State Issue 2 is
seriously flawed
At this November's election, Ohioans will be voting on State Issue 2, which is the constitutional amendment that changes the way the state draws legislative and congressional maps. I urge a "no" vote on this constitutional amendment.
There is a serious problem with this proposed constitutional amendment. It interjects the judiciary directly into the legislative and politically charged process of drawing legislative and congressional district maps. It undermines the important constitutional doctrine of the separation of powers in that it provides that judges of the appellate courts select those who will draw the maps. It makes judges and the courts more vulnerable to political influence. This is not a roll in which judges should be engaged. Their role is to fairly and impartially consider legal disputes.
The Ohio State Bar Association and the Ohio Judicial Conference together with other organizations oppose this proposed constitutional amendment on these bases. I, like many, believe that the current redistricting process needs to be changed. However, Issue 2 is not the right way to do it. I urge a "no" vote on Issue 2.
James Sillery
Ohio State Bar
Association, District 17 Board of Governors
Representative
Athens
Writer puzzled by support for Obama
Barack Obama supporters puzzle me. Why do they want this man to remain in office? What do they expect him to do to benefit America? He promised that his policies would ensure that energy prices would "necessarily skyrocket." He disdains our allies, notably Israel and Great Britain, while courting enemies such as Venezuela. He embraces the Muslim Brotherhood while stomping on the Constitutional rights of American citizens of faith. He lies about foreign policy debacles such as the terrorist attack in Benghazi. The Middle East is going up in flames while he fiddles in Hollywood. Obamacare promises to cause mayhem not only in the health care industry but in businesses all across the spectrum. Obama accuses his opponents of lying when they merely disagree with his policies. In short, the president is a despicable man who wants to "fundamentally transform" America into - what? A socialist utopia? A Marxist dream? A communist paradise? If you recognize oxymoron, you get the point.
For those who haven't figured it out, America is the last best hope on the planet. When she yields to the base, short-sighted demands of the uninformed, there will be nowhere else to go. Why do Obamaphiles feel the need to transform our nation? Why don't they simply go a country that better suits their ideology?
Dianne Crandall
Marietta
Obama must be removed from office
Doom, poverty, or prosperity - choose now!
Congress' plan is to deflate the dollar and repay only cents. The cabal which has controlled the world's finances for centuries plans to retain its control by decreasing the world population - either by bankrupting and starving the people, or by instigating WWIII (it controls the U.S. Presidency and the Federal Reserve). Success of these plans will result in either extinction of the human race by a nuclear winter, or in debasing the U.S. to third world status. Endless printing of money keeps the world on this course.
Together, American citizens have the capability to change this scenario. We must demand that Congress reinstate the Glass-Steagall law which outlawed such money printing from 1933-1999. Obama is an agent of the cabal. He will never agree to this reinstatement. Therefore, he must be removed from office immediately. He has waged war without Congressional approval, and has knowingly allowed American agents to be killed when his duty was to prevent it. These are clear violations of our Constitution and grounds for immediate impeachment.
To get out of a depression, create wealth. With Obama out of office and Glass-Steagall reinstated, a Constitutional world credit system can be established, new world infrastructure financed, and a worldwide golden age can begin to enable prosperity for all nations. With all nations prosperous, war will not be needed.
If you think this isn't possible, learn about NAWAPA at www.LaRouchePAC.com/NAWAPAXXI. But hurry. Inflation is accelerating!
Edwin Beale, MSgt, USAF (Ret)
Howard, Ohio
Voting is America's best defense
Sayings from liberty quotes:
The difference between a welfare state and a totalitarian state is a matter of time. (Ayn Rand).
Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth. (Albert Einstein).
No man has ever ruled other men for their own good. (George Herron).
The history of liberty is the history of limitation of government power, not the increase of it. (Woodrow Wilson).
When small men begin to cast big shadows, it means that the sun is about to set. (Lin Yutang).
Those in power need checks and restraints lest they come to identify the common good for their own tastes and desires and their continuation in office as essential to the preservation of the nation. (Justice William O. Douglas).
