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Think about what TDS may bring to America after Nov. 3
DEAR EDITOR:
Democrats suffering with TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) hate Trump so bad they will say anything to denigrate him. A recent letter writer wrote that ICE took a 5-year-old child into court with no family or lawyer. That doesn't even make sense, yet Democrats believe that garbage. Obama gave a medal to his ICE director for deporting 900,000 illegals. Trump's ICE director is a racist and Nazi. They are the same man, Tom Homan.
Most of the Democrats don't even know why they hate Trump, they just do. When asked to explain the hatred, they cannot articulate true reasons.
By every metric the economy is better now than under Biden. Currently inflation is 3.7%; with Biden, 21%. Gas today is $4 a gallon, Biden $5.02. The poverty rate is 10.2%, the lowest in history. Median household income is $87,460, the highest in the world. The Iran war costs $40 billion, less than 25% of the fraud in California.
Trump looks at the economy through a macroeconomic lens. He sees the big picture, and he looks at the entire economy, tracking aggregate outcomes and builds for the future. The $18 trillion of outside investment is being built now.
Toyota is building a $3.6 billion car plant. Elon Musk is building a $119 billion new Telefab plant. Taiwan Semiconductor is building a $100 million chip plant. This and many other investments will create a job boom like never seen before. The stock market has broken 81 records, and controls $32.4 trillion of net worth.
When Trump threatens other countries like Greenland with use of force, it is a negotiating tool. We now control Greenland and its rare earth minerals, and no force was used.
Sen. Jon Husted recently wrote a bill to control AI data centers. The centers must pay for all utilities independently of the area where they build. That includes providing free electricity for the community they build in. Congress passed the bill 417-3.
The Senate defeated the bill. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said they would not pass a bill that helps Husted in his Senate race. So hurt the entire country to help a Democrat get elected. Pathetic.
Hakeem Jeffries, Schumer and the Democrats are on board with the Democratic Socialists of America platform. Once they are in control, they will create Medicare for all, all private medical insurance ends at a cost of $50 trillion for 10 years. That's $355,000 per household.
Transition to all renewable energy in four years and goodbye fossil fuels. Everything will be electric. What happens during a storm? Who pays for all of this? Voting rights for all, including illegals. ICE will be defunded.
Nov. 3 represents an unrecognizable Democrat revolutionary party driven by Islamic-sympathizing Socialists. If they win, even the most lurid liberal claims about the economy will pale in comparison to what's to come.
STEVE DUNN
Canfield
Translating Trump's words to the truth
DEAR EDITOR:
It may be useful to compare what Trump says to what's true before voting.
Trump newspeak: Liberation Day.
Truth: I am imposing tariffs to raise the cost of tariffed imports that you will pay in increased cost for those goods. It's a tax that accrues to you without subsequent benefit to the public good. Plus, they make me look tough until I TACO.
Trump newspeak: They are all murderers, drug dealers and rapists.
Truth: Most immigrants are escaping persecution to build productive lives here.
Trump-speak: We obliterated their nuclear weapons and missile capability.
Truth: I ordered enough explosives dropped to make for great TV bloviation, but lasting benefits are unknown because I tore up the Obama treaty that permitted neutral party monitoring of these activities and limited their scope.
Trump-speak: I attacked Iran to ensure they never get nuclear weapons.
Truth: I attacked Iran with all the strategic thinking of a drug dealer drive-by so now I can send your kids to storm Kharg Island. Let's hope we have sufficient munitions to keep China from closing the South China Sea or Russia from invading Europe. I'll blame Hegseth. Plus, Junior will make a bundle on drones.
Trump-speak: I'm going to let my health secretary go crazy at CDC.
Truth: Incompetence attracts incompetence. People are dying of measles. Vital research funds have been extorted from universities, drug costs are sky high, benefits are being cut, and hospitals are closing. Crazy lies, eh. Vote for truth early before you forget the truth amid the blather.
Trump-speak: I brought in oil from Russia to help lower diesel prices.
