Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

A March 9 Vindicator story noted that for the fourth consecutive year, the number of fatal crashes in Ohio has declined. Speed-related crashes were the highest type in Mahoning County, 3,130 from January 2021 to the present. Ohio should have never changed the speed limit to 70 mph on the highways. People now go 80 mph. No wonder why there are so many crashes.

-- Canfield

The taxes which support the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County are paid by all county residents. Many communities have never had a library, and for others, their once "public" libraries have been shuttered. Residents from these communities drive miles to use library services. Children cannot walk or bike there because there are no sidewalks along the state highways and roads they must travel. Poland residents should be thankful for the library that they have had in the past -- and are being promised for the future.

-- New Springfield

Multi-billions are being spent on new detention centers. The Iraq war cost $1 trillion; this war with Iran could cost as much as $1.5 trillion. Trump wants companies to forgo their tariff return and if they don't he issued a threat that he will remember who ceded to his wishes, or not. HE is the one sending our national debt skyward, rather than reducing it, even one tiny bit.

-- Liberty

DO NOT vote for millionaire Ohio candidates for governor or U.S. Senate. Husted and Ramaswamy will try to BUY these positions with dark money and their own donations. Both will do nothing to help working Ohioans! Do not be FOOLED again by their lies! Vote for Democratic candidates Sherrod Brown and Amy Acton if you believe that voters, not money, should decide elections. They are not submissive to 47 like their opponents. In contrast, with character, truthfulness, and integrity, they will work endlessly to improve the lives of every Ohioan. VOTE!

-- Canfield

Trump said he only hires the best people. He apparently lied again as his Labor Secretary has resigned after allegations of inappropriate sexual advances and parties against her, her father and husband by staff members. FBI director Kash Patel has been accused of being under the effects of alcohol so heavily that he missed meetings because security was unable to wake him. After Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi and now these two, you would think he'd smarten up and hire more qualified DEI individuals instead of these poor performing boot lickers.

-- Campbell

Just about everyone in D.C. is guilty of malfeasance, misfeasance and or nonfeasance. The offensive absurd lies and bombastic rhetoric can be considered senile. Many spoiled Americans are not well informed (oblivious) because it only matters when it directly affects them. Millions of people with their own agenda. Not what/how our country was originally founded and built on / for.

-- Campbell

Once upon a time the Girard lakes were built as an industrial cooling resource. One lake is still usable and one breached, but fixable. Maybe Girard could offer cooling water to data centers to help recover the purchase, etc. Win-win for all. Niles and Hubbard are very close.

-- Girard

Fights among school-age students aren't new, but getting a handle on the situation at the downtown WRTA bus station and using it as a teaching moment could be constructive -- if the school district's hands weren't tied by the absence of get-tough rules. Schools spokesperson Stacy Quinones stated that the nonschool-event incident occurred during nonschool hours. What if discipline problems took place on school property? Quinones would probably choose the wording "non-enforceable" to describe the district's unaccountability. Nothing will change if the "scholars" remain untouchable and exempt from corporal punishment.

-- Hubbard

I suggest a couple of data centers located here can SAVE us money on our water costs. MVSD and Warren use 40% of water capacity now, since they were designed for high usage at the now-gone mills. If you double the usage to 80% it will STILL COST the same FIXED costs, thus the cost per unit can drop for EVERYONE.

-- Girard

I'm cleaning up my dinner dishes, and the president is disparaging a global religious leader. I'm driving to work and the president is falsely claiming Iran agreed to a peace deal. I'm getting my kids off the bus, and the president is sending illegally detained immigrants to the Congo in Africa. And very few elected officials are speaking up about the unhinged rants and self-serving actions. Do we even comprehend how life as we know it is being destroyed?

-- Youngstown

For those screaming that President Trump should have used diplomacy to negotiate with Iran. We have been doing that for nearly 50 years. Iran has failed to abide by the agreements it made for just as long. Presidents since Ronald Reagan have said Iran cannot be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Donald Trump was the first president with the resolve to act, neutralize the threat to Europe, the United States and the rest of the world.

-- Austintown

I'm amazed at the number of cars that continue on their way without a care in the world as an ambulance, police car or fire truck is close by. I saw 5 cars keep up their speed and another car even pulling into the turning lane so they could turn as the ambulance was approaching! I'm sure piling over was taught when learning to drive. If this is not important to you, at least I gave you a break from the political nonsense that's constantly mentioned.

