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Letters to the Editor

Gun violence shouldn’t be a political football

DEAR EDITOR: The recent assassination of a well-followed young husband and father, a political activist, was distressing, uncalled for and another unfortunate example of violence in the U.S. It’s news that appears to be daily, like the weather forecast. We expect it. As always, the response to the tragedy was quick and expected from our elected officials, those who, during such incidents, are often sought after for guidance and, more so, support, providing some actions that seek to remedy such occurrences. Such guidance, such support is necessary if we as a nation seek to ...

Is history repeating on Trump’s watch?

DEAR EDITOR: History tells us about the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The Roman army was not allowed in Rome. The police force was the Praetorian guard. So why does President Donald Trump have U.S. Marines and the National Guard in Washington, D.C.? The National Guard should have been in D.C. on Jan. 6, 2021. Are we looking at the rise and fall of America under Trump? DAVID P. GAIBIS SR. Edinburg, Pa.

Don’t call Charlie Kirk or Republicans fascists

DEAR EDITOR: What is a fascist? The true meaning — they are not believers, like Hitler. He hated God, Jewish people and Christians. He wanted to be God himself.He wanted to get rid of all of them. He killed millions of people. Our young people need to know the truth. The Republican Party is not the party of Hitler. We love our God and we love our country. We are not Nazis. Our young people don’t even know our history, how it started, because one party attacked it and took it out. This one president used a mother who didn’t want God in schools or to pray for her son — ...

Let’s rally to save the Poland Library

DEAR EDITOR: A Poland Library citizens group has been formed with one goal: to preserve and maintain the Poland Library in its current location. The group is guided by an adapted quotation: “The only necessary thing for bad things to happen is for good men and women to do nothing.” The Youngstown and Mahoning County Library Board is considering closing the existing 2001 library and using library funds to build a new facility. Such a project would cost far more than repairing the current building, and all Mahoning County taxpayers would share the financial burden of this decision. ...

No tax on OT is OK, but won’t help much

DEAR EDITOR: I read Tex Fischer’s guest column on Aug. 26, 2025, attempting to defend the One Big Beautiful Bill by promoting the provision that eliminates taxes on overtime pay. The obtuseness of his position is astounding. I don’t think he fully understands what his own words are actually saying. He states that this provision is a “lifeline for families across our state.” As proof of this lifeline, he cites relief for “a single mom working overtime shifts at a manufacturing plant to cover rising costs for groceries, rent and school supplies. Or a dad pulling extra ...

Don’t let AI determine our medical coverage

DEAR EDITOR: I’m writing this letter to inform Ohio residents that in January 2026, Ohio and five other states will be a part of an unconscionable pilot program. This program, named “Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Rejection — WISeR Model,” will use artificial intelligence (AI), to determine whether prescribed medical procedures are eligible for Medicare coverage. The federal government plans to hire private AI companies to determine whether patients would be covered for certain procedures. These companies would have financial incentives to DENY claims, because Medicare ...