Shooting victim: Get tough on guns
12/23/2012I support common-sense legislation to end gun violence (“Obama wants Congress to ban military-style assault weapons; Biden to lead fight against ‘epidemic’,” Dec. 20).
I am a 2004 victim of gun violence, and blessed to be a survivor. I was shot three times by a criminal with a revolver.
But I am lucky. Had the shooter used a rapid-fire weapon, I would be dead.
Congress must immediately pass laws that will keep guns out of the hands of criminals and other prohibited purchasers, and keep military-style weapons and high-capacity magazines off our streets.
The minimum action needed: Require criminal background checks for all gun sales, including private sales; ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines; and make gun trafficking a federal crime.
RICK VanLANDINGHAM III
Buckeye Street
Kasich action a threat to health
In response to your Dec. 1 editorial “Bad bills KO’d”: As a member of the Planned Parenthood Toledo Leadership Council, I am thrilled that these terrible pieces of legislation have been tabled, particularly the bill that would have cut off funding to Planned Parenthood.
These funds are used for birth control, HIV testing, men’s and women’s health care, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted disease/infection testing, treatment, and vaccine services.
In Lucas County, more than 3,300 residents made nearly 6,500 office visits to Planned Parenthood between July 1, 2011, and June 30, 2012. Planned Parenthood is an essential health-care provider in Lucas County.
Despite these political wins, the ideological fights continue. Gov. John Kasich recently appointed the president of Ohio Right to Life, Michael Gonidakis, to a five-year term on the state medical board.
Mr. Gonidakis has no medical expertise and has been an active opponent of Planned Parenthood and comprehensive reproductive health care. But now he has been put in a position to oversee the licensure and regulation of medical professionals, including those employed by Planned Parenthood.
This appointment puts ideology above public safety and health, sending a clear message that the function of the medical board is not to license and regulate the medical profession for Ohioans, but to foster one particular ideological perspective within the board’s activities, opinions, and rulings.
I urge Governor Kasich to withdraw this unethical and dangerous appointment.
MAARA FINK
Sylvania Township
Turnpike planis off course
In the 24 years since I moved to the Toledo area, I have driven hundreds of times to and from southwestern Michigan on family visits. I have taken the Ohio Turnpike and Indiana Toll Road, but I have had enough of that (“Kasich: Turnpike to stay under control of state; Plan would fund road projects, jobs,” Dec. 14).
Both toll roads’ authorities have let go of booth operators and raised prices through the roof. I can reduce my tolls by getting a transponder, but this device allows turnpike authorities to get rid of even more booth operators. I don’t want a transponder.
What finally made my blood boil is Ohio Gov. John Kasich shilling for “unlocking the value of this really important asset.” What does that mean?
Officials should eliminate the tolls, as was promised when the turnpike was built. Barring that, I advise motorists to avoid paying tolls whenever possible. I-94 has benefited from recent federal improvements. Drivers should give that road a try.
CINDY LANGE
Perrysburg