Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

NEXSTAR station WYTV won't broadcast the returning Jimmy Kimmel show. They also own WKBN. I wonder what other items NEXSTAR is forcing these local channels to suppress? Makes you think, aye?

-- Boardman

As a frequent patron of Mahoning County libraries primarily the Poland location. I disagree with keeping the same building. Historical rhetoric aside. All other branches are easily accessed on just one floor and should be the same for all and often the elevator is not working. Time for a change.

-- Boardman

You would think Trump voters would be outraged that they were being treated like chumps for believing him. Not only did he lie about improving the economy, ending the war in Ukraine on Day 1, solving the crisis in the Middle East, protecting Medicare and Medicaid, balancing the budget and ending "weaponization" of the government, but he promised he didn't know anything about Project 2025. Now he has his FCC chairman going after the media and treating it as just a big joke.

-- Poland

Our Supreme Leader denigrates the late night comedians, claiming they are no talent hacks. Colbert, Kimmel and Fallon have a bucket load of awards, especially Emmy awards, while the nine-time nominated 'Apprentice' won nothing. Trump takes offense at jokes about himself or his party but he took an oath to uphold the entire Constitution, including the First Amendment. He dishes out plenty of disturbing comments.

-- Youngstown

Onion to the justice system's short sentence for the drunken driver who killed a mom and son in New Middletown. He originally pleaded not guilty. So he had no other criminal record, was a veteran and had health issues. He irrevocably changed many lives and should be serving his due time

-- Boardman

There are 10 steps to authoritarianism. Trump is using each one to make himself king. With Kimmel and ABC, he is taking steps to silence the news media. With attacks on colleges, he's forcing educators to rewrite history. With his statement of hate at Charlie Kirk's funeral, he is fostering division. With ICE and the National Guard, he's creating his Brown shirts to enforce his will, as Hitler did. Freedom is not lost with a big bang; it's lost one bite at a time.

-- Campbell

The deer hunt in Mill Creek MetroParks will begin today. Sharpshooters will be killing deer on the golf course. The park has requested sharpshooter permits to kill 100 deer, which will likely eliminate our deer. There is a fatal deer disease in parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania. This is spread by a midgie mite. It is not spread from deer to deer nor is it spread to humans. It is not in Mahoning County; it is not in our park.

-- Poland

I am sick of Democrats accusing Republicans of stopping free speech. This from the party that shut down Trump's social media because they didn't like what he was saying, and threatened doctors to revoke some medical licenses because they spoke out against COVID vaccines. Also, Democrats accuse Republicans of using the federal government against its own political opponents. They used the federal government against Trump and other Republicans for the last decade. Dems, your hypocrisy is unbelievable.

-- Liberty

When raising children, we often have to step in when anger erupts into violence and try to calm things down. The first thing we do is ask "why" and try to resolve the issue. But when Republicans balk loudly about hate-filled and malicious accusations from the "left", they don't ask "why." They know why and don't really care to try to resolve the issues. Trump's abuse of power and the GOP's, "Screw you if you don't like it" attitude will only continue to promote more violence.

-- Struthers

Charlie Kirk espoused "free speech," though not all of it was very nice, some nasty. Trump, also screamed free speech, but dishes out rotten comments, insults, despicable and derogatory descriptions of people, trashes our country and disparages immigrants, blacks, Asians, anyone he dislikes, and is now whining and crying about having comments thrown back at him, while forgetting we have a First Amendment right to FREE SPEECH! Both are just men, neither saints nor heroes.

-- Liberty

It is the ultimate hypocrisy that Trump, Vance and the rest of the fascist Republican regime try to blame "the left" for instigating political violence in America, when it was Trump who applauded and approved political violence in his failed Jan. 6 coup in which five people lost their lives and more than 130 were injured. He called that political violence a "day of love,"

-- Struthers

The killing of Charlie Kirk was deplorable as is the Trump administration politicizing it. Kirk was an opinion podcaster. He has no public service, no elected office, no military service, etc. The Trump admin is putting him on a pedestal for honors that are reserved for courageous military, selfless public service from private citizens and exceptional service from elected officials. Trump is using this as another photo op.