-- Boardman

The Ramaswamy campaign for governor claims opponent Amy Acton stopped an election. This is deceitful at best. Acton, as director of the Ohio Department of Health, did her job to advise Gov. DeWine that response to the raging COVID pandemic should include masking and limited contact in public spaces. DeWine then ordered the delay to primary elections as was his purview. Speaking in whole truths has eluded the Pope-and-dopes-party once again.

-- Canfield

Dear doctors and scientists, as you have come up with a solution to help those who never choose diet and exercise find Ozempic to help with their weight loss goals, I hope you can find an easier route for me who has worked on my feet for the last 40 years and still come home and walk approximately 2 miles three or four days a week find such a simple solution to the wear and tear on my joints and knees. Is there such help available?

-- Girard

Pope Leo, the liberal-bred Chicagoan, may have met his match vs. Trump in their philosophical battle. Leo, of course, has to stick up for Catholic egalitarianism, but he shouldn't be hoodwinked by blue-blooded Democrats. Trump, again, has the upper hand in his reasoning for military intervention. Let the heresy and blasphemy fly!

-- Hubbard

Trump should be cautious about taking swings at Pope Leo. The pope may ask the Archangel Michael to handle his light work for him. Also, Leo knows Trump won't admit to blasphemy because he believes long words using lots of Z's and f's don't belong on "Truth Social."

-- Canfield

I believe Trump feels that $90 a barrel oil and a 1,300 uptick in stocks were worth his soul because he thinks his leadership starting a war was perfect to drive both numbers. It was not. He lost lives and gained nothing but an opportunity to pay tolls to Iran. He's a threat to freedom here and abroad as well as Putin's crony. Vote for anyone not Trump or a Trump enabling congressional coward.

-- Canfield

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

Trump's post depicting himself as Jesus was blasphemy, no doubt about it. His explanation that he thought it was supposed to be a doctor is so unbelievable it can't even be argued. So, MAGA, is your adulation of Trump so strong that you'll still defend him as JD Vance did? The abandonment of ethical principles among this group is frightening. God have mercy on us.

-- Youngstown

I believe Trump feels that $90 a barrel oil and a 1,300 uptick in stocks was worth his soul because he thinks his leadership starting a war was perfect to drive both numbers. It was not. He lost lives and gained nothing but an opportunity to pay tolls to Iran. He's a threat to freedom here and abroad as well as Putin's crony. Vote for anyone not Trump or a Trump enabling congressional coward.

-- Canfield

Trump posted a picture depicting him as Jesus. Blasphemy, right? His explanation is that he thought it depicted him as a doctor! One of two things have to be true. He's lying again

(for the millionth time!) or he's incredibly stupid (which is also true!). And, of course, MAGA didn't get to see this because the Fox Propaganda Channel didn't even mention it! Were they too embarrassed?

-- Youngstown

I often rail, and will continue to, against 47. However, I am thankful for: Neighbors who put up my new mailbox when they learned temporary disabilities had me sidelined; a fellow shopper who volunteered to load my five bags of mulch when he saw I was struggling; an older gent who crossed a wide parking lot when my swollen knee was making it near impossible for me to exit my car -- he came to help. These are Americans doing what they do. I am proud they are my fellow citizens.

-- Canfield

As a frequent patron I believe, the Poland library building is ostentatious with many flaws as parking, pavers, unwanted stairs. Canfield restructured a usable new open floor plan workable to a growing community. We Don't need the "historical' pretentious aspect of the elite. We need function and accessibility.

-- Boardman

Trump should give a birthday present to America by resigning in July. Doing so would indicate our democracy still stands. Also, it would confirm Oscar Wilde's witticism that "Some cause happiness wherever they go. Others whenever they go."

-- Canfield

Once again the Democrats showed how crazy they really are. When President Trump said he was going to destroy the Iranian culture, they wanted to impeach him or use the 25th Amendment to remove him. Then when President Trump agreed to a ceasefire, they said he'd chicken out. Do they know how foolish they sound? I can't believe that these people let one man control their whole lives. I don't know how they live like this. It would be funny if it wasn't so sad.

