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Letters to the Editor

An open letter to those in Salem

DEAR EDITOR: When did being an activist become a bad thing? Can we reconnect with our radical roots? As a proud Salem resident, I’ve long celebrated our community’s history with the Underground Railroad. I’ve taken the Quaker trolley tour multiple times to learn about the courageous people here who broke federal laws to help others reach freedom. Breaking federal laws? No wonder they were referred to as radical Republicans! They really were agitating to the South, as they were seen as stealing their “property.” But today’s Republicans are not the radical activists of ...

Mamdani cartoon was over the line

DEAR EDITOR: The “Gone Mad” political cartoon was quite offensive on several levels. Besides the intended racist undertones, there is the accepted understanding that since his endorsed candidate lost, Trump wishes the millions of Americans in New York will just “Drop Dead.” Probably the most insulting aspect, though, is the typical Republican response of resulting to name-calling when things don’t go their way. (“Idiots Elect Mamdani Mayor”) Mamdani ran his campaign on lowering the cost of living and even if he fails to do so, that just makes him like Trump. At least ...

It’s about time to consider term limits

DEAR EDITOR: Please consider having this or your weekend edition. I do believe it’s time for all voters to seriously think about “term limits” and remove every politician from their office. This shutdown has gone on way too long and both parties are to blame. There is absolutely no excuse for these members of congress to not get together to end this needless tragedy. Why are we still electing these people in? Please consider sending a statement of discontent by voting in new leadership who, just maybe, will do their jobs. ROBERT GRANCHIE Struthers

Respect Poland library and its rich history

DEAR EDITOR: The community of Poland, Ohio, is rich in history and tradition. There are more than 75 19th century homes in the village, many of which have been restored to their past glory. Located at the center of our town stands the Poland Public Library. Opened in 2001 and designed by an award-winning architectural firm, it incorporates one of our most important historic structures, the Poland Union Seminary Dormitory dating from 1846. This is a library to be proud of. People visiting our community for the first time marvel at this building that blends perfectly with the history of ...

Congress must act to release Epstein files

DEAR EDITOR: I’m very concerned that our Republican members of Congress are unwilling to stand up for victims of sexual abuse. I wonder how many of these idle Republican members would want the first sexual experience of their daughter, especially a 14-year-old daughter, to be at the hands of adult men and a woman. These perpetrators victimized, drugged and exploited these young girls. Trump and his abetting followers aren’t above the law. We all need to demand that our elected officials stand up for the victims of sexual abuse. Let Congress know that sexual abuse of minors is a ...

Good citizens must fight to preserve democracy

DEAR EDITOR: Republicans, rather cleverly they think, have called the “No Kings” rallies by millions of American citizens in hundreds of cities throughout our country, “Hate America” rallies when they are truly the exact opposite of that. These are American citizens of every background and social status who recognize the danger to our democracy that Trump’s authoritarian government poses to our Constitution, to our basic human rights, and to our freedoms. These are “Love America” rallies. In 1963, Bob Dylan penned the words, “Come Congressmen, Senators, please heΩed ...