LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Protection of child must start at origin

5/12/2014

The Blade is to be commended for the strong stand it made on behalf of Ohio’s children in its April 30 editorial “Prevent child abuse.” Peaceful and responsible parenting is critical for ensuring a child’s healthy development and the attainment of a moral and civilized society.

As your editorial put it, “the community can and should intervene … to speak for those who can’t speak for themselves.” But our nation is failing to speak for them in more ways than one, because Americans still disagree over who is considered “human.”

As you state, Lucas County Children Services reports that there were 952 confirmed cases of child abuse in the county last year. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 1,960 abortions took place in Lucas County in 2012.

The violent death of Avery Glynn Bacon is a tragedy that should remind us that aggression against a child warrants early intervention and adequate support services. Upon being struck, Avery’s brain, as your editorial said, “ceased to function.”

A child’s brain begins developing just 2½ weeks after conception. Two weeks later, the cerebral hemispheres, spinal nerves, and cerebral cortex are developing. As early as 6½ weeks, brain waves can be detected. Yet in Ohio, those brain waves can be stopped for any reason whatsoever.

Rightly, we speak out against this violence after a child is born. But for consistency’s sake and for the sake of preborn babies, we must speak out against violence before the child is born as well.

At Ohio Right to Life, we aim for consistency in opposing all forms of aggression against innocent human beings, born and unborn. As a community, Ohioans should do the same.

KATHERINE McCANN

Public Relations Manager Ohio Right to Life Columbus

 

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Among advocacies, include babies

Blade editorials advocate the rights of public information, for dogs to live, of women and their bodies, to unionize, to abortions, and to gay marriage. I have been hoping for an editorial on the right of babies to be nurtured and kept alive in the womb.

THE REV. NICHOLAS WEIBL

Pastor St. Wendelin Catholic Church Fostoria

 

Felton’s fame was foreshadowed

Kirk Baird’s April 11 Culture Shock column “Jim Felton prepares for final sign-off” reminded me that I was there for Mr. Felton’s signing-on.

Mr. Felton came into my restaurant in 1964, when he was about 17 years old, to apply for a job. I was impressed immediately by this handsome young man and his melodious voice.

My restaurant was a take-out and delivery operation. I thought he would be great greeting customers, with his business manner and magical voice. I hired him on the spot. Soon he became assistant manager.

Mr. Felton talked to me about his dream of a career in radio. I felt that he was already on his way.

He moved on and so did I. We lost contact. But reading about Mr. Felton’s career makes me happy that the young man I knew followed his dream to fruition.

KENT HAMILL

Sylvania Township

 

This dog story was soothing

Although The Blade has a tendency to go overboard with dog stories, the story about Kramer was great (“Top dog: Kramer the Labradoodle soothes students, staff at Wauseon Middle School,” April 20). Those kind of stories, I can take.

DICK FOTOPLES

Sylvania Township