LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Games no help to folks of Sochi

2/15/2014

As Sochi, Russia, prepared to host the Winter Olympics, all of the attention was on the pomp and circumstance surrounding the games. Much less publicized is the demoralizing conditions in which Sochi residents live (“A crumbling Sochi hides behind Olympic facades; Residents: Cameras ignore city’s struggles,” Jan. 26).

Russia spent billions of dollars on the grandeur of the Olympics, yet it fails to provide basic services to its citizens. Flooding, erosion, and isolation have complicated already deplorable conditions in Sochi.

The games’ venues, filled with cheers of nationalism now, will be silent soon. Sochi residents will continue to live in despair.

Shame on the International Olympic Committee for awarding Russia the games and ignoring a humanitarian crisis. The world, along with athletes participating in the Olympics, should demand a higher ethical standard.

DAVID ZACK

Sylvania

 

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Peace Corps, Olympics alike

There has been criticism of the 2014 Olympics, but we should focus on the positive (“Errant snowflake fails to tarnish Russia’s glow; Pyrotechnics, pageantry open Winter Games,” Feb. 8).

I am a former Peace Corps volunteer who served in Ukraine, near the Russian border. I see similarities between the Olympics and the Peace Corps. Each showcases a spirit of patriotism, international understanding, and goodwill.

So what if one of the snowflakes on the virtual Olympic flag didn’t do what it was supposed to do during the opening ceremony? Forget the petty politics and the judgmental attitudes.

Host countries do their best to showcase their best. Let’s honor the common spirit of the Olympics and the Peace Corps.

FRANCINE CURRO CARY

Sylvania

 

Lighted signs would aid airport

On Feb. 1, my wife and I returned from a trip to Florida, arriving at Toledo Express Airport around 6:20 p.m. It was dark and raining, and there was plenty of snow on the ground.

We found our car, and spent the next few frustrating minutes trying to find our way out of the long-term parking lot, a difficult thing to do under these conditions.

We saw no lighted exit signs. The sign at the exit gate showing which lanes to use was practically invisible.

Elevated, lighted signs could be installed to help people find their way out, making the airport parking lot far more user-friendly.

RICHARD REDER

Foxcroft Road

 

Here’s a deadline to settle cable rift

I am annoyed and inconvenienced by the shenanigans between Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc. and Buckeye CableSystem (“40 hear of Channel 24 dispute; Meeting involves Sinclair’s attempt for $2 a customer,” Feb. 4).

WNWO, our local NBC affiliate, is worth something. There is a line in the sand: On Aug. 30, 2014, the Rice University football team plays Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., in a game to be broadcast on NBC. This issue must be resolved by then.

CHRIS MALONEY

Hopewell Place