If we don't vote Nov. 6 - well - hope we enjoy bondage.
R.B. Morris
Coal Run
Vote, but be an informed voter
Four Americans were ruthlessly murdered in Benghazi, Libya; and this president referred to the tragedy as a "bump in the road" and "not optimal." He called the murder and wounding of many soldiers at fort Hood as "workplace" shootings; that heartless terrorists has yet to be tried. Vice President Biden asked an audience how many have lost loved ones in the war in Iran? We presently have no troops in Iran. And these two are seeking re-election?
When a reporter recently asked young adults (students at Ohio State University and supporters of President Obama) what they knew about the tragic event in Benghazi, most were unaware of what had happened. And these will be voting in the Nov. 6 election?
I was shocked to learn that there were more than twice the number of war deaths during 3 1/2 years of Obama's time as commander-in-chief compared to Bush's seven years (1,474 under Obama, 625 under Bush). There were 17,455 wounded during the 3 1/2 years under Obama compared to 2,638 wounded during the seven Bush years. Presently, American training Afghan "replacements" are being ambushed and killed by them. How many more young Americans will die before the "scheduled" end of this war?
The U.S. economy is in shambles. Many Americans are losing their jobs and their homes and require welcome and food stamps to provide for their families. Under this president, the cost of food, electricity, gasoline and other staples have drastically increased with no end in sight. Yet his controls are causing coal mines to close, forbidding the construction of the pipeline from Canada and refusing to issue permits to drill for oil and gas on federally-controlled land and water.
Ohio is a key state in this election. Please, voters, become informed, pray and vote. We must elect Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Josh Mandel, Bill Johnson, Shane Thompson, Andy Thompson, Charles Richter, Ron Feathers, David White and others who will work to restore our nation to its former greatness. The future of our children and grandchildren depend on it.
Sandra K. Lane
Marietta
Young voter
supports Daniels
As we dive into this election year, I feel it is very important for people to be informed about the kinds of politicians we are electing. I think that our biggest fear as constituents is that we cannot trust our representatives. As a college student, I spend a lot of time talking to my classmates about this issue. Many of them don't even want to vote because of it! I have such a hard time even imagining giving up that right. However, they make a good point. Politics has turned into a dirty game, and is no longer about what is best for the people. "We, the people" are responsible for this country. "We, the people" are responsible for who we elect to represent our voices and our best interests. "We, the people" are responsible for making sure we vote for politicians who care for us and our communities, not dirty deceitful politicians who are in it for the game. I can't promise you that we will always make the right decision, but it's so very important that we try.
For the past few weeks, I have spent a lot of time working alongside and talking with Charlie Daniels. I was a fan of him before I ever knew him. I was a fan of his morals and values and what he stands for. Charlie Daniels is for the people. Charlie Daniels aims to build his political career on honesty and putting his people first. Charlie Daniels believes in building up our middle class and bringing in new well-paying jobs. He wants to bring money to education and improve our school systems. He is also a lifelong resident of the Ohio Valley. He's a military veteran and comes from a long line of coal miners. These are things that most people know and love about Charlie Daniels. The truth is, there is so much more to him than that. Daniels is an honest, hard-working man. The more I talk to him and get to know him, the more thankful I am, as a resident of his district, that he has chosen to run for state representative. He gave up his job to work full time on his campaign. With the help of all his donors and a few loyal volunteers, he has built something we have not seen in a very long time. He has built a campaign of honesty, trust, sincerity, and people over politics!
Vote Charlie Daniels!
Amanda Nicole Lancione, student
Ohio University Eastern
Obama cares about all Americans
We've all known arrogant, overbearing, obnoxious, unlikable men like Mitt Romney. His type likes to run roughshod over people, especially women.
We need an American president who truly cares about all our citizens, not just the extremely wealthy ones.
We do not want a president who is rude, obnoxious and acts like the Big Boss. In the last debate Romney was quite rude saying to the president of the United States "you'll get your chance" as though our president was one of his underlings at Bain. He tried lying about President Obama's talk in the Rose garden, but did not get away with the lies. How awful to try to make 'political hay' out of the deaths of four of our American state department consulate employees. Disgusting ...