-- Canfield

Dear Editor: Charlie Kirk was assassinated two weeks ago. Another American tragedy. His only mission was to talk about his faith and to debate anyone. His one request was simple, "Prove me wrong." For this, a lunatic killed him. What I didn't witness was the burning of cities. What side of the political spectrum do you think is civil?

-- Boardman

Just heard the laments from Ursuline football parents about their lost season and how badly they feel for their kids, about how their hopes and dreams are lost. Didn't hear any remorse for the victim of the assaults or about his lost hopes and dreams. Football is just a game, people; it doesn't, or shouldn't define and control your life or the life of your kids.

-- Struthers

Pam Bondi, using the tragic and unacceptable assassination of Charlie Kirk as her spur to action, says she will use all the powers of her office to target and prosecute "hate speech" by liberals and liberal organizations. The AG should review the Constitution. All speech is free speech even if it is as heinous as the rabid language her boss posts to his own social media network in the wee hours of the night.

-- Canfield

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

The assassination of Charlie Kirk shows the true colors of the far left Democrats. Their beliefs are that if you disagree with them, you should be eliminated. They tried it with President Trump but failed. They succeeded with Charlie Kirk. One fool on MSNBC even insinuated he deserved it. If that's the case, should Rachel Maddow, Jake Tapper and Van Jones be assassinated? ABSOLUTELY NOT! Charlie Kirk debated anyone, even those he disagreed with. Can the far-left Democrats say the same?

-- Hubbard

Those outraged by the Ursuline scandal should not give a pass to Ohio State. It is a similar ugly story that is not yet resolved. Accountability for victims of abuse and cover-ups is important. It will make you think about how to best talk to your own children as they leave your direct supervision. Not all have the, "Punch him in the mouth" temperament. Prepare and empower them. Watch, "SURVIVING OHIO STATE," released June 17 on multiple platforms. You can still love the Buckeyes and demand accountability.

-- Poland

A letter to the editor last week was absolutely disgusting and I hope The Vindicator will consider not printing such unhinged garbage in the future. Just days ago, Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a deranged, radicalized murderer, who was most certainly influenced by the same inflammatory, political rhetoric spread in that letter. The writer calls and compares President Trump and his Deputy Chief of Staff, Stephen Miller, to Hitler and Nazis. He actually compares Miller to Hitler's bodyguard, Heinrich Himmler, and refers to Miller as "SS Miller."

-- Boardman

Murder is wrong no matter who is the victim. Today's political rhetoric is fueling even more hatred each day. For those against or for Charlie Kirk or Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, to express your opinion is the right to free speech! Trump does it daily and aggravates anger in our nation. Anyone should be able to also express their personal opinions without repercussions, and not lose their jobs. Trump himself is fueling this national divide.

-- Liberty

Erick Erickson and Trump would have us believe Democrats are the cause of increased political violence. Did Dems pull the trigger at the Tree of life, Emanuel AME in Charleston, the Buffalo Tops market, Wal-Mart in El Paso or on Minnesota state legislator Melissa Hortman? No one should be attacked or killed for political speech. But we know who is pushing the divisions in our country and are OK with violence.

-- Campbell

My heart is heavy for everyone who saw what they saw that day at St. E's. ALWAYS know if someone is military they can have your gun at lightning speed. They are trained to take your weapon from you. Unfortunately, that gun holstered on that officer gave a devolving man the chance to do what he was trained to do. Again, for all who had to experience that first hand and for this man's family I am truly sorry for each of your pain.

-- Youngstown

Mahoning County Library Board: The Poland Library was knowingly built in a flood plain. After completion, taxpayers had to pay to have a wall built to protect against further flooding. If Poland feels so strongly about saving the library, it can pay a special assessment or buy the building to use for whatever it wishes. Throw up a metal building in the township for their library, it would certainly be more functional. No other library was built as grandiosely.

-- Canfield

Israel is now bombing neighboring nations and attacking anything and anyone who disagrees with its war policies. This nation is trying to assassinate the very people they are supposed to be negotiating a truce with. By any definition, the nation of Israel is also a terrorist country.

-- Canfield

Historically hypocritical America cycles between left and right, labor and management, proletariat and bourgeoisie, the 1930s through 1970s vs. the '80s through now. The U.S. became world ruler in 1945, cloaking its corporate, fascist tendencies (e.g., supporting Franco over the Spanish Republic) in "democracy," renaming it the "Department of Defense," while backing murderous dictators worldwide to protect its real Daddy: big business. Now Captain Obvious has pulled back the curtain of deception returning it to the "Department of War."

