Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

Instead of whining about Trump maybe you folks should focus on what the Dems stand for: Fraud, Drag Queen story hour for Children, Anti Police, Men in Women`s sports, Dudes in Dresses, not proud to be American, hate the American Flag, prefer Illegals over working class Americans, less Religious, and now they are voting for Nazis.

-- Canfield

I've been reading some posts on Google about Vice President Vance having some mental health issues and therapy not helping. The Bible tells of suicide . And another VP being chosen and giving the State of the Union address in January. I don't know if there is a proof of this but as an unknown citizen, I must ask if anyone is concerned.

-- Youngstown

The only vandal causing a fifteen million dollar cost overrun for a faulty pool cleanup and paint job is our no-bid grifter in chief. Good thing Joe Biden wasn't within five miles; he'd blame him. I hope the Olympian he accused, with no evidence, sues 47's pants off.

-- Canfield

Here are some numbers for equality sake. The figures have been rounded off. Austintown 30,000 residents. Boardman 40,000. Campbell 8,000. Canfield 8,000. Jackson-Milton 5,500. Poland 15,000. Let's see where the Poland area thinks they are worth a more expensive library. Is this equality?

-- Youngstown

I am often amused by the MAGA crowd who thinks that Trump actually cares about them. Unless you're one of his millionaire or billionaire buddies, you have been played for a patsy. He admits he doesn't care about affordability or inflation. His elite group of friends are the ones who benefited from insider trading, the war HE started in Iran, his blocking of the Epstein files. And don't forget about his thugs that he pardoned for Jan. 6. How have you benefited? I can't think of a way.

-- Youngstown

For the first time "in a long time" we will have nuclear compliance inspectors, said Trump VP JD Vance, of 47's latest version of surrender. Did he mean the time since his boss ripped up the Obama agreement, which had inspectors, or the 12 hours it took for the Iranians to deny any such thing was agreed upon? So much for Trump's drive-by shooting of his own foot.

-- Canfield

Ohio as the seventh most populous state ranked 23rd in COVID deaths per 100,000 people during the pandemic, while 11 Southern and GOP states were worse than Ohio. If not for Amy Acton more of our relatives and friends would have died. She earned the prestigious John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for her COVID leadership. Don't let DJT's yes man, Vivek Ramaswamy's lying political adds mislead you.

-- Campbell

Trump's $14 million (our money) no-bid repair of our reflecting pool looks like a Petri dish from a bad sci-fi flick. It consumes anyone the mad scientist blames for the mess. It will be a fitting backdrop for his planned rally on the mall. They both raise a stink at great expense. Save the ducks! VOTE.

-- Canfield

Although Ohio's official slogan is "Ohio, The Heart of it All," politicians my want to seriously consider adapting to changing times. In light of the recent developments: shouldn't its new slogan be "Ohio, the Data Center of the Universe"?

-- Hubbard

It's curious and confusing how Gary Varvel's political cartoon in the 6/16 Vindicator dresses Maine Democratic senate candidate Graham Platner, while sitting on a forlorn donkey, in a Nazi SS uniform adorned with a communist hammer and sickle, two symbols of cruel ideologies opposed to each other, historically, like during the 1930s Spanish civil war. You'd think this MAGA cartoonist would love Platner's Totenkopf tattoo! Looks to me like another pathetic case of the pot calling the kettle black.

-- Boardman

After spending billions of our tax dollars for above market-priced and vacant warehouses, the crackerjacks of ICE are abandoning seven of their would be inhumane concentration camps for transfer to other agencies or sale below what we paid for them. While I'm glad they're going away, they remain an unwelcome expense incurred by a blustering and clueless old narcissist. So, where has all that money gone?

-- Canfield

Letters to the Editor

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Attention. Canfield Cackler: Newspapers used to be written for an eighth grade reading level. Now they've moved that down to a sixth grade level. Problem is, 54% of adults read BELOW a sixth grade level. That means you're not reaching a big portion of your audience. Are you using social media for your rants? Your target audience is probably always on their cellphones. I wonder what level of reading ability they have?

-- Boardman

I see in today's Vindicator where Gov. DeWine has said he will give no financial assistance to SOBE, the businesses which use SOBE and the citizens who rely on it for power and heat. Meanwhile, DeWine will give over $100 million to the Haslams, a millionaire, for a new stadium being built for rich people far away from the majority of people who usually work at the stadium. Robin Hood, where are you when we need you?

-- Austintown

Hey, library board. Has anyone considered using the old Poland Union Elementary building for the library? Lots of space. Center of town. Gym for group meetings. Cafeteria could be renovated for a cafe.