President Obama's opponent says he does not have to outline his plans for the citizens of USA, just "TRUST him." Romney has his millions stashed away in Switzerland, the Cayman's, Bermuda instead of USA (apparently does not "TRUST the USA" enough). He says the 'wealthy are the job creators' - How many jobs does his millions, stashed overseas, create here in our USA? If he is not patriotic enough to invest his millions in the USA how can he be patriotic enough to picture himself in the oval office?
In answer to a debate question Romney did not endorse the Equal Pay Act which president signed into law. Could not even seem to understand the question posed by a young woman. His response rambled on about "binders of women' and letting an employee leave at five to "cook dinner" and watch "over the children." Well, that is putting women in their place - out of the business world and into their proper place.
I saw a video of Romney stating that his company looked for possible take-overs so they could "harvest" profits. Do you know what happened to the companies Bain took over, borrowed against, cut employees, 'harvested profits' and then walked away? Yes, most of those businesses inevitably closed, employees lost pensions they should have had coming, lost their jobs, many lost their homes, while Bain and Romney walked away with millions they 'harvested.'
It is very frightening to think if those same policies would be applied to the administering of our great country; the wealthy 'harvesting' profits with no regard of the men and women who live and work here.
President Obama cares about all our citizens; our welfare, our health, our education, our economy, our safety from terrorists- bin Laden is dead, GM is alive.
B. Jean Mohr
Wooster
Obama's policies wreck coal industry
Recently, Bill Clinton made an appearance on behalf of Barack Obama at the Indian Creek High School. It was reported that there were in attendance around 1,000 people. I was very disappointed in hearing that because of the destruction he inflicted on our U.S. steel industry, because of him we no longer have steel companies like LTV, Bethelem and Wheeling-Pittsburgh. Because of his inactions bankruptcies, mergers and closings affected 70 mills. Clinton did to the steel industry what Obama is doing to coal.
There are approximately 204 electric coal-fired powered plants that are set to close due in large part of regulations issued by the Obama EPA. (American Coalition for Clean Coal) Democratic candidates and their minions are not concerned about this and as a matter of fact state that Obama has helped increase coal in the U.S., yet none of them will site a place where these information can be found.
Another problem that is growing is Democratic candidates associations with Unions and Union leaderships. Leaders from SEIU, UAW and the AFL-CIO were present at the Democratic convention and stood in support of Obama. As union leaders they know the financial and job related problems that industry members are facing, yet they are still in bed with them; like victims of abuse, they keep going back to their abuser. The President of the United Mine Workers, Cecil Roberts, has no problem supporting and doing speeches for Democratic candidates, but he tells the miners that he represents, in this election he has no opinion and has decided to sit this election out. By the way, did I mention that approximately 204 coal-fired plants are set to close?
The fact is that coal powered plants produce approximately 48 percent to 50 percent of our electricity. The Obama administration has been pushing for Green Energy. The Green Energy that is in use in the United States is about 1 percent for solar. (wiki.answer.com) And for wind is 1 percent (chacha.com). As consumers this is just unacceptable.
The owners (employers) of these coal mines are supplying livelihoods to thousands of families and affordable energy to consumers. If politicians were really interested in their constituents they would be standing with the owners, because the last time I looked you need an employer to be an employee. The politicians that are in support of employers are Republicans.
Did I mention that approximately 204 coal-fired plants are set to close?
Merica Petrella
Steubenville
Ohio can't wait on reform; pass Issue 2
If you care about the environment and a greener, more sustainable economy, you should care about State Issue 2, the proposal to reform how congressional and state legislative district lines are drawn in Ohio.
Why? Because in order to secure healthy air, land, and water and a greener economy, the will of middle-ground voters must translate into sound public policy that supports these goals.
Ohio's current, winner-take-all system of gerrymandering congressional and state legislative districts is broken. This is evidenced by the fact that for all practical purposes, the outcome of most congressional and legislative races is decided in partisan primary elections, not general elections. This may be good for divisive politics, but it is bad for civil dialogue and sound environmental policy.
