Culture of violence must end

Attention again is focused on central-city violence after the shooting of two Toledo toddlers ("1-year-old's death likely result of gang feud; Bond set for 3 charged with obstructing case," Aug. 16). An analysis by community and political leaders of how the culture of violence has evolved is needed.

Issues to be looked at include the high public-school dropout rate, the high birth rate among unmarried women with resulting single-parent families, and the myriad government programs that have failed to reduce poverty and may have inadvertently contributed to the deterioration of the traditional family structure.

Until community leaders have the courage to challenge what has become the accepted behavioral norm, the culture of violence will go unabated.

John Stewart

Monclova Township

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National figures missing at Manor

A 1-year-old girl is shot and killed at Moody Manor ("Mourners say baby did not die in vain; Death brings community closer together," Aug. 17). Why haven't Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson shown up?

Les Gericke

Archbold, Ohio

UAW ad wins Olympic gold

As I watched the Olympics on TV, it was refreshing to see advertising by the United Auto Workers. I turned off the Super Bowl and the National Basketball Association finals because of the advertisements for foreign vehicles.

Thomas Bennett

Overly Court

Less-expensive rail crossing a must

Your July 27 article "McCord Rd. Underpass work plans hastened; Project slated to start as early as next year" outlined a plan to reduce traffic delays and safety concerns where McCord crosses a rail line. How could the agencies that are involved come up with additional millions of dollars during these hard times?

We live in a major railroad hub. Waiting for trains is something we are used to. Pedestrians sometimes attempt to beat the trains with tragic results.

A pedestrian crossing via an overhead bridge or a tunnel could be constructed at a lower cost. The savings from this road project could be applied to other projects on the waiting list.

Gary Buck

Scottwood Avenue

Rock 'n' Roar needs more seats

My husband and I and two other couples attended Rock 'n' Roar at the Toledo Zoo on Aug. 3. It was a great, entertaining night.

Not all of us are 25 years old, nor do we dance, but we love the entertainment. It would be beneficial to have places to sit to enjoy the music. There are tables near the disc jockey, but not enough.

We would love to keep attending this event every year. However, without someplace to sit and enjoy the entertainment, we will not be attending. That makes me sad.

Christine Glanzman

Stony Ridge, Ohio