Truth: I bought (with your money) a tanker full of oil from Russia to help my pal Putin continue his invasion of Ukraine. When refined, that's about an estimated two days worth of diesel that will not be available until after the midterms, from a nation we're boycotting. That will help Putin destroy a legitimate government. It might win votes for Trump minions. There's no chance it will lower fuel prices.
JIM CARTWRIGHT
Canfield
Is freedom of speech
gone in Youngstown?
DEAR EDITOR:
On Oct. 12, a woman was assaulted at the rally held by President Donald Trump at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown. Her offense? Wearing a shirt that said "Release the Epstein Files," which in fact is something of a bipartisan rallying cry these days.
This, however, evidently offended nearby rally goers. An altercation ensued, and three men proceeded to beat this woman, punch her in the face, push her head into the concrete. President Trump? He did not encourage moderation, but applauded the assault, and insulted the woman because he said she was fat.
She was removed by security and the three men were … well, nothing. Crickets. There is no investigation, no charges of assault, nothing.
A day later, one of the men posted on his Facebook page bragging about how he punched her and identifying his two helpers. Despite that they helped out by identifying themselves, there seems to be no interest on the part of the local law officials or the Mahoning County district attorney.
I wonder if this had happened at a "No Kings" rally, would there be similar inattention? Free speech is free speech -- either we all have it or nobody has it. Assault is assault -- either it is prosecuted for all or it is punishment for holding a different view than the next guy.
But in Mahoning County, it looks like it is "a nation, divided, with liberty and justice only for those who vote the way we like." Shame on you.
CAROLINE KOVAC
Chardon
What's Sherrod Brown
ever done for Ohioans?
DEAR EDITOR:
Can anyone tell me of any accomplishments of Sherrod Brown? Did he author any bills in Congress or just add his name as a co-sponsor to other peoples' work?
STEPHEN GOSKE
Canfield
Working people should back Sherrod Brown
DEAR EDITOR:
Working people in Ohio need a U.S. senator who will fight for us, not someone like Sen. Jon Husted, who said in a Jan. 16 interview with WOWO radio that "our work ethic is broken."
Jon Husted does not seem to understand that Ohioans are working harder than ever, but we are struggling to make ends meet with the soaring costs of gas, groceries, housing, healthcare and childcare, and little to no wage growth.
Ohioans who work for a living should send Sherrod Brown back to the U.S. Senate because he has a proven track record of always working for working people, not wealthy corporate donors and tech billionaires.
RON GAY
Youngstown
Beating at Trump rally
cannot go unpunished
DEAR EDITOR:
This is an open letter to Sheriff Jerry Greene, Mahoning County Sheriff's Office;
Chief of Police Sharon Cole, Youngstown Police Department;
Youngstown Mayor Derrick McDowell,
I am writing to express deep concern about the assault of a female protester at the Covelli Centre on Monday night, Oct. 12, 2026.
Local, state and national news reports show that a woman was tackled, had her hair pulled, had her head shoved into the concrete floor, and was punched in the face by several men while trying to express her views. This violence happened inside a secure venue with law enforcement present, while the crowd chanted "USA, USA" and the president encouraged the removal of protesters.
Deputies removed the injured victim but let her attackers stay inside and finally go home without any consequences. This decision is a serious failure of public safety.
Allowing men to beat a woman in public while a crowd cheers and law enforcement stands by is incredibly dangerous. Indeed it resembles misogynistic authoritarianism or even strict Sharia Law, where authorities allow violence against women who speak out. It signals that women will lose their legal protections and safety if they express an unapproved opinion.
Your offices need to remedy this failure immediately:
● To the Mahoning County sheriff -- Your response goes against General Order 6.2, which promises competent, professional service and community safety. Claiming you cannot act because the traumatized victim did not file an immediate report ignores the video evidence. Your duty is to protect everyone, not just rally attendees.
● To the Youngstown police chief and mayor -- This happened in your city. Allowing political violence against women to go unpunished hurts Youngstown's reputation and makes community members and visitors feel unsafe.
