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Letters to the Editor

A suggestion to vet potential U.S. citizens

DEAR EDITOR: My name is Terry Shidel. I am a Marine Corps Vietnam Veteran, former educator, police chief and small businessman. My proposal is called Probationary Citizenship. Migrants who are often good people, looking to improve their and their families lives, are facing an unclear path to their future. I suggest we develop a Probationary Citizenship program, offering an opportunity to become a permanent citizen, upon completion of the following tasks: First, they would report to any local police department and complete a special questionnaire designed to provide sufficient ...

Violence stems from Trump’s rhetoric

DEAR EDITOR: The recent killing of Minnesota State Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband as well as the shooting of State Senator John Hoffman and his wife must clearly be laid at the feet of President Donald Trump. He may occasionally give a cursory statement condemning violence but his actions and further comments say otherwise. For example, his pardoning of the Jan. 6th protesters who injured police officers and did severe damage to the Capitol and then his even going on to call them patriots, his constant name-calling, his verbal attacks on judges and then ignoring the MAGA ...

The slaughter of animals has to stop

DEAR EDITOR: Yes, their lies and sucking up to each other must stop. ODNR sits on the coattails of Aaron Young. They certainly must have some kind of agreement between them, I presume, with their actions. ODNR stands for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It’s the Ohio government agency responsible for managing and protecting the state’s natural resources, including land, water, wildlife and minerals. ODNR plays a crucial role in balancing the wise use and conservation of Ohio’s natural resources. Where is the protection and management of our wildlife? Slaughtering ...

Sound off!

The main reason that Trump bombed Iran was because he wants to be seen as the most powerful man in the world. His jealousy of Netanyahu’s early success in bombing Iran drove him. Did he think about how he’ll keep the Strait of Hormuz open? Has he thought about how it will affect gas prices? Did he promise not to start a war, yes he did. But his 5-year-old impulse drives him and will ruin the country and the world. — Campbell After reading your editorial ‘Ohioans can save themselves a trip to the local BMV,’ I tried the online option. After going through the verification ...

A tribute to a Youngstown father

DEAR EDITOR: Father is an ordinary man. He was born the youngest of 10 siblings living in a two-bedroom house in the city. As a teen he worked a part time job after school to help the family forgoing many youthful activities. At a time of “conflict”, out of patriotism and practicality he joined the military. After serving his country he married Mom. He did not have time to chase his dreams or follow his passion. They had kids to care for. Happiness was not a goal but an end from its means. He was a policeman, a shift worker and a union steward fighting for his brothers’ concerns. ...

Immigrants built the Mahoning Valley

DEAR EDITOR: I was born at Northside hospital, but my Grandma Valsi emigrated from Finland. My Grandpa Valsi’s mother emigrated from Italy. Somewhere along the line, my mom’s folks emigrated from Germany and England. Two of my dearest friends are immigrants. Have you ever spoken with a first-generation immigrant? They are seriously some of the hardest-working people I know — they beat out me and my family — and brother — we are hardworking people with strong blue-collar roots that span centuries. I would be easily outworked by my immigrant friend, the civil engineer — ...