-- Boardman

In this time of national crisis, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana took to the Senate floor to post a fake warning that eating imported frozen shrimp could make consumers look like The Alien of sci-fi fame. All told, it was a profound performance and played well with the large shrimping industry of Louisiana. I believe that the state is also home to the greatest number of reported alien abductions of good ol' boys drinking shine and fishing the bayou. A Great Republican.

-- Canfield

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

The Jews gave Pilate the OK to release Barabbas -- the murderer -- but wanted Jesus turned over to them. Let's do the same with the Ursuline coach: "Crucify him! Crucify him! they cried.

-- Hubbard

The local Catholic Church is once again in turmoil! Seems like The Team is more important than doing what is right and just. How the Ursuline football team has been allowed to play any games with the current coaching staff not being suspended pending the outcome of some investigating, is a tragedy. Everyone for years has heard the rumors of something fishy with the athletics at this school. It's not like this incident just happened last week! Bishop of the Diocese, this is on you!

-- Poland

Well, it is time once again to kill the deer living in Mill Creek Park. The recent survey showed only 14.9 deer per square mile. The board set 18 deer per square mile as a goal; however, they still sold 310 hunting permits, plus each hunter can bring a friend to kill approximately 118 deer! So, those of you who walk in the park or drive and stop to admire the deer or take pictures, do it now because at the end of September, they will be hunted and running for their lives, including little fawns born last spring.

-- Boardman

Why won't / can't Austintown Township build a covering in the little dog park area to provide some shade? It would be used more often. I, like many others, don't want to sit in the sun when it is hot and humid. They just spent money on the playground, cutting down 17 really large fir trees and installing two new basketball courts. I know many people have asked for it.

-- Youngstown

The news today is how the homicides are down and that is great news. However it is the violence like the shootout at BK and other similar events that occur time and time again that make me wonder if we are just lucky so many shots miss. The shootings are more public and visible now and demonstrate lack of fear of the law. I wrote this last evening, and today as I send it we have another 40 rounds in the streets. Lucky again that no one was hit, but does that mean it is safer?

-- Girard

I commend the Poland residents' efforts to save their library building. As one of 224,000 residents in the county I wish that beautiful building was in my village! Another option not mentioned would be to have the library leaders present an offer to the Poland community to purchase this property and then Poland residents can control the building's future forever! Four options are better than three.

-- Sebring

Trump with his Republican cult is now positioning the military in U.S. cities so he can declare martial law with the military in place to enforce it, cancel the midterm elections and future elections, finish overwhelming the country as a true dictator and fulfill his dream of world conquest -- just like Hitler did. And who's going to stop him? Roberts' kangaroo court? The also guilty-as-sin Democrats of Congress? The billionaire ruling class? The honest, powerless mass of citizens? Checkmate

-- Boardman

RFK Jr was chosen our chief health guy for one reason, Trump's deal to give him the post to drop out of the election and save him some votes. This man is incompetent ,

and his misinformation has been publicly corrected week after week. Our government is losing credibility day after day.

-- Canfield

Enticing 18-year-olds with a $50,000 sign on and given a gun and badge is the latest plan to fill the ICE rosters. They are to "arrest" immigrants daily as instructed. Pull them out of their houses, cars, jobs, just about anywhere. Trump is creating his own SS with plans to move troops into all major Democratic cities, insisting that crime is bad. Crime is actually rampant in his administration.

-- Liberty

Fifty-five years ago, Ohio National Guardsmen were directed to suppress a Kent State demonstration opposing the Vietnam War by our then-governor at the request of an autocratic U.S. president. In his rush to curry favor, our current governor now has volunteered our guardsmen to suppress, perhaps illegally, citizens of other states. DeWine and our petty prez must consider that four people were killed and 14 injured in Kent before we fired Nixon. Listen to Neil Young's "Ohio" before stupid, tough-guy theatre becomes real tragedy.