-- Canfield

DJT has TACO'd out again. He has agreed to end the war without confirmation or a commitment that Iran will not build a nuclear bomb. And there's no agreement on how we will confirm that they are not building a bomb. Instead we've spent over $40 billion bombing Iran. Now they will charge a toll for using the strait of Hormuz and we will give them up to $300 billion to rebuild their country because we bombed them. The GOP went crazy when Obama agreed to $300 million. I bet you that today they will all roll over while TACO moves on to Cuba, right Husted?

-- Campbell

Tarps hiding Trump's humiliation at the court- ordered removal of his name from the Kennedy Center are beta testing for suitability as covers for future foul ups. The ballroom no one wants, a slimy green reflecting pool, $5 gas price signs, ICE thugs at the polls, a giant Iranian-operated swing gate across Hormuz, closed rural hospitals and bread lines may find them useful.

-- Canfield

If Congress ever finds courage to impeach him, a scaled-down version of 47's planned arch would make a great parting gift. I see it as a free standing toilet paper dispenser. Of course, customized toilet paper will be needed. Photos of his Cabinet and advisers on every gilt edged sheet could make him feel better about being flushed from office.

-- Canfield

Attention. Canfield castigator: There is a cure for Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS). My doctor told me to reduce my stress level in life, just turn off the TV! Don't watch the news all the time. After all, we can't affect world events, national issues, or even local ones right NOW. So, why get all worked up about them? Besides, in this area, you're just preaching to the choir. Lots of liberal "useful idiots" hereabouts.

-- Boardman

Because of the many road closures in the northern part of Mill Creek Park, to visit Lanterman's Mill, I used Glenwood Avenue and Canfield Road instead of my usual route through the park. Glenwood Avenue is in terrible shape, very bumpy with many potholes, and it's sad that a road that borders such a beautiful park is in such disrepair. In addition, three cars went around me at three different red lights and drove right through them. What is wrong with these people? Perhaps the remedy should be to take out all the lights on Glenwood Avenue since so many people ignore them. This would solve the problem of going through the red lights but of course, the honest residents would suffer.

-- Hubbard

The difference between a treaty and a deal is stark. A treaty is an agreement forged by statesmen of two or more countries wherein they agree to stop killing one another and begin sharing progress toward shared benefits. A deal claims victory for one side, denigrates the other, and enriches the deal maker and his lackeys while impoverishing "losers" with exploitation, unrest and death. Vote for statesmen.

-- Canfield

Yes, 250th anniversary and 4th of July expect the booms of happy people and yard parties. Prepare to expect the noise and put dogs in a safe place. Yes, there will be emotional pain for animals and elderly, but expect it. But in Austintown any day or night people in College Park have no concern. All day and at night -- even midnight. Sad that they have no respect nor concern.

--Austintown

Every day, including Friday, June 12, 2026, begins at 12:01 of that day. The Trump name was to be removed by Friday, June 12 from the facade of The Kennedy Center. That it still besmirched that monument at 10:34 on that date is tribute to Trump's scofflaw manipulation of the slavish board he appointed and his belief that legal brinkmanship makes him less of a disgrace than he has proven to be. Remove the scar from the building. Vote the pile of waste, fraud and abuse out of office.

-- Canfield

So anything new, like data centers and wind farms, is off limits in this area it seems and yet I continuously COMPLAIN about jobs and taxes and how we need economic growth. Youngstown said no to tech that may have saved SOBE but NIMBY ruled the day. We don't need or use AI so many say while they use AI to complain about anything new. If it makes noise, if it uses water or air, if it uses power we appear to NOT WANT IT. Closed for Business is the new theme. Wow.

-- Girard

Canfield has a barking ordinance that many dog owners don't believe applies to them. "Frequent or habitual barking, howling or yelping" is an indication that your desperate animal is possibly frightened, hungry, afraid, too hot/cold, lonely, feels threatened, is ill/in pain or being teased or tormented. A barking dog can be heard over a mile away by dozens of households and hundreds of people. It's disruptive, upsetting and cruel to ignore an animal's plight.

-- Canfield

Attention, Canfield caterwauler: Sensible people really don't care about your opinions, but misinformed, history-ignorant, borderline literates just eat your tripe right up. You are their knight in dull armor, their trumpet of hatred against constitutional conservatism. Their clarion caller for socialism and more free stuff; the good life of no work, guaranteed income for all, open borders, no ID voting, government jobs that require no skills. Patronage jobs that only ask that you vote D.

-- Boardman

Letters to the Editor

Sound off!

Again almost a full column in the Sunday Vindicator penned by a writer from Canfield preaching to all how the sky is falling, what politicians should say and how to run their campaigns. With all that wisdom one would think he would pick an office, run a campaign and get elected so he could change the world. There is more than one political view, and most people figure it out and keep it to themselves. TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome) is real.

