Sound off!
One might guess that the 11 Youngstown City School District administrative leaders that make so much money themselves had earned GPA averages well above 2.0 and paid for their own college educations. We hear so many seeking what they deserve. My hope is they get it.
• Youngstown
Boardman must address speeding on Huntington Drive! Recently, a woman walking her dog could have been killed when a car went left of center taking down a mailbox and lamppost. The car left the scene with airbags deployed. The lamppost is still lying in the yard, a reminder of the dangerous bend and speeding here! There have been many speeding mishaps. It’s time to stop speeding in Huntington Woods! Let’s make Boardman a safe community!
• Boardman
Mandating cameras in every public-school classroom can be very beneficial. Not only are they important for security, but when discipline is in question, parents can view their “little angels” in action. Most importantly, teachers can demonstrate that they are providing the knowledge and tools necessary to pass all state testing. Parents need to consider that learning doesn’t only take place in the classroom. Lessons taught at home are also essential to a child’s success.
• New Middletown
So far this year there have been at least 72 people shot, with at least 17 dead in Youngstown. How sad that these mainly young black men don’t seem to value life. I live in Girard, bordering Youngstown. To date, shootings here are zero. I thank law-abiding people of my small city and its great police for taking care of us.
• Girard
So, all you anti-vaxers, here we are. You listened to a “leader” who railed against the COVID vaccine but quietly was one of the first to get his shots. A man who thrives on publicity didn’t want anyone to know he, too, was afraid of COVID. This individual who cares so much about his supporters never once encouraged them to protect themselves from a dangerous virus. Now people are dying again, and here we are.
• Youngstown
Watching World War II documentaries makes me glad it happened when it did. The country came together to fight a threat to our way of life. Brave soldiers sacrificed lives;
citizens sacrificed goods to help the war effort. Today, Trump supporters won’t even wear cloth over their faces and get a shot! It’s not about your “freedom;” it’s to help protect each other from a common enemy in the pandemic! Their actions are selfishness and ignorance, something in common with Trump!
• Leetonia
To the sensitive anti-socialist soul in Boardman: I’m still loving socialism as my check from Social Security is enabling me to sit on my front porch, after 35 years at work, and drop you a line while sipping coffee from a co-op farm. The late Hugo Chavez and his successor Maduro were /are Venezuelan socialists like the last president here is a conservative Republican. Two of them were / are autocratic dictators and one just an emperor want-to-be.
• Canfield
Our leader, Joe Biden: “The question is whether or not we should be in a position where you, um, are why can’t the, the experts say we know that this virus is, in fact, um, uh, it’s going to be, excuse me, we know why all the drugs are not temporarily approved but permanently approved.” Huh?
• Boardman
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“Sound off!” publishes Saturdays to provide readers with a forum to applaud successes, discuss issues, point out local problems or review events of the day — all in a constructive manner. Preference is given to local issues, but will not include local election issues. Selected “Sound off!” submissions are published. Names are not included, but residential community is.
Limit “Sound off!” comments to 80 words. Submit longer comments as “Letters to the Editor,” a separate forum that publishes Sundays.
Submit via email to soundoff@tribtoday.com; or via the Virtual Newsroom by going to www.vindy.com and clicking “Submit News” and then “Sound off.”
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Sound off!
I agree completely with your editorial on Tim Saxton retiring and getting rehired as Boardman’s superintendent. It doesn’t help community relations because no one in the private sector does this. It doesn’t pass the smell test. Let the next person lead; Tim Saxton had his chance. Also, who in the private sector has over a month of vacation accrued and / or unused? Leaders should lead by doing what is right.
• Boardman
The additional payment to supervisors for effort during the pandemic appears to be justified from all I’ve read. The problem Youngstown City Council is having in making the award would seem to be complicated by their thinking with labor mentality rather than with management mentality. In a business situation of this nature, management (council) would evaluate effort and necessity, then award a bonus accordingly. The hours would
be only one criterion
for arriving at a dollar award.
