Well, it’s time to face a few more problems while there still may be time to fix them. Toledo experienced a short-lived algae crisis a few years ago. Fortunately, Toledo had the ability and resources to recover quickly and upgrade at least part of the water treatment plant.
Flint. Mich., has their problems with lead. And now Jackson, Miss., is in trouble with water.
Their infrastructure suffered years of neglect and, probably, a fair share of graft. The people of Jackson are now facing a real problem. Who is to blame?
In any event, their predicament will cost you and me because it will take federal dollars to improve their situation.
It is past time that we in Toledo face up to our infrastructure problems.
Right now, forget the trivial projects. Put our planning and financial resources towards graft-free projects to ensure that our water supply pipeline from Lake Erie will operate without problems for the foreseeable future, and the treatment plant will deliver quality water to our customers.
With proper planning, there will be time and resources for more mundane projects to be completed. It’s a matter of priority.
While we’re at it, our governance and the rest of our infrastructure such as fire, police, transportation, education, public health, and sewage must be compatible with Toledo’s development.
No large industry or business will seriously consider relocating here unless we can demonstrate our commitment to the future.
ERNEST LIPPERT
South Toledo
Wrong side blamed
A Sept. 4 letter complained about the failings of our educational system, believing that conservatism has been responsible.
Blatantly missing was the fact that for over a half century American education has been overwhelmingly dominated by leftist/progressive/socialist doctrine.
Thomas Sowell has extensively researched education. His 1993 book, Inside American Education, The Decline, The Deception, The Dogmas, is 300 pages of examples of how far awry our educational system had gone under leftist control. Needless to say, the problem has worsened.
Since the creation of the Department of Education during the Carter administration, America’s educational ranking compared to other countries has plummeted. We have been systematically declining year after year in academic performance.
One study showed that 80 percent of today’s college graduates believe socialism is the way to go, which is hardly the result of conservative influence.
It has been common practice for students to successfully protest and prevent conservative speakers on campus, a clear example of programmed minds unwilling to hear anything challenging what they have been taught.
Blaming a collapsed educational system on conservatism is a ridiculously groundless argument.
MIKE OVERHOLT
West Toledo
Cartoon out of bounds
I am dismayed by, and disappointed in, The Blade’s choice of a syndicated editorial cartoon depicting Merrick Garland as a rat.
This Attorney General has, by all accounts, led an exemplary life as a civil servant, noted jurist, and solid family man. Choosing to depict him as vermin seems particularly irresponsible at this fraught moment in our country.
Don’t we all know that vermin are to be eradicated? Does our newspaper need to provide the extremists with more grist for their venomous mill? What’s next? The would-be FBI killer in Cincinnati shown as a hero?
These sorts of portrayals should remain in the dark web, not as a viewpoint from “One of America’s Great Newspapers.”
GREGORY FESS
South Toledo
First Published September 8, 2022, 4:00 a.m.