-- Salem

War-time gas prices: Who said, "What goes up must come down"? Thank you, Donald Trump.

-- Hubbard

Each Saturday when I read Sound Off it's the same old thing. The same people from the same cities writing their hateful name-calling letters about President Trump. These people sound so unhappy and miserable. The Eagles had a song out a few years ago that they should listen to. There's lyrics in the song that say " all the bitchin' and moaning and pitching a fit get over it!"

-- Hubbard

I have medical experience from working in doctors' offices. But if an official from a hospital offered me the job of chief of surgery because their boss liked me, I would refuse. Even though it meant more money and perks, I know that I am not remotely qualified and would likely put people in jeopardy. I cannot understand why so many people named to powerful positions in this administration are so delusional or egotistical that they think they can do a job they know nothing about. Congress keeps approving them to please another unqualified man.

-- Hubbard

Saw the article of the illegal dumping on Youngstown's West Side. Hope they fine the jerk and make him clean it all up. Terrible neighbor to live next to for sure.

-- Austintown

Trump promised to end the Russia/Ukraine war on day one. Promised to lower grocery prices. Promised not to start new wars. Made fun of Obama for golfing and he golfs more than any president in history. Promised to uphold the law, and pardoned convicted criminals from Jan. 6., because they followed his orders. But MAGA claims "Promises made, promises kept!" Are they blind, ignorant, or do they just watch the Fox Propaganda channel?

-- Youngstown

I understand if you are driving in Ohio it is against the law to be holding a cell- phone. But wait, if it's up to your ear it's legal. Hmmm, most people that have a phone to their ear are holding it. I'm pretty sure that Pennsylvania's law is that you are not allowed to use a cellphone when driving. Plain and simple. Maybe Ohio should follow along. We've had enough "distracted driver" accidents to last a lifetime.

-- Boardman

I have a question for everyone who still supports Trump. Has locking down the border improved your life, if so in what way? Are food costs less? Gas prices? Is crime lower? He did what evil and wealthy people have done since biblical times. They blame all that is wrong in a society on anyone who's different like blacks, Jews, Italians, Catholics, Latin Americans, women, LGBTQ, farmers, Chinese, inner city people, etc.

-- Campbell

I think the 6/2/26 Vindy editorial on underfunding of Ohio public schools is correct. However, I'm still waiting for the Ohio Lottery to cover those shortages. Seems we have our own bag of waste, fraud and abuse to go with the one in the White House. Maybe the Education Secretary could hold a benefit match. Her boss has a dome.

-- Canfield

Trump was never in the military, in fact, dodged any service and therefore, has no right whatsoever to salute the flag during the national anthem, but should place his hand over his heart. All people, except the military, should place their hands over their hearts during these times, and few do so. It is a sign of patriotism, of which we need more during these turbulent times.

-- Liberty

I have lived through the terms of 14 presidents. There has been only one that affected my life. That was Lyndon Johnson who drafted me and sent me to Vietnam. Other than that, I have liked some and disliked others but never hated nor loved any of them. It seems strange that people didn't care about 20 million people that came across our border. Among them 300,000 unaccompanied minors that disappeared, or 1,500 people on the terror watch list, but they care about a ballroom being built that we are not paying for. At least now we know who the president is ,

and the Easter Bunny is not telling the president to go back inside. So, it's either pride flags or MMA, take your pick.

-- Canfield

In addition to his Cabinet, Trump now forces the appointment of ignorant loyalists to lead news organizations. That's scary because, unlike politics, facts honestly reported are essential to real news. Trump can't identify that as anything but the enemy of his lies.

-- Canfield

"I call the shots. He doesn't call the shots." This Trump says of his only ally in his chosen war against Iran. Apparently, the blusterer in chief has chosen to shoot himself in the foot. His pal Putin will gladly help him reload. Pity is, your kids will eventually be targets.

-- Canfield

To those who set off fireworks, stop and think about the effects on neighbors, veterans, small children, pets and especially wildlife and birds. A few minutes of fun for you means animals fleeing and abandoning nests, and leaving babies. Deer and other wildlife run away from the noise into traffic and cause accidents. Children are scared and awoken , and your pets are terrified. Go to community events and displays instead of setting off fireworks at home. Hopefully this country will adopt the practice of noiseless fireworks displays like other countries.

-- Poland

"We can't sit back and go, 'Ah, life is good. I'm fine. You know, I've got food. I got money. Blah blah blah. I got my house. I got another car. I'm thinking about this. I'm OK. I know he's a bad guy, but it's OK,'" Gere said. "But it's not OK. It's not OK. It's never OK." Excerpt From "Richard Gere says US is in 'darkest moment' he's experienced." -- Lori Bashian on Fox1 News.