-- Hubbard

Never in my wildest would I have imagined we would have such a disrespectful president calling not only Pope Leo names, but also Pope Francis. World leaders do not criticize the pope, head of the world-wide Catholic Church, and not expect to be excoriated for it. And, he calls himself the peace president. What a joke.

-- Liberty

How can Trump say he plans on wiping out an entire civilization and think he sounds sane? Between Trump and Hegseth, neither has acted sane in any phase of this war so far. Hegseth has allowed the power of his office to eliminate all sense of propriety saying, "no mercy" to Iran, and Trump is in la la land. Both need to be impeached now.

-- Liberty

Question: Will the media have an hourly "Breaking News" comment about the gas prices going down like they did for weeks every hour on the hour stirring hysteria.

-- Girard

So the Southern Park Mall is finally current on its property taxes. They should've never been behind in the first place. Now maybe they can look into getting those huge potholes filled so you can get to the mall. We can't even get through the parking lot without hitting two or three or more!!

-- Boardman

I read in the America at 250 article that too many don't believe the American Dream can be achieved through hard work. I disagree. If hard work is the requirement, many will never see it. I've heard people brag that they didn't do anything at work all day. They are not needed. I've heard others say a certain job is below them. Is it? Those not afraid to work and show up every day will succeed and improve themselves. Those that won't, will not.

-- Columbiana

I love our USA, and I am a proud veteran/citizen. I am embarrassed and sadden how the world views the USA today. I am very disgusted, fed up and sick of our leadership. Those brutal/violent words spoken can never be taken back or forgotten. "You cannot unring the doorbell." I am disappointed with myself for being a registered Republican. To start with, VOTE EVERYONE OUT !! We desperately need "term limits ".

-- Campbell

In last weekend's Letters to the Editor, a writer commented on the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber CEO's column about the city of Columbiana. That letter clearly struck a nerve with the editorial staff--so much so that it prompted an Editor's Note correcting a statistic on white residents from 99.5% to 89.3%. Correcting misinformation is commendable and essential. However, it raises an obvious question: Why isn't the same standard consistently applied to other letters that contain distorted facts or outright falsehoods?

-- Canfield

In light of the recent Artemis II mission to the moon coinciding with the Iran war, the paradox of our species is simply this: We have mastered the laws of physics and engineering far more effectively than we have mastered the ability to coexist. As Dr. Carl Sagan said, "Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark, and there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves."

-- Poland

A political ad is claiming property taxes are threatening home ownership. Eliminating property taxes is a popular theme in Ohio right now and I can see how someone with little knowledge of the state would grab onto this as a political issue. While property taxes are going up, it's rising prices of gasoline, groceries, utilities, health care and home repairs that are costing me everything I have worked for. Lower property taxes might give some relief, but let's tackle the real issues threatening home ownership.

-- Youngstown

Trump has committed blasphemy. On Sunday he berated the pope, then he posted a picture of himself as Jesus healing people. Jesus said "blessed are the peacemakers and beware the false prophets." Trump is a false prophet. He's been married three times, cheated on at least two wives, was with a porn star while one wife was pregnant. He's been found guilty of rape. His name is found thousands of times in the Epstein files. Don't follow a false prophet.

-- Campbell

As a former MAGA Trump supporter, I urge those of you that still support the rotund orange president (or Jesus Christ as he depicted himself recently) wake the hell up and ditch this idiot. When you think he can't get any lower, now he is pummeling Pope Leo? Are you kidding me? Hopefully the Dems take control of the two chambers in November and impeach this psycho (the third time is the charm). Maybe he can take his toys and move to Greenland or Iceland. He is an embarrassment to the U.S.

-- Boardman

The interim Secretary of DOJ, now Trump Law, has indicated we should be happy he is working hard to free 12 persons convicted of seditious conspiracy as Trump has directed. I am not. Trump could have pardoned these convicts, along with 1,500 other Jan. 6

rioters. He waited until he had a lackey to blame for freeing the core leaders. Blanche will go under the orange bus which runs on avoiding accountability. So what? He'll be pardoned, too.

-- Canfield

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

I see a judicial candidate's sign declaring that Jesus is his savior, and Trump his president. Somehow I just can't imagine Jesus endorsing someone whose views echo those of a person who recently said of a political enemy, "I'm glad he's dead." Have ye no shame?

