Letters to the Editor

Response to Egypt important

7/27/2013

Your July 17 article “Egypt excludes Islamist parties from power” struck the right note in discussing recent events in Egypt, but it is important to question the U.S. response to the coup.

A legitimately elected government was overthrown by the military. The United States is making a mistake by not recognizing it as a coup and a severe blow to democratization attempts.

Although recent events may seem convenient and even positive because President Mohammed Morsi’s regime was Islamist, I urge The Blade not to trivialize what this coup means for Egypt’s chances at a consolidated democracy. I hope the news media continue to question the U.S. government’s response to the situation.

HANNAH LUDDY RANDOLPH

Sylvania

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Princess, Pope hardly front-page

Having subscribed to The Blade since I was a college student, I have watched the downward slide of reporting of actual news to infotainment. Your July 23 edition took the ignominious cake.

You had a front-page splurge of celebrity gossip — “Duchess of Cambridge gives birth to healthy, royal boy” and “Jubilant believers hail Pope in Brazil.” You also had page four and half of page five of the front section consumed by royal-mania.

The papal visit to South America might have been useful had the focus been on the emerging Latin Spring, but it was on Pope Francis’ fan base.

A rich woman giving birth is not news. You have a “People” header in the Peach section for that sort of paparazzi glitter.

There was real news: the contaminated leakage into the Pacific Ocean from the Fukushima nuclear plant (“Firm says radiation is leaking into sea," July 23). But the princess and the Pope?

Please consider playing to your intelligent readers, who are out there, and in greater numbers than you seem to think.

BARBARA MANN

Glenwood Avenue

‘Most patriotic’ with Italian touch

Chrysler Group LLC’s Jeep has been named the most patriotic brand of vehicle (“Jeep corners market for red, white, and blue; Vehicle tops list of brands valued as American,” July 4). Isn’t it ironic that Chrysler is mostly owned by an Italian company?

TONY ESPOSITO

Regina Parkway

Jeeps not unique to Toledo

Your article incorrectly states that Jeep is “a brand born in Toledo out of World War II.” The Jeep was born at the American Bantam Car Co. in Butler, Pa., before our country’s entry into World War II.

A Detroit freelance automotive engineer and Ohio State graduate, Karl Probst, is credited by some autumotive historians with the design and production of the first Jeeps in Butler.

Willys Overland Co. in Toledo started making the vehicles in 1941, using American Bantam’s design.

ERNEST MEASE

Oak Forest Drive