The Mahoning County Sheriff's Office and the Youngstown Police Department must use video footage and witness statements to identify and prosecute the men responsible. You must send a clear message that political violence and attacking women will not be tolerated.
I look forward to your quick public response and action.
BRIAN HALLIDAY
Shaker Heights
Voters can trust record
of Keith Faber for AG
DEAR EDITOR:
As Mahoning County auditor, I know firsthand how important it is to have a state auditor who understands local government, respects taxpayers and demands accountability.
I've worked with Keith Faber and his office, and I've seen the seriousness they bring to protecting public dollars. Keith understands that government accountability isn't about headlines. It's about doing the hard work, asking tough questions and making sure taxpayers get the honest, responsible government they deserve.
Under his leadership, the Ohio Auditor's Office has secured 171 criminal convictions and identified more than
$29 million in findings for recovery. Those results matter to communities like ours, where every taxpayer dollar counts.
The Attorney General's Office requires that same commitment to integrity, accountability and the rule of law.
I know Keith's record because I've worked with his office. He understands the challenges local officials face and the importance of holding those who abuse the public trust accountable.
That's why I'm confident Keith Faber will make an outstanding attorney general for Ohio.
RALPH MEACHAM
Lake Milton
Issue 4 is vital to all
in Mahoning County
DEAR EDITOR:
Imagine having a baby or a grandbaby born with a rare syndrome or medical fragility? The Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities is often one of the first on the scene to assist parents, family and even medical professionals. Imagine your child or young adult suffering a traumatic brain injury through disease, a gunshot, a vehicle accident? MCBDD is there to help. Imagine having an adult child or sibling with severe behavioral issues, mental health issues, a developmental disability? MCBDD is there to assist.
There are more and more people being diagnosed with developmental disabilities, the number of autism spectrum diagnoses alone is staggering. The MCBDD is there for these people in myriad ways.
Please remember that because of the monies raised by our tax levies, the MCBDD can pay a living wage to caregivers, people who help others in the restroom, when bathing, assisting them with medical care, distributing medications, transporting them, staying with them when they are ill or are deeply lonely. I believe a true measure of society's worth is how its members treat those on the fringes of their society: the weak, the downtrodden, those who are often born with illnesses and little chance of becoming successful members of society. The MCBDD does this, they help create successful members of society. This helps us all.
Please don't listen to those who aren't on the front lines and only look at numbers. These beautiful people with disabilities are not numbers. They need detailed care. Their parents and families need advice, a break. They need caregivers. It is vital to our community. We need to take care of those less fortunate and those who care for them. Do not be distracted by false information.
Please vote "Yes" on Issue 4 on the ballot this fall. We all benefit. It is a vote for kindness much needed by us all.
JIMMY SUTMAN
Youngstown
Fight for your rights
or lose them to Trump
DEAR EDITOR:
White House counselor, Kellyanne Conway, under President Donald Trump's first administration, introduced us to the term "alternative facts." Although accepted by most to mean a deliberate misrepresentation of the truth, the term has become the cornerstone of Trump's many false allegations. Because Trump's supporters have eagerly embraced the concept that "truth" can be manipulated to mean whatever they are told it means, our upcoming midterm federal elections are going to erupt into chaos as Trump will again sow false narratives about any congressional or gubernatorial seat that is lost to a Democrat.
In the event that Trump directs his FBI and his Department of Justice to seize our voting machines and confiscate our ballots based on groundless accusations of corruption and fraud in our state elections, it is imperative that the governors and attorneys general and "we the people" of our United States be prepared, at all costs and by whatever means necessary, to protect and defend the sovereignty of our state-run elections and the sanctity of our voting rights.
Author and civil liberties advocate Salman Rushdie tells us that the only rights we have under our government are the rights we are willing to fight for. If we are not willing to fight for those rights, not only will we lose them, but we will no longer be deserving of them.
THOMAS BRENT
Struthers
Blame Republicans for
need for local tax levies
DEAR EDITOR:
When I moved back to the Mahoning Valley, I was surprised at the political changes.