• Canfield
My recent soundoff point was not legal versus illegal immigrants. Bigots don’t care how they come here. They disparage everyone who doesn’t fit their perception of American. Cal Thomas is like bigots rioting against Italians and Catholics in Warren a century ago. Those Italians, like all other immigrants at first, worked lower-paid jobs to make their life and the country better. Immigrants often are escaping life-or-death situations. Like the Italians, they’ll make our country better.
• Campbell
The Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Elimination Provision are penalties that affect retirees in 26 states who receive pensions from government agencies that do not participate in the Social Security system. Retirees have earned Social Security retirement benefits from other work during their lifetimes or for being an eligible spouse. The GOP and WEP cut or totally eliminate their Social Security retirement benefits. The media should educate the public on ramifications these programs have on retired citizens.
• Youngstown
I once had an infected, in-grown, toenail removed under a local anesthetic. The spike the doctor removed was tiny in proportion to the painful infection it had caused. Even though I felt no pain beyond the needle used in the procedure, I did feel a great sense of relief flood through me as the offensive little spike and the rot around it was removed. I hope for the same relief when voters remove Jim Jordan from office.
• Canfield
Remember the school bully — the tough guy name-caller who took revenge on anyone who didn’t do what he said? He tried to convince some kids he was protecting them when all he really cared about was absolute power for himself. Turns out some politicians are now using that form of cruelty as campaign and governing tactics. Most of us didn’t admire the school bully when we were younger. Why would we now?
• Youngstown
Recently, a Canfield writer said he or she loved socialism. Perhaps this person should consider emigrating to Venezuela. Socialism managed to change this nation from the wealthiest country in South America into one of the poorest. Best of all, this happened in only 20 years.
• Boardman
In the interest of equality, what would be the reaction if the quarterback and I take a knee during the Black National Anthem? Remember when there was One Nation Under God?
• Columbiana
We rightfully have been led to vaccinate, and I agree, having a family of health care workers. Yet, our numbers are on the rise and everyone but those responsible are being blamed! Yes, President Biden, 5,000 illegal immigrants cross our southern border daily, and 80 percent of those are COVID positive. They are not stopped. At this rate, we will never control COVID. Disgusting!
• Canfield
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“Sound off!” publishes Saturdays to provide readers with a forum to applaud successes, discuss issues, point out local problems or review events of the day — all in a constructive manner. Preference is given to local issues, but will not include local election issues. Selected “Sound off!” submissions are published. Names are not included, but residential community is.
Limit “Sound off!” comments to 80 words. Submit longer comments as “Letters to the Editor,” a separate forum that publishes Sundays.
Submit via email to soundoff@tribtoday.com; or via the Virtual Newsroom by going to www.vindy.com and clicking “Submit News” and then “Sound off.”
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Sound off!
Finally, a front page picture and article that made me smile: Mayor Brown jumping into the Northside Pool! Here’s to a fun-filled rest of the summer!
• Youngstown
The Democrats intend to pay reparations (HR 40, 2021) to African- Americans. I never hear them mention the descendants of those Civil War soldiers that lost their lives fighting in that bloody war. Will their descendants be paid for the sacrifice made by their family members? And will those African-Americans who haven’t paid child support or other debts have money withheld?
• Hubbard
We have so much to learn and discover. We are not to advance if we are celebrating going up in the sky only 50 miles for some rich folks. Space goes on forever. It never ends. Can you imagine what is out there? Maybe millions of miles away or more.
• Boardman
A recent soundoff tried to compare current illegal immigrants with those who came from Europe. European immigrants came legally to work and make a better life. Illegal immigrants coming now across the southern border are breaking the law. What would Sound off writer from Campbell do if someone broke into his house demanding to be taken care of without doing anything? This is what illegal immigrants are doing on our southern border.
• Hubbard
Democrat Chuck Schumer says the reason for the labor shortage in the U.S. is Donald Trump’s immigration policies. Is that why we don’t have enough engineers, doctors, coders, nurses, restaurant workers and truck drivers? I think not. Could it be the 43 million abortions performed in the U.S. over that last 25 years? Of course, Schumer and the Democrats
don’t want to talk about that.