-- Canfield

If Florida and any other state decides to follow a quack, someone with absolutely no medical or scientific knowledge, a former drug addict himself, to deny vaccines to children, or at least strongly discourage them, we could end up with horrific childhood deaths from childhood diseases long considered eradicated. Perhaps his drug addiction has addled his brain, because he makes no credible sense. Parents need to speak with their "educated" doctors and protect their children.

-- Liberty

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

On Sept. 27, year 3 of the deer hunt in Millcreek Park will begin. 402 permits have been issued with each hunter allowed to kill six deer and bring along a hunting partner. The USDA survey shows that there are only 116 deer in Millcreek Park. Our deer will soon be gone, mothers and babies born this spring will be killed. The park board will not stop this hunt even with the knowledge of the numbers unable to sustain another hunt.

-- Poland

The one thing Trump likes better than demonstrating dictatorial power is being praised for how well he does it. That's what the deafening smooching noise was that occurred at the most recent clown-car Cabinet meeting. Kids are shot in church while 47 has the guard collect garbage to make him look tough. Surrounded by idiots, an idiot doesn't see his failings.

-- Canfield

Trump claims many Europeans "jokingly" call him the "president of Europe." Making light of braggadocios claims is his usual procedure to get the camels' nose under the tent flap as in "I deserve a Nobel" started his failing campaign for the award. He's better qualified to be a school crossing guard. Of course, the kids will have to pay up for safety. Sorry guards; no offense intended.

-- Canfield

The president's assault on scum in dangerous inner-city neighborhoods should be a welcomed move. It might be appropriate to apply sports team nicknames in the form of singular-sounding collective nouns to major U.S. cities and their lawlessness. The former Cleveland Crunch indoor soccer team and the WNBA's Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx are examples of respectable nicknames. Three cities qualifying for the hall of shame would be the D.C. Crime, Chicago Shot and L.A. Loot. Trump's plan has merit; now let's hope it works.

-- Hubbard

Contrary to what Trump tries to convince voters of, his popularity with voters is 37%, which is the lowest of any modern president in their first six months. Let's look at why. First, the economy is worse than when he took office, his deportation policy is a disgrace, his chaotic tariff policy is destroying the economy, his promise to end the war in the Ukraine and troops on the streets to mention a few. Time to push for change.

-- Poland

Re: 47's most recent Cabinet meeting: Who would have thought so few people could kiss that many square feet of skin in just three hours and fifteen minutes?

-- Canfield

47 said "he can do anything he wants because he's president". He also said that some people call him a dictator because he's sending soldiers into major cities. And he said because he's reducing crime "some say maybe being a dictator isn't a bad thing". If this doesn't bother you then imagine that Biden or Obama said these things. And if you are still OK with this, then I say wake up before it's too late.

-- Campbell

Trump is a joke. A global-sized punch line for leaders, now meeting in summit, to work with China in new alliances rather than bending their knees to Trumpian demands for tariffs and whims du jour leadership. Pal Putin likely has them in stitches with stories of a large child making a sour face and stomping his foot to make demands without credibility or purpose other than serving his own ego.

-- Canfield

Empathy is not a vice for the Christian. It's mandatory. When did caring for "the least of these" become wrong? Caring for strangers the Bible says to do because you never know when you're entertaining angels unawares! And the Bible says to be good to the stranger among you, for you were once a stranger in the land of Egypt. And yet we as a Christian nation fail to provide empathy as generations of churches did for our families coming here. Wonder why your pews are empty?

-- Youngstown

ICE continues detaining people via immoral and frequently illegal arrests / abductions. Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene was asked why he is using county jail facilities to abet ICE's activities. He responded that if he did not do it, someone else would and that he needed the funding. If the sheriff were to ask the drug dealers in his jail why they committed their crimes, they could honestly give him the same response.

-- Youngstown

Cal Thomas contends the Democrats lost an issue when Ghislaine Maxwell vouched for Trump's gentlemanly behavior. Apparently it never dawned on Cal that she would say anything that might be helpful in procuring her a pardon from a man well known for anything but proper behavior to women. Maxwell's support is to be swallowed whole, while the myriad of women who have accused Trump of sexual imposition and more are all liars, huh Cal? The issue of federal troops sent to D.C. and threatened for Chicago while Trump ignores higher crime rates in Republican-run cities is obviously offered as a distraction. I guess Cal is fooled. Hopefully, thinking people are not.

-- Wshingtonville