I had retired as a county libray director in another Ohio county. It was a very popular and active community library. THEREFORE, I understand a little about politics and the response of elected officials.
I recently wrote U.S. Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, and U.S. Rep. Mike Rulli about my concerns about the funding and renaming.of the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center. I received responses on how great President Trump is doing without ONE SINGLE word about the Kennedy Center. Do these elected officials think citizens are that dumb?
In the state arena, the everyday voter does not get it. The citizen is blaming local entities, schools, libraries, and other bodies that go for levies about more funding.
I guess one has to be alert. The Republicans everyone keeps electing have been robbing local entities, forcing them to go for more local levies to survive. The promised state funding has little by little been shaved off every budget year.
The everyday citizen does not understand those facts and points the finger and wants to punish local entities by starving their budgets. BLAME THE LOCALS WHEN YOU KEEP VOTING FOR THE REAL CULPRITS!
It is not rational to keep voting for these Republicans, both federal and state. If you keep voting the way you vote, you will get what you always get from these people.
On the federal level, Democrats gave us the 40-hour work week, civil rights, Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment insurance and much more.
That is the socialism the Republicans are talking about. Government is not a business and does not make a profit. Government is here to serve citizens. Is that what your vote is doing?
If you keep doing what you always do, you will get what you always get!
JOSEPH C. PALMER
Poland
Vote for HR 6347 is vote for all children
DEAR EDITOR:
Every child deserves the opportunity to grow up healthy, learn, and reach their potential. Yet millions of children worldwide face extreme poverty and barriers to adequate nutrition, healthcare and early learning.
Early childhood is a critical period for development. When children lack essential support during these early years, the consequences can affect every aspect of their lives.
The Global Child Thrive Reauthorization Act of 2025 (HR 6347) would extend the Global Child Thrive Act through 2030, continuing efforts to integrate early childhood development into U.S. foreign assistance programs.
This legislation represents an opportunity for Congress to reaffirm its commitment to vulnerable children. Coordinating assistance around children's health, nutrition, early learning,and social-emotional development can help ensure that programs address their needs more effectively.
As a regional director with The Borgen Project, I believe addressing global poverty should remain an important part of America's international engagement. Supporting children is an investment in stronger communities and better opportunities for future generations.
I urge U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli to co-sponsor HR 6347 and encourage House leadership to bring it to the floor for consideration. Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and Congress should act to help make that possible.
JUSSARA DINSIO
Salem
Hungarian immigrants
give thanks to America
DEAR EDITOR:
On the 23rd of this month, Hungarians around the world commemorated the 70th anniversary of the start of the 1956 Hungarian revolution that, some 10 days later, was brutally crushed by forces of the former Soviet Union.
My future wife and I, both natives of Hungary , arrived in the U.S. as refugees as a result of this conflict. We were teenagers; neither of us spoke any English. Like other refugees before and since, America welcomed us. We tried our best to reciprocate in kind. Our willingness to work, our natural desire to excel, combined with the unique opportunities offered by this unusually tolerant and generous land, brought out the best in us. We achieved goals we could not have dreamed of within the confines of our former homeland.
We became part of the multinational and multicultural stew that continues to stir in the symbolic American melting pot. No other country in the world has such a proud history of welcoming, in the immortal words of Emma Lazarus, "your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."
Thank you, America, for granting us that opportunity. May your welcome mat never be tarnished!
STEPHEN and BRIGITTA HANZELY
Poland
The League of Women
Voters gives assistance
DEAR EDITOR:
The League of Women Voters would never tell you who to vote for or how you should vote. They would never back a particular candidate or political party. However, in true nonpartisan spirit, the LWV will tell you important information to consider when you make your vote.
The LWV is a national group consisting of women and men who are passionate about democracy. As such, they believe that everyone regardless of color, creed, religion and gender has a sacred right to have their voice heard. That no one in America is better than anyone else.
The LWV was formed in 1920 when women were given the right to vote after 70 years of struggle. The women who fought were insightful enough to know voting rights had to be protected, not just for women but for everyone.