• Hubbard
They say “laughter is the best medicine,” so I’d like to thank Republicans and Donald Trump. After reading their “7-point plan,” I laughed so hard I got hiccups! Not surprisingly, each of the seven points was about what’s best for Trump. No ideas on strategy to fix issues affecting this country! It was just a plan to put himself in power like a dictator!
•Leetonia
Why do President Joe Biden and some liberal media call voter verification un-American and un-democratic? What they say are voter restrictions and suppression are what I’ve had to satisfy to vote my whole life. One “verified” voter equals one vote. They are not fooling anyone.
• Columbiana
Donald Trump said Adolf Hitler did some good things. What’s that say about Mahoning Valley Trump supporters?
• Girard
I like socialism because: our national highways, parks, educational opportunities, Social Security, voting rights, freedom of religion and speech, assisted health care, regulated product safety, trial by jury, scientific research, libraries and myriad other good things work well under its guidance. I like the last occupant of the White House because: he makes mildly amusing statements while we anxiously await those who do not yet recognize he may be a sociopathic fascist to cast off their ignorance and dump him.
• Canfield
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Have something you want to get off your chest? Share it here with other readers.
“Sound off!” publishes Saturdays to provide readers with a forum to applaud successes, discuss issues, point out local problems or review events of the day — all in a constructive manner. Preference is given to local issues, but will not include local election issues. Selected “Sound off!” submissions are published. Names are not included, but residential community is.
Limit “Sound off!” comments to 80 words. Submit longer comments as “Letters to the Editor,” a separate forum that publishes Sundays.
Submit via email to soundoff@tribtoday.com; or via the Virtual Newsroom by going to www.vindy.com and clicking “Submit News” and then “Sound off.”
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Sound off!
What a disgrace that no cameras or outsiders were permitted at the meeting discussing how the county and government officials are considering spending $250 million COVID relief dollars. The Regional Chamber’s excuse that private companies were involved is laughable. I’m sure these same private companies will benefit from the money.
Boardman
It was amusing to see The Vindicator story about a quiet July 4th in Austintown. Do trustees live in sound-proof homes? Rockets’ bright glare and sounds bursting like a battle zone. Trustees should get out and see the illegal shows going on. Yes, cost-saving fireworks were OK, but look in the neighborhoods. Animals and elderly really enjoy the noise. I back Gov. Mike DeWine’s veto of the bill to legalize fireworks.
Austintown
Joe Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday. It’s good to celebrate slavery’s end, but the far left is doing what it always does. A commercial on ABC’s show “Blackish” depicted celebrating Juneteenth as the real Independence Day. July 4th is Independence Day, when our great country was founded. Juneteenth is very important to our country, but it’s not Independence Day. Why does the far left have to cancel things instead of celebrating both days? Always dividing instead of celebrating together.
Hubbard
Pro-life supporters are up in arms about federal money being used to fund abortions. Well, I’m up in arms about federal money being given to churches and religious organizations. Why should my taxes help fund people’s superstitious beliefs? If churches and other religious organizations need money so badly, why doesn’t their God just make it appear for them? I guess he’s just not very good with money, because they always have their hands out wanting more.
Leetonia
The Democratic National Committee should denounce “defund” the police as an awful choice of words. We should look for ways to fund police programs to help improve their ability to serve and protect. Maybe it’s too late, as the GOP is already beating you over the head for a dumb choice they’ve made into a political terror weapon. Imagine that. You’re being shamed by the shameless.
Canfield
Cal Thomas recently claimed Vice President Harris is a liar, but doesn’t say how she lied or provide proof. He claims Trump had a border crisis solution with his wall. All he did was delay the flow. Thomas shows his bigotry by claiming those crossing our southern border would dilute and damage our country. I ask, what happened when penniless Italians, Irish, Poles, Greeks, Jews, Hungarians, etc. entered? We got stronger. It’ll be no different with current immigrants.