-- Boardman

Ah, summertime, when the urban heat could ignite those so inclined to riot, especially after watching TV news footage -- ad infinitum -- of a woman getting punched by a Charlotte police officer. His repeated blows got him fired, but it couldn't have been for crazily resisting his attempt to control her, or it couldn't have been because she interfered with police commands to stop, or it couldn't have anything to do with her past record. Obviously, the woman, who was just out planting daisies in her front yard, has grounds for a civil reward.

-- Hubbard

The Vindy headline that the fraudulent "anti weaponization" bill is "officially scrapped" may mislead anyone who didn't hear Todd Blanche's Senate testimony. Blanche told the committee he would not commit to put into writing that both the fund and its "get out of jail free pass" for 47 and his family and businesses regarding their tax records or lack thereof. A Trump grift never ends until it costs more than it earns, especially if the bill is paid with jail time.

-- Canfield

This president started the Iran war over his endless jealousy of Obama, especially Obama's exceptional nuclear agreement with Iran. 47 tore up that agreement to put his name on a better one, but gave NO thought to the consequences, not even the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. When you have two inexperienced negotiators who only strive to enrich themselves and a president with an incompetent head of DOD, there is NO Iranian agreement! There is only CHAOS, billions of cost and resources, and adverse global financial impact.

-- Canfield

Letters to the Editor

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Attention Canfield Cornball: After WWII America was deemed "ripe" for communism. The Democrat Party began turning more and more left. Progressives, socialists, Democrats are all considered "fellow travelers" on the road to full communism. Those who support these ideologies without fully understanding this goal are considered "useful idiots" by the world communist movement. Cradle to grave, womb to tomb government control of your lives. Classic Marxism, "From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs."

-- Boardman

If Graham Platner's tattoos actually provide insight to his character and political belief, I hope the DNC doesn't try another cover-up, like the Biden fiasco, before dropping his campaign. Our republic could be lost by four more years of Trumpist corruption.

-- Canfield

I wonder if Trump will stretch out in a purple trimmed toga atop a plush chaise on the second floor balcony of the White House to observe the bloody violence of his cage match birthday present. He seems to enjoy the pain of others. His clown Cabinet could feed him grapes and burgers to keep him entertained between KOs. JD and Marco can clean up as punisher Pete bayonets the wounded for less than he spends shooting shipwreck victims. Vote. Your ballot is more powerful than the emperor's thumb, for now.

-- Canfield

Retiring Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell is now lambasting Trump. McConnell protected and supported Trump and is the primary cause where we are today: "Harmful illegal tariffs; stupid, morally wrong slush fund to pay people who assaulted cops; responsible for the riot in the Capitol, but, will not vote to impeach him; disgraceful dereliction of duty; etc." When asked why his complete turn on Trump? Mitch said: "What happened in the past is irrelevant to me now."

-- Campbell

While Trump doesn't believe in global warming, catastrophic disasters are happening more and more. America must wake up to these occurrences. Florida and Southern states will experience more hurricanes, and thousands of acreage is being lost to fires in many states as never before. China is so far ahead in both curbing these disasters as well as providing electrical power via wind turbines and solar power, all that Trump is against as he has no scientific knowledge and refuses to learn.

-- Liberty

Domestic and foreign tourists can't photograph Washington's iconic centerpiece, the White House, because it is missing its east wing, has a patio replacing the rose garden, and sports an octagon cage on the lawn. DJT, if you want to renovate, redesign Mar a Lago. Preserve, rather than desecrate, our historic buildings and monuments with your tasteless, classless, disgraceful and disrespectful architectural design sense.

-- Boardman

Just when I think the Trump bar could get no lower, I am disappointed even more. We now have a billion dollar criminal slush fund, a UFC fight on the White House front lawn and $250 bill with Trump's angry face on it. And the Republican Party just shrugs.

-- Canfield

Excerpts/paraphrases from David Frum's article, Why Trump Lost: First, he fought Iran and won last year -- didn't quit while ahead. Second, he didn't care about Iran's people rebelling; he didn't support Iran's dissidents. Third, he never understood why he went back to war with Iran. Why not hit the nuclear sites again instead of creating a bigger war? He warred for vanity, not strategy. He lost for the same reason. He's arrogant, reckless, hates procedure, panicky, gullible -- can't lead.

-- Boardman

I watched the 5/5/26, national evening news on basic cable TV. It said the White House Ballroom's construction cost is now $400 million for the 90,000-square-foot building. That's $4,444.44 per square foot. Meanwhile, complex 100,000+ square-foot multistory commercial buildings are now being built around the USA in the private sector for about $250-300 per square foot. The obvious is so obvious it's obscene. Update: now the ballroom's cost is $1 billion / 90,000 square feet = $11,111.11 per square foot.

-- Boardman