Regardless of which political party is in the driver's seat, this unfair system encourages sprawling, non-competitive districts. This in turn disempowers centrist voters and discourages more honest discussion of environmental-conservation concerns, resulting in less legislative compromise and less balanced public policy.
Issue 2 offers a fair, effective solution. Issue 2 requires, by law, competitive and compact districts that more genuinely reflect how Ohioans actually vote. This will empower moderate voters, strengthen the chance for more informed debate and encourage legislative compromise. In short, Issue 2 will help deliver what is lacking today-more thoughtful debate and more reasonable public policy.
While elected leaders exist who are serious about redistricting reform, these leaders are the exception and not the rule. Indeed, both major parties have had decades to reform Ohio's redistricting process and each has failed to pass a plan into law. In 2009, the Republicans controlling the Ohio Senate offered a reform plan; the Democrats controlling the Ohio House offered their own plan. In the end, the two parties could not agree to a compromise. The result-today's continued, broken system.
Ohio voters can change that. A Yes vote for Issue 2 will deliver new, more compact, competitive, community-based districts, affording more honest conversation around environmental-conservation policies. This will encourage the prospects for more balanced laws to safeguard safe drinking water and clean air, protect our parks and family farms, expand clean energy, encourage walkable communities, and drive a more sustainable economy.
A No vote is a vote to stand pat, roll the dice, and wait some more, hoping against hope that our lawmakers of both parties will do something they've never done before-pass into law a fair redistricting reform law.
It is true that issue 2 has become a politicized issue. That is unfortunate. I wish it was on the ballot in an off-election year, and not endorsed by any particular party, Democrat or Republican.
But Ohio cannot afford to wait any longer for real reform. Issue 2 was developed in good faith by the League of Women Voters of Ohio. It deserves the support of fair-minded citizens, particularly those who care about the future health of our families, communities, and the environment. Please vote Yes on State Issue 2.
Keith Dimoff, executive director, Ohio Environmental Council, Columbus
Ex-congressman hopes to serve again
You don't have to be an economist to see the effects unemployment has had on our manufacturing industry. Drive North or South on Ohio Highway Seven and look at the abandoned steel factories that once represented a robust economic manufacturing hub now being sold for scrap. As a small businessman, lifetime resident East Ohio, I understand the impact American manufacturing has on our local economies.
Like so many of you, I too was hurt and confused by Congressman Johnson's support for free trade policies with Colombia, Panama and South Korea. I was shocked to see his dedication to protecting tax breaks for corporations that move American manufacturing jobs overseas and his lack of concern when given a bill that would hold China accountable for currency manipulation, a bill Congressman Johnson voted against. By supporting these policies Congressman Johnson has made a clear statement to the constituents of his district; Congressman Johnson does not believe in American manufacturing.
For decades our area has represented the backbone of our nation's economy. We have served as a manufacturing center for a democracy founded on the principles of capitalism. The sweat that fell upon our blue collars helped those wearing white collars build fortunes. In return we asked for the opportunity to make a livable wage that would allow us to support our families.
Congressman Bill Johnson, only recently moved to this area, so it seems he does not understand our policies offering tax breaks to millionaires in place of supporting local jobs is not the way to pull our district out of this recession. Pointing fingers, and passing the blame on to others, is not a value that we share. As a Congressman you must be accountable for your own voting record. Congressman Johnson supports sending American manufacturing jobs to South Korea, Panama, and Colombia, but voted against the American Jobs Act that would have provided $25 billion in additional investments in our schools, and $50 billion in investments in roads and infrastructure growth.
As a US Congressman you have a moral responsibility to those who you represent. When I was privileged to serve this area I exercised great care in being an independent voice for the people I represent, not Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative independent.
It was my goal in this campaign to give the voters of East and Southeast Ohio a clear choice. We may not agree on everything, but we agree on many things and the future of our manufacturing sector is something we agree upon.
I would appreciate your vote on Nov. 6 and look forward to returning to Washington to provide sound leadership to a district that needs leadership more than ever.
Charles A. Wilson
Candidate for Congress