-- Youngstown

Pete Hegseth demonstrates personal lethality by firing senior generals. He may yet shoot himself in the foot by attributing bombing in Iran to 47's "fearless war time leadership." I bet whatever hair product he uses will catch fire during a press conference. Or, the Trump bus will run him over. Whatta warrior!

-- Canfield

During the WWII Battle of Britain, Churchill said of Britain and his badly outnumbered Royal Air Force: "Never have so many owed so much to so few." The RAF prevailed. America may say of its forces battling in Iran that "Never has tactical excellence and the bravery of personnel overcome more strategic failure and recklessness by incompetent civilian leadership." We will prevail. No thanks to 'tough guys' Hegseth and Trump. VOTE.

-- Canfield

Tonight the 2nd airman was rescued from Iran. So many news "folks" have been totally negative about this war. Air superiority is NOT immunity from attack or a 1 out of 13,000 lucky strike. The fact the AMERICAN military was able to ENTER IRAN with A-10 and helo's and C130's multiple times and bring these pilots home says more than any news cast about air superiority. Wooha!

-- Girard

So, I punched my neighbor on the nose cause I didn't like him. He got back up and

whupped my butt. I took to the internet to berate my other neighbors for not helping me. Now they don't like me and the guy I punched is shooting anyone driving on the street. Welcome to Trump World where idiots think a strait is a faucet they can turn and a refinery-covered island could be a profitable resort once it's leveled. Vote, before an idiot determines you're unqualified.

-- Canfield

By allowing themselves to be bullied into submission, our Congress has done a great disservice to our president and the entire world. Their spinelessness made the president think he can bully anyone. And he's finding out this isn't true. His narcissism failed to show him the consequences of bombing raids and also the weapons at Iran's disposal -- most notably the Strait of Hormuz. Now we're all paying the price in higher gas and other costs. Please remember these congressmen/women at the ballot box.

-- Youngstown

In May, 2025, who told the GOP: " Don't f_ _ _ around with Medicare, Social Security, etc." ? And recently said: " it's not possible for the U.S. to pay for Medicare, etc., we are fighting a war?" The U.S. debt is

$39 trillion. Winners from this deranged war are: Billionaires invested in defense contracts, oil refiners and Russia. And, after the wars, Trump / family will be invested contractors for Israel and Saudi Arabia. Every move he makes is based on personal interests. I received another fundraising request from Trump asking if " $10.00 is too much for me to chip in?"

-- Campbell

It appears the orange-haired monkey has his tiny fist stuck in the monkey trap everyone else knew the Persian Gulf to be. He's making a lot of angry noise. He stuck his hand through the Strait of Hormuz with all the patriotism and empathy of a Polymarket gambler. Who could have foreseen he'd be too stupid to open his fist and slip back out? Anyone who could recognize a monkey makes more noise than sense, that's who. The toll to get out will be tragedy, not the barrel of oil he's trying to hold.

-- Canfield

Regarding his book coming out in June, J. D. Vance said, "The story of how I regained my faith, of course, only happened because I had lost it to begin with." So profound! He has also said, "When you're trying to do things that make you liked by as many people as possible, you're not likely to do things that are consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church." So why write a book and call yourself a Catholic, J.D.? – Poland

-- Poland

Ohio does NOT want another billionaire candidate that will ignore their oath and, like others, only serve to enrich themselves. When this president endorses or appoints candidates, history shows that they are submissive to him BUT INCOMPETENT. This is evident in his Cabinet choices from the AG, DOD, HHS and FBI. This describes the Republican candidates for governor and one for re-election to the U.S. Senate. If you value character, integrity, competence, and someone who will work to improve the lives of Ohioans, VOTE for Amy Acton and Sherrod Brown!

-- Canfield

Shouldn't someone who wages a furious war have to resign from an organization called Board of Peace...Or at least change the name to "Bored of Peace"? Just asking. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

-- Canfield

If Biden had made the vile and profanity-laced statement that Trump made on Easter Sunday morning, the GOP and every newspaper, TV and radio station would have called for his removal. Why does anyone excuse Trump? He appears deranged. It's because he knows that he's stuck in a situation he can't get out of. Iran will hold out longer than he will. The pain at the pump will turn Americans and the rest of the world against him. He's on his way down and will be more out of control.

-- Campbell