Since then, you will find the LWV taking a firm stand for democracy: fighting for democracy, working to protect the Constitution, defending against gerrymandering and providing education to encourage a vibrant and informed electorate.
I would strongly encourage you to vote in the Midterm Election on Nov. 3. Check out the LWV's www.VOTE411.org to find your personalized voting guide. You can see who is on your ballot, register to vote, check your voter registration, find your polling place and more.
ANNE HUTCHISON
Villa Maria, Pa.
Many political ads
are simply outrageous
DEAR EDITOR:
Now that silly season is in full swing, my random thoughts have morphed into "You can't make this stuff up."
Do truth-in-advertising laws apply to political ads? It doesn't appear so to me. Why is the side of the aisle crying the loudest about gas and diesel prices -- the same one that, not long ago, wanted to abolish internal combustion engines, as they closed electric plants?! It seems they go whichever way the wind is blowing.
That same side of the aisle gets their panties in a bunch as they "have to do something," even if it's wrong. Then their plan is to throw away money, our money. And, if/when that fails, they want to throw more money at it. It sounds like the definition of insanity to me. That same side of the aisle has no plan to make a thing better for Americans, except to stop the evil orange man!
Trump has a plan to open a lot of factories, foundries, smelters and power plants and build a skilled workforce with decent-paying jobs--like FDR had done before World War II.
(Eleven, it still makes me laugh!) The sad part is, a lot of people voted for her.
I also find it sad that history will remember Christina Pike's name and not her victim, Colleen Slemmer's. The gallows with the noose and firing squad were very effective for a long time. How about getting Death Row inmates all the heroin they want? They will kill themselves and be happy while doing it.
In closing, I know it's not realistic to want Ward and June Cleaver's America -- but, with more decent and good-paying jobs, one income could buy a house and raise a family.
Then work on the schools -- stick to the three "Rs" and accurate history. We seem to have at least two generations of stupid kids of voting age. It's easy to vote communist but impossible to vote (communists) out. If both parents want to work, it is better than both parents needing to.
TIM VAN DYKE
Struthers
Message at No Kings:
Your vote does matter
DEAR EDITOR:
On a clear, sunny Saturday afternoon, more than 200 people from across the Valley gathered at the Mahoning County Courthouse. Some had rearranged work, found a caregiver or set aside fall chores to be there. We came together under one clear message: Your vote matters.
"No Kings" began as a nationwide day of protest in June 2025 and grew into repeated national mobilizations. The June and October 2025 demonstrations were among the largest single-day protests in U.S. history. This October's No Kings events focused on early voting and voter participation.
The movement describes its events as nonpartisan with a commitment to nonviolence and deescalation. This action-focused movement is aimed at encouraging U.S. citizens to use their voice and get civically engaged.
Here in Youngstown, speakers at the rally spoke about issues close to home: the food insecurity crisis that leaves 1 in 4 children in the Mahoning Valley relying on food assistance, the potential effects of data center deals obfuscated from the communities they will impact most, and state funding decisions that leave Ohio the state with the most school levies in the country. Speakers also shared concrete ways to support voter turnout, protect voters, and help people make a plan to vote.
These concerns can feel disconnected from a visit to the ballot box. But local and state decisions shape our schools, services, neighborhoods and daily lives. Voting gives us a way to influence who makes those decisions--and showing up for one another can help more people use that right.
When asked why she came out to the rally, Darlene Petrolla of Poland emphasized the importance of voting saying, "Voting is the tenet of our democracy." Another attendee put stakes plainly: "Our democracy is going to die in silence if we don't speak up." Sue Desko, who lives in Austintown, connected her commitment to democracy to her upbringing. Her father served in the Navy during World War II, and she said she was taught that fascism and authoritarianism are wrong. She wants her grandchildren to "grow up in a world without fascism."
Saturday's rally was a reminder to make a plan and to help others do the same. Talk with friends and family. Check in with a neighbor who may need a ride or help finding information. Make a plan to vote and follow through.
