Keep nuclear material from terrorists

5/6/2006

Improving container inspection is certainly a part of protecting America against nuclear terrorism, but it is not the "best chance of reducing a terrorist attack," as a May 1 Blade editorial stated.

Seven area cities, including Toledo, as well as the Lucas County commissioners, the presidents of our three universities, and all delegates in the state legislature representing northwest Ohio support the idea of preventing terrorists from getting nuclear bombs or bomb-making material in the first place.

According to the director general of the International Atomic Energy Commission, more than 50 percent of the sites around the world that store such materials are not sufficiently secure against terrorists. With proper security in place, terrorists cannot secure nuclear materials: no material, no threat.

Clearly comprehensive lockdown of these sites is the number one and most important priority.

It is hoped that Sens. George Voinovich and Michael DeWine and Reps. Marcy Kaptur and Paul Gillmor understand and demonstrate in action their commitment to do something about an issue their constituents have expressed through resolutions and letters their deep concern for.

Phineas Anderson

Perrysburg

Lourdes College's "Luminations" has again proven that the performing arts are alive and well in northwest Ohio.

Five years ago, Lourdes wanted to plan an event to raise scholarship money that would also reflect the college's dedication to the arts. Although organizers were encouraged to bring in East or West Coast talent, they decided to look in their own backyard.

Certainly our community has an abundance of talent. Would these groups, however, come together on stage in celebration of the arts?

The answer was yes, and the result was "Luminations."

This year's event showcased the Toledo Ballet, Toledo Opera, Toledo Symphony, Toledo School for the Arts - their Faculty Jazz Ensemble and their Studio Orchestra and Chorus - and St. Francis de Sales High School's musical.

Congratulations to Lourdes College and the very talented performers for again reminding us that, yes, the performing arts are alive and well in our community, and our future is bright with young people, in the wings, waiting to take the stage.

Richard Flasck

Golf Creek Road

Let's see. Immigrants, who entered this country illegally, under cover of darkness, are demanding that they, who are not citizens of this country, are somehow entitled to the rights of a U.S. citizen just because they succeeded in sneaking across the boarder and finding illegal work from a corrupt employer?

Kip Brown

Cherry Hill Road