather real reform to address the underlying causes. One such time was March 25, 1911, when 146 workers, mostly young immigrant women and girls, suffered terribly agonizing deaths in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in New York City.

Within two years of that preventable tragedy, some 60 progressive labor laws enhancing workplace safety were enacted.

Fast forward to 2019. On March 15, 50 Muslims at worship were slaughtered in New Zealand by a white nationalist using assault weapons. Within 72 hours, a nationwide ban on all weapons used by the mass murderer was passed there.

Safety at worship here and now, like safety at work back then, demands a similar strong progressive reform response in the USA.

Werner Lange, Newton Falls

Spins on Mueller probe barreled out of control

The Mueller report is concluded and has found nothing worth attempting a follow on prosecution regarding possible collusion with a foreign power to conspire to fix the election of the president, but leaves the possibility of obstruction of justice charges open to question.

At last, we can move on to enjoy attempts by the White House to attack everyone by claiming “a complete and total exoneration,” the first lie of their great offense is a good defense strategy, for two years, at least, or four years at worst. The two years necessary to conclude the Mueller investigation are not “a shame for our country”, but the glory of our country as a nation of laws to enforce equal treatment of every citizen – even divisive demagogues.

To be sure, there are many examples of justice, or injustice, for sale based on which party can afford superior legal representation. Thankfully, there are not so many in our justice system as there are examples of legislative and executive branches of government being at the beck and call of whoever offers the most money to fund election campaigns and related costs.

This was evident during the Mueller investigation. During the past two years, what the truth of the investigation would be and what the necessity of the investigation may have been was unimportant relative to how either party spun the fact of its existence to their advantage in public opinion and party coffers. Both sides nearly spun themselves off their axles.

Meanwhile, the people’s business such as foreign relations, comprehensive (and comprehendible) tax and immigration legislation, affordable health care, homelessness, skyrocketing costs for education, global warming, and on and on have been completely neglected in the rush to find personal and party political advantage.

I’m glad our justice system worked, and I hope it keeps on working. I’m sad that government is still for sale. I don’t believe that Congress and the executive can walk and chew gum at the same time unless they are walking toward cash to buy more gum and manage not to trip over each other en route.

Jim Cartwright, Canfield

GM workers won’t give up

How do you say good-bye to something that has been a rock and definitely a foundation to build on? It is like losing a family member and a very sweet and compassionate family member who had every one of your backs.

We at GM Lordstown are down, but we are not beaten, nor will we be beaten. United we stand, divided we fall, but we are all together.

The squeaky wheel gets the oil. We stay to help each other. We will come back, both strong and united, with one goal, stick together, pray and never ever give up.

We are still Lordstown GM Assembly Plant. We will never be defeated.

Kelly Banks, Youngstown

Leave judging up to God

I wish to respond to a Letter to the Editor in last Sunday’s Vindicator titled “Embracing LGBT people goes against Scripture.” The author quoted Scripture explaining how these people will be judged by God and sent to hell.

First: Jesus said, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.” Matthew 7:1-2

Second: When Jesus was asked, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” Jesus replied, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.’ Matthew 22:34-39

Therefore, we should listen to Jesus’ words and follow His instructions.

Love our fellow man and leave the judging up to Him. And pray for mercy on everyone’s soul especially your own.

Roberta Matteucci, North Lima

Liberty trustee clarifies position on recycling

Thank you for making recycling an important issue in your paper, but your editorial of March 29 regarding Liberty Township recycling needs clarification.

It has always been a passion of mine to have curbside recycling to make it simpler for my residents to recycle. We began our program with small recycling containers. As time went on I negotiated with our company, Republic, to provide our residents with 96 gallon containers with wheels, with no additional charge to our residents.

Republic also, as part of our contract, has saved the township $10,000 per year (what we paid to remove all township trash before this contract) by taking care of all township trash at the fire department, police department, road department, parks and along Belmont Avenue where we have our pedestrian oases. That is $110,000 over 11 years!

When the general manager of Republic came twice to speak to my board to explain what China is requiring for recyclable materials, 99.5 percent pure uncontaminated, I was concerned about losing this much appreciated service. The company has had to pay to get rid of some of the recyclables collected. Because Republic is committed to providing the service of curbside recycling to our residents, they have proposed a 95-cent increase to their monthly charged customers. The “bag program” would not have an increase. Giant Eagle sells Republic garbage bag rolls for $20/roll as a service to the township and Republic.

This is an additional program we negotiated for those residents who have limited garbage. They purchase the bags and also get curbside recycling at no extra charge. These residents don’t have monthly garbage bills.

The chairman of the board, Arnold Clebone, was the only board member who expressed possibly eliminating our recycling service to our residents. There was no collective vote on this issue. The editorial in the paper stated that “officials of Liberty Township were considering eliminating pickup service or changing the frequency to once per month” wasn’t true. In that same meeting, I specifically stated that, “our residents have been extremely satisfied with our recycling and Republic services.”

This program, at that time, was a difficult feat to accomplish as very few or no townships have one waste hauler. It took three years to research and organize this service for my residents. I want to continue this service as much as possible with the same frequency.

Our past law director negotiated this contract 11 years ago. Our new law director has reviewed our contract and it isn’t up until October. At that time, it is my hope that we can continue with this company with the small additional increase they are requesting to continue our service.

Jodi K. Stoyak, Liberty

Jodi K. Stoyak is a Liberty Township trustee.