Campbell
Michael “Rock Star” Avenatti is going to prison for 30 months. He made 254 TV appearances, many on CNN. They gushed over him, and some even said he should run for president. I don’t think he can do that from prison.
Girard
On July 1, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed a budget bill containing a provision granting health care providers rights to refuse care based on “moral, ethical or religious beliefs or principles.” This opens the door for discrimination based upon a provider’s personal opinions disguised as “moral principles” that have no place in health- care decisions. It is immoral, and we demand better from our state officials elected to represent all Ohioans.
Girard
soundoff@tribtoday.com
Sound off!
Area fire districts have been on the front lines. Consider them first in disbursement of relief funds. Commissioners can right the state’s tremendous wrong!
• Canfield
The Biden administration is supporting the Green New Deal, including electric vehicles. Yet, when it comes to approving federal contracts, the Biden
administration gives the U.S. Postal Service vehicle contract to a Wisconsin company planning to produce only 10 percent of the vehicles as electric. The remainder will be internal combustion engines, whereas Workhorse / Lordstown Motors would be 100 percent electric. How hypocritical can Democrats be?
• Hubbard
Growing up, I was a Boy Scout. There were no girls in our troop. They were Girl Scouts. I used the men’s restroom; they used the women’s. Anything else was unacceptable and actually stupid. Now, we let girls play on football teams, and boys claiming to be girls kick butt in girls sports. If we send some boys to the Olympics to compete against girls of the world, would that be an equality issue? Or American stupidity in action?
• Columbiana
I hate to rain on the Juneteenth parade, but here are some facts. It was Republican President Lincoln that freed the slaves; no Democrats wanted to. It was Democrats that stood in the entrance of southern high schools and colleges, blocking entrance to black students. It was Republican President Eisenhower who called in federal troops to force their admission. Finally, William Ellison was the largest “slave owner” in South Carolina, and he was black!
•Canfield
The “making it harder for minorities to vote” lie is getting really old. This line is trotted out every time any laws are passed to ensure only legal votes are cast and counted. And it’s always said with no specifics provided.
• Austintown
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki responded to reports of nepotism in Biden’s administration, claiming it has the “highest ethical standards of any administration in history.” Closer scrutiny of family ties reveals at least 11 relatives of Biden appointees are employed in various government departments. Psaki’s sister, Antony Blinken’s wife, Jake Sullivan’s wife, brother and sister-in-law, Anita Dunn’s husband and Ron Klain’s wife are just a few recent hires. Maybe some are qualified. However, it’s worth investigating.
• Poland
Kudos to all the GOP leaders who blew off the Donald Trump tour in Lorain. Too bad you didn’t find courage in time to vote with Anthony Gonzalez to oust the threat to our republic either time he was impeached, or to speak up against his denial of the free and fair election he lost and continues to undermine following the Capitol insurrection.
• Canfield
Ohio is one of few states that applies the Windfall Elimination Provision to Social Security benefits. This fundamentally unfair policy penalizes workers who receive a pension in addition to Social Security. Since contributions were deposited into both programs, employees should receive the money they are entitled to receive. Social Security benefits should not be reduced. It is time for Ohio to end Windfall Elimination.
• Poland
One of Joe Biden’s many lies is there is no increase in the crime rate in our nation’s big cities. In Chicago alone there have been more than 800 shootings so far this year. I wonder how many it will take before Biden may say there is a problem.
• Girard
soundoff@tribtoday.com
Have something to say?
Have something you want to get off your chest? Share it here with other readers.
“Sound off!” publishes Saturdays to provide readers with a forum to applaud successes, discuss issues, point out local problems or review events of the day — all in a constructive manner. Preference is given to local issues, but will not include local election issues. Selected “Sound off!” submissions are published. Names are not included, but residential community is.
Limit “Sound off!” comments to 80 words. Submit longer comments as “Letters to the Editor,” a separate forum that publishes Sundays.
Submit via email to soundoff@tribtoday.com; or via the Virtual Newsroom by going to www.vindy.com and clicking “Submit News” and then “Sound off.”
soundoff@tribtoday.com