Breaking News

Letters to the Editor

Trump has broken his oath of office

DEAR EDITOR: This is the oath taken by Donald J. Trump: “I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect, and. defend the Constitution of the United States.” This is what he has done: ● Violated the First Amendment right of freedom of speech by denying access to federal courts to lawyers he does not like and their clients if they have sued him. ● Violated the First Amendment by denying reporters from the Associated Press access to White House briefings or ...

Death-row appeals are mandated

DEAR EDITOR: The recent article about Attorney General Dave Yost’s death penalty report leaves out an important truth: his own report lists many reasons for moving beyond the death penalty. Yes, the AG is right that the death penalty process is lengthy and involves more appeals than non-death cases. But those appeals aren’t optional — they’re required by the courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court. And with more than 200 death-row exonerations in the U.S. — including 11 in Ohio — who would seriously argue we should rush that process? I know families who have lost loved ...

Congress must fight for Dept. of Education

DEAR EDITOR: Donald Trump’s executive order to abolish the Department of Education — a direct attack on students, teachers and families — is illegal. Congress created the Department of Education; only Congress can eliminate it. But because Congress hasn’t stood up to Trump, critical programs that serve 50 million students will end — all so billionaires can keep getting massive tax breaks. That means: crowded classrooms where kids don’t get the attention they need; slashed funding for special education, leaving students with disabilities without essential services; fewer ...

Disrespect will have some consequences

DEAR EDITOR: I attended the April 7 town hall that U.S. Rep. Michael Rulli deemed a “pathetic spectacle.” The standing room-only event was evidence of this congressional district’s desire to be heard and acknowledged by their government officials. It is alarming that my representative has been unwilling to host a public forum to listen to the concerns of his constituents. What is unforgivable is the sarcastic and dismissive tone in which Mr. Rulli declined the invitation to attend that town hall. As a registered Democrat, I conduct due diligence on candidates and issues and ...

Why did West Branch move on from coach?

DEAR EDITOR: Reading the sports story on West Branch letting coach Walt DeShields go, and “wanting to go in a different direction,” after all of the success he has had was quite upsetting. My background in coaching at the high school, and college level almost spans 30 years. Not living up to expectations, or lapses in judgment makes it necessary to be let go, that is not the case here. Coach DeShields is really good at what he does, that is a fact, the truth. He has a long list of positive impacts in the West Branch community, and throughout the state of Ohio. Sometimes when there ...

Rulli is shirking his elected responsibilities

DEAR EDITOR: I suppose it’s somewhat fair for your editorial to point out that Rep. Rulli took the bait by replying to an invite to appear to the Walz event in Youngstown. His reply was pathetic indeed. But there is more to it than that. Those of us who want him to hold a town hall meeting with constituents are seeking to understand something more than GOP actions that are creating economic havoc, destroying savings or treating U.S. citizens with deportation actions. He’s avoiding having these events because he knows that what is happening is unpopular. His written responses are ...