LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Columnist wrong about trade policy

6/20/2011

George F. Will's June 10 op-ed column on U.S. trade policy betrays a misconception that what is good for trade-injured workers is bad for our economy ("Obama's free-trade policy is to appease labor unions.")

He makes the wrong assertion that a training and re-employment service, under a federal program known as Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA), "injures other American workers" and "impedes economic dynamism." This is part of a counterproductive effort by Mr. Will to disparage a small but effective program that has helped workers hurt by U.S. trade policy for decades.

If Mr. Will is troubled because workers who lose jobs for reasons other than free trade don't get help similar to TAA, the solution is to provide better services to those displaced workers, rather than eliminating TAA.

In 2009, on a bipartisan basis, Congress modernized TAA to include service workers as well as those affected by offshoring jobs to China and India. As a result of these changes, traditionally nonunionized workers became eligible under TAA.

Mr. Will mischaracterizes the Obama Administration's support for continuing those TAA improvements as a payoff to labor unions, rather than prudent additions to a program that has longstanding bipartisan support. Labor union support for improving TAA is an example of how unions serve as a voice for both union and nonunion workers.

Michael Evangelist

Policy Analyst National Employment Law Project Ann Arbor

 

Drilling in parks an idea that's all wet

I don't understand the hubbub about drilling in Ohio state parks ("Senate approves drilling in Ohio parks," June 16).

Eventually we'll have oil derricks in our backyards. Just wait until the oil companies drill in our largest source of fresh water.

Jeff Pitzen

Northwood

 

There's no honor in 'honorary' action

By issuing a ridiculous title of "honorary Ohioans" to the National Basketball Association champion Dallas Mavericks, Gov. John Kasich revealed his mean-spirited side ("Mavericks named 'honorary Ohioans,'" June 14).

Many Ohioans took pleasure in Dallas winning the title against the Miami Heat, which featured one-time Cleveland Cavaliers star and Ohio native LeBron James. Many Ohioans verbally attacked Mr. James. This is not acceptable adult behavior.

The proclamation was meant as a figurative slap against Mr. James. It disgusts me that the governor has nothing better to do with his time than join the attacks focused on Mr. James.

Pam Meeks

Oregon

 

POW-MIA flags aren't all flying

Remembrance Inc. distributed 75 POW-MIA flags this year. I made sure every city, county, and federal building had a flag ("POW-MIA flags urged today for Flag Day," June 14).

But at least some of those flags aren't flying. On Memorial Day and Flag Day, I did not see the the POW-MIA flag over the Lucas County Courthouse or The Source. There were no POW-MIA flags flown at the federal courthouse or at U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur's local office.

Organizations that fly the flag are the Tremainsville Road and Sylvania Avenue post offices, Toledo Fire Station #1, the Toledo Police Department, Government Center, the Lucas County Health Department, and the Lucas County Public Library.

Nick Haupricht

Chairman Remembrance Inc. Toledo

 

Utility bill saps money, energy

The utility bill plays a big part in everyday expenses. It seems just to go higher. We need to be careful, so we don't waste our money or energy.

Dick D. Drzewiecki

Ryan Road