Article published November 04, 2009
Press gets credit for safer road
The U.S. 24 ribbon cutting outside Antwerp, Ohio, was proof of what concerned committed citizens can achieve.
As noted by many speakers, this has been a long-term project for many Ohioans. Some have struggled for more than 40 years. My involvement began in 1985, and the ribbon cutting was the start of the end.
For all the speakers who took credit or acknowledged those to whom the credit belongs, one group was left unmentioned: the local press and, in my humble opinion, The Blade specifically.
From the inception of the Fort to Port Improvement Organization, The Blade supported the concept of a safer U.S. 24. I have told anyone who will listen that were it not for the support of Publisher John R. Block and then-Editor Tom Walton, and the reporting first by Hank Harvey and then by David Patch, our efforts would have suffered the same fate as previous attempts.
As the old adage goes, "Never pick a fight with the guy who buys ink by the barrel."
It was a great feeling to have all those ink buyers on our side.Jamie Black
WatervilleThe right call on the Afghan war
Hooray for Dan Simpson! He tells it like is regarding the Afghan war.
Our government has already been responsible for the terrible loss of our soldiers, misspent untold amounts of our money, and wasted seven years of our time in a no-win struggle in Iraq.
Yet here we are, about to be pulled into another useless conflict by a know-it-all general (remember Petraeus and the great troop surge?) that can only result in more loss of life and no clear benefit to either side.
Let's get out! Come home! We can still be the country that responds to world problems with diplomacy, common sense, compromise, and compassion rather than with guns, threats, and invasion.
Virginia M. Nichols
SylvaniaAs it is, health care is expensive
We hear a lot of talk now days about health insurance, but I think our problem is more about health care.
Recently, a friend of mine had wrist surgery. She is in her 70s and not in the best of health. She went under general anesthesia. They put in a plate and 11 screws and about two hours after getting out of surgery she was sent home with a pat on the head and a prescription for pain pills, still in the fog of anesthesia.
Her daughter had to take several days off work to stay with her and it was her responsibility to track down help when the pain pills didn't work. My friend cannot care for herself. She needs help dressing and so on.
Medicare allows a visiting nurse to come three times a week. When I asked what my friend was supposed to do the rest of the time, I was told she had to pay.
So not only do insurance companies get to charge whatever they want, but they get to tell a hospital how long a patient stays.
Anyone who still thinks we have the best health care in the world just isn't looking. What we have is the most expensive health insurance.
Our care has been going downhill for years. Insurance companies tell hospitals and doctors what they can and can't do. Insurance companies regularly refuse payment for covered procedures.
Then you or your doctor have to take the time to call and fight your way up the chain of command until you reach someone who decides it is easier to pay than to continue to argue.
Congress needs to wake up and fight for real change in health care. Change that will have a positive effect on our care, not add to the pockets of big insurance.
Linda Osborn
Petersburg, Mich.Ideal bank system in North Dakota
What if Ohio created a state or local banking system which exclusively focused on local economic development, prohibited by law from following the crowd into the funny-money hole, with an incentive compensation system designed to reward managers for prudent, profitable decision-making?
Does that sound too good to be true? It sure does, yet North Dakota has been doing it for 90 years.
North Dakota has shown to be a model example of just how well a public, for-profit banking system can work.
Over the last 10 years alone, it has put more than $300 million dollars back into the state's general fund. Its return on equity is steady at around 25 percent per year.
Not only that, but these profits serve as an economic generator, providing financing for private enterprises that add jobs to the state economy, as well as a means to provide funding for public services and for keeping taxes in check.
Simply put, it's working for North Dakota, and the rest of the nation is beginning to pay attention.
I strongly urge our state and local leadership to consider looking into North Dakota's banking system as a possible way for Ohio to revive its own economy.
With all the talk from politicians and community leaders about how Ohio is going to be a nexus for green-tech manufacturing, we seriously need to start thinking about the infrastructure that's going to be needed to fulfill all those promises.
It has to start with the wellspring from which it's all possible: a viable, self-sustainable credit system.
Tony Geis
Brott RoadIs it worth it to set plans after 2012?
Now let me get this straight: On Dec. 21, 2012, the world is supposed to have this huge upheaval, the end of the world. All hell will break loose upon us.
Then will someone explain to me why they scheduled the Olympics in Brazil for the year 2016? Is that optimism or insanity?
Should I plan to attend the Olympics, even though the Earth may be destroyed? How will I get there if everything is gone?
Ever since the beginning, people have been titillated with predictions of the end time. Jesus Christ said no man knows the date. I suppose that applies to women also.
Too bad. I was really hoping the 2012 date was legitimate, so our home equity loan might not have to be due then.
Oh, well, I guess the best we can do is live every day as if it's our last and then be surprised when the sun comes up the next morning.
Shelley Panos-Ferner
SwantonA positive time at the Perrysburg Y
I was saddened by the news that Jody Alexander, executive director of the Perrysburg YMCA, is leaving for another position out of town.
My family has utilized the Perrysburg YMCA for the past 10 years and has seen the positive enhancement of programming for children and adults, the expansion of the work-out facilities, and the growth of competent staff on all levels.
They have responded well to our family's particular needs and have accommodated special requests on occasion.
I would like to thank Jody Alexander for making our YMCA experience a good one.
Liz Swantack
PerrysburgThoughtful approach appreciated
What former Vice President Dick Cheney calls “dithering” about Afghanistan many of us see as thinking things through.
His “shoot first and ask questions later” attitude and “going off half cocked” actions are what helped get us into this mess we have. May Mr. Cheney join me in wishing our President good luck.
GENE BIHN
Genoa
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