Article published November 17, 2009
Murder not the right answer
In response to Gwynne Dyer's Nov. 10 column: As usual, Mr. Dyer seems to have the answers to all questions, even justifying malicious and premeditated murder.
I wonder if he would ever address the tragedy of Shiite Muslims and Sunni Muslims killing each other mercilessly through bombings and roadside shootings of innocent Muslim men, women, and children.
From each and every one of his articles it seems that Mr. Dyer's reasons for all of the evils of the world lie with either America or Israel.
As I write this letter on Nov. 11, Veterans Day, I recall with thanks to G-d [God] that our brave young men and women of the military were willing to fight and even die for our country because of our belief in freedom and democracy for every human being, whatever race, religion, or belief he or she might have.
When I grew up, both my home and my society taught that murder is wrong and there is no justifiable reason for one person to take the life of another.
I wish that not only Major Nidal Hasan would have the innate understanding that murder, any murder, is wrong and at the same time I wish that a person such as Gwynne Dyer would also recognize there is no rationalization for murder.Rabbi Edward H. Garsek
Congregation Etz Chayim
Woodley RoadUnwanted dogs a costly nuisance
I for one (of many?) am getting sick of retrieving my newspaper from the outer reaches of my driveway only to open it up to see the great space devoted to "DOGS"!
I like dogs as well as the next person, but unwanted dogs are a nuisance and an expense to taxpayers. There are more important things in this world than bleeding-heart dog lovers. Get off the dog warden's back, for God's sake, and get back to being a real newspaper (as in real news).
Denny Shea
Sylvania TownshipU.S.: Win war or lose credibility
The Blade's Oct 22 editorial on Afghanistan misses the mark. Abandonment is not the answer. During the 2008 presidential campaign, candidate Barack Obama called Afghanistan "the war we must win." Absolutely right.
But a year later, he is stuck in neutral. Our friends and enemies alike are still waiting for America to do something, anything. For more than nine months, the President has been procrastinating.
It is inexcusable that our troops on the ground are at greater risk every day with the President's inaction. The latest excuse is the uncertainty of Afghan elections. Regardless of who's in charge in Afghanistan, the choice is clear: We take decisive steps to win or we go home losers.
A sound plan for success was presented to the President by General McCrystal in August. His stated mission was unequivocal. He advocates a troop surge to protect the Afghan population, reassure them of America's commitment, and provide stability so that Afghanistan does not again become a haven for terrorists. With a clear direction mapped out, the President needs to pay attention to his military experts and not the liberal base that elected him. The war can be won. Now is the time to start winning it or we will lose all credibility with our allies.
Were the President's words empty campaign talk, or was he serious? Does he have the will to win or will we go home losers? We should find out soon.
Richard Ketteman
SylvaniaThe problem is with pet owners
I read with amusement your Oct. 28 article that attempted to smear Lucas County Dog Warden Tom Skeldon. You just couldn't help interjecting terms like "outspoken" and "controversial" in front of his name.
It implies The Blade has already taken a side and felt the need to slant the article. Was this really just an opportunity for our county commissioners to flex their muscles and impress upon the citizens of Toledo that they are on top of such important matters?
I really don't know much about the work of the dog warden in our county, but I think I correctly gather that the problem isn't with Tom Skeldon. It is because of irresponsible pet owners who don't spay or neuter their pets.
Or, it could be a symptom of hard economic times and pet owners suddenly have gotten in over their heads and simply cannot afford to keep pets any longer.
Or, it could be that there are a number of criminals breeding dogs for sport. The problem is lack of responsibility of pet owners. I don't doubt for a second Mr. Skeldon's compassion for dogs and having to euthanize them.
I trust he is following the law, and does everything in his power to keep residents of Lucas County safe from stray and vicious dogs. The Blade takes the easy road with this article and points its finger squarely on Tom Skeldon. I think he has a tough job and performs it well.
I have no idea what pearls of wisdom Pete Gerken could suggest to Mr. Skeldon when they meet, but I am sure that meeting would be as amusing to watch as was reading this article.
Pat Mahoney
Gracewood RoadStop buying and breeding dogs
If we as a community claim to love dogs, it should be socially unacceptable at this time to buy or intentionally breed dogs. Every single breed has rescue groups that work tirelessly to care for and pay all expenses until they can rehome their homeless dogs.
Let's have a one, two, or three-year moratorium on breeding until we find we are fighting over who will be able to adopt any particular rescued dog. This is what would make dogs truly valuable instead of making them fuel for a dog crematory or burial pit.
Knowing we kill 2,500 dogs a year in Lucas County makes my heart ache.
Imagine if important people in our county and country took a public stance on adoptions, rather than buying a dog from a breeder or a pet store.
Rescued dogs have an amazing reputation for becoming guide dogs for the blind, service dogs for the handicapped, and most importantly companions for all of us. Let's make rescued dogs even more valuable than intentionally bred dogs.
Together, we can as a community design a better life for the ones that we are now throwing away. A companion dog that you take in will most likely change your life in an incredible way, especially when you realize you saved its life.
Linda Cannaley
HollandInstall turn lane on State Rt. 295
The intersection of Airport Highway and State Rt. 295 has long been known as a dangerous intersection, with many accidents and deaths. Just last month, a young woman and her unborn child were killed there. That accident could have been prevented with a proper turn lane.
If you travel west from this intersection toward Swanton, you will find turn lanes at three county roads: Wilkins, Girdham, and Scott. If you travel east toward Toledo, you will find a turn lane at Garden Road, and then you have a center turn lane all the way to Holland.
Why is Route 295 the only intersection on this stretch of highway without a proper turn lane?
How many accidents or deaths must occur before the Ohio Department of Transportation finally addresses this question?
Michael Zuver
SwantonThis is not government at its best
Did anyone really think Tina Skeldon Wozniak was going to vote to fire her cousin? She and Pete Gerken are a prime example of government at its worst.
Gerald G. Jameson
Springfield Township
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