LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SB 310 veto would heed a higher call

6/6/2014

As a Sister of St. Francis, an order committed to the responsible stewardship of God’s creation, I urge Gov. John Kasich to resist pressure from fossil-fuel interests and veto Ohio Senate Bill 310 (“Ohio’s energy retreat,” editorial, June 4).

The proposed two-year freeze of Ohio’s energy efficiency and renewable-energy standards will keep our state locked into dirty fossil fuels, raise utility rates, compromise public health, undermine jobs and prosperity from the green economy, and harm God’s gift of creation.

These adverse effects will disproportionately harm Ohioans who are poor and vulnerable — whom we are most obligated to protect — as well as future generations that will inherit the legacy of our choices.

For the sake of our planet, for the sake of Ohio’s most vulnerable citizens, Governor Kasich should veto this bill.

SISTER SHARON HAVELAK

Sylvania Township

 

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Obama criticism born of ineptness

The writer of the May 25 Readers’ Forum letter “Race has no place in Obama criticism” insists that there is some connection between race and criticism of President Obama. But vitriol has been leveled at the past several presidents.

It has nothing to do with race if there is a concern about the administration’s foreign policy. There is also nothing racial in having profound concern over the growth of entitlements and the country’s budget, particularly when interest rates and debt begin to rise.

Does the incompetence of the Department of Veterans Affairs, or the lack of ability by Medicare to uncover fraud, leave anyone with an ounce of faith that the government can spend our tax dollars effectively?

The connection to race is not established by the rantings of an owner of a sports team angry with his young mistress or the stupidity of a rancher in Nevada. The real reason for opposition to President Obama is that his policies are taking this country in the wrong direction.

GARY GOLDEN

Perrysburg

 

Storm protection needed here too

My heart goes out to anyone who suffers a misfortune such as that experienced by workers in the camp in North Dakota (“N.D. storm exposes camp shelters’ flaws; Twister spurs talk of better safety,” May 28). Your article mentioned the need for more protection of workers who live in camps that are part of the oil industry in that state.

But there is just as much reason to stress better means of protecting people in Toledo and any other area where a tornado can strike.

WILLIAM MILLER

Southover Road