Early voting in Ohio is underway for the Nov. 3 general election. Voters can use VOTE411.org to find voting information, polling locations, and ballot details. Ohio's early in-person voting runs through Nov. 1. If you have questions about voting or need help, call or text Election Protection at 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to reach a trained volunteer.
TIFFANY STONE WOLBRECHT
Canfield
Deaf students deserve
support in city schools
DEAR EDITOR:
Each December, The Vindicator frequently publishes photo spreads featuring school-age children attending Christmas parties hosted by local community organizations including Youngstown Saxon Club and Lions Club.
For more than 30 years, the Four Square Club of Youngstown, whose members included civic leaders from the business and professional communities, hosted Christmas parties for school-age deaf children at Pleasant Grove United Presbyterian Church in Youngstown.
Four Square Club members enjoyed skits and Christmas songs performed by the deaf children, along with a visit from Santa Claus and the presentation of gifts. These occasions created cherished memories for everyone involved.
The Deaf Program within Youngstown City Schools was phased out by the Youngstown Board of Education approximately 25 years ago, after which deaf students were placed in other programs. Many continue to face insufficient support. Language deprivation, limited early access to sign language, and inadequate assistive resources can adversely affect cognitive and academic development. Consequently, deaf students across all grade levels may have fewer opportunities to participate in Christmas parties and other special academic events hosted by professional organizations in our community.
In May 2017, I requested a meeting with the superintendent of Youngstown City Schools and the supervisor of special education to learn where deaf students had been placed.
My request for this information was declined on confidentiality grounds, and my prior teaching credentials were not considered relevant. Unfortunately, the meeting did not provide the information on opportunities for school visits that I had hoped to obtain. I also learned that parents were not permitted to visit the classrooms in which their deaf children had been placed.
These circumstances raise important questions about transparency and meaningful parental involvement. Parents of deaf children deserve clear information about their children's educational settings, available support services, and opportunities to participate in school life.
I respectfully encourage Youngstown City Schools to strengthen communication with families and ensure that deaf students receive equitable support and academic and social access to enriching academic and community-sponsored programs and activities.
IRENE TUNANIDAS
Retired teacher of deaf and hearing-impaired students in the Youngstown City Schools (1972-2003)
Poland
It's time for change
in state government
DEAR EDITOR:
For the last 20-plus plus years, the state of Ohio has been governed by a gerrymandered Republican super majority. During that time Ohio has fallen to the bottom 20% (42nd) of all states in quality-of-life issues.
Among those are childcare, K-12 education, healthcare and natural environment. While it is nice for our state to be known as business-friendly, it shouldn't be done at such a cost to its residents.
We need better balance in Columbus. It's time to vote for some changes.
KEN ANDERSON
Struthers
Faber has been part of
school-funding woes
DEAR EDITOR:
At the debate between himself, Keith Faber, and Attorney John Kulewicz, Mr. Faber implied he was better qualified to be attorney general because Attorney Kulewicz was just an attorney in his private law firm as he was when he started in 2000.
What he failed to say was that he was also a representative in the Ohio Statehouse when the DeRolph decision was handed down that the school funding system was unconstitutional.
He and the state legislators ALL failed to correct the problem. Funds continue to be taken away from PUBLIC schools and diverted to PRIVATE and PAROCHIAL schools.
When you see cuts to public schools like Canfield and other local public school districts, it is due to the lack of ANY action taken at the state level.
Mr. Faber has been a part of the PROBLEM for far too long. It is time to send him home as well as the other state Republicans spending time in Columbus. Vote Kulewicz for attorney general, Kripchak for state senator and Penny for state representative this Election Day.
In 1991, a young man and his father filed suit in court to address school funding. Nathan DeRolph is now 50 years old. He was 15 when I first met him.
His own daughter is 24, older than he was when the Ohio Supreme Court ruled the Legislature had to fix school funding. His father is 76 years old. The legislators should all be removed from office for refusing to do what they were ordered to do in 2002.
It is time to clean house and follow the law. Fix school funding now!
HAROLD WILSON
Austintown