Cincinnati stinks like a skunk since marijuana legalization | Letters

I am against the legalization of marijuana. I can not stand the smell of the skunkweed they smoke. I come out of my apartment and it reeks because someone has decided to smoke that crap in my hallway right outside my door. I work in downtown Cincinnati and since the legalization has gone into effect the entire city smells like skunk. They come into my space and it's on their clothing, hair etc., and it fills the space with stink. I do not want someone working in any industry that allows the use of pot by their employees. I don't want food served to me by people in restaurants where the employees reek of the stuff. I don't want to get into a bus or rideshare with someone who has decided to partake putting myself and my family at risk. Medical cannabis should be the only thing legalized as it can help cancer patients and such, and it doesn't contain the THC that causes the high. Stop prioritizing legalizing drugs and start helping people to afford housing and groceries.

Pamela A. Matthews, Fort Thomas

Instead of calling out NATO, Trump should pay his own bills

Is it not ironic that "Citizen Trump," or former President Donald Trump, is calling out NATO to pay their bills when he has made a living not paying those he hired to work for him? More reason that democracy will never survive if he gets into office again.

Felicia Duncan, Sharonville

Justifying acts of violence, oppression is irresponsible

As a Muslim American I am outraged by the Feb. 11 op-ed written by Michael Meyer ("There is no comparing war in Gaza to Holocaust"). Opposing the slaughter of almost 30,000 civilians − of which the majority are women and children − is the right of every American regardless of religion. Illustrating the dramatic parallels between this and the tragic events of 1940s Germany is reminding humanity of its forgotten commitment to "never again."

Undermining that with deception and misquoting religious scripture to justify acts of oppression is irresponsible, dangerous and misleading. It is irresponsible because inferring that Muslims hate people of the Jewish faith undermines the peaceful coexistence of both faiths for centuries all across the world, including Palestine, often under Muslim rule.

It is dangerous because when people believe this propaganda, it justifies acts of violence, as reflected by the soaring numbers of attacks against Muslims in this country. As a visible Muslim American, this type of rhetoric threatens my safety every time I step out the door.

What’s most upsetting is to see someone who represents the Holocaust & Humanity Center use the exact type of propaganda which justified the extermination of an entire population less than a century ago. Sadly, some lessons are never learned.

Dr. Samina Sohail, Vice Chair of the Board, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati

Civil discussion is possible, even in disagreement

On Feb. 12, I attended my first Greater Cincinnati Braver Angels meeting. It was a debate on the topic, "Which leader is a greater threat to our democracy, Donald Trump or Joe Biden?" The organization's goal is to get people together to civilly discuss topics even in disagreement to gain new perspectives and increase understanding.

After listening to the ground rules of the debate, I heard myself explaining my classroom rules on the first day of school: Raise your hand before speaking. Take turns. Ask questions when you don't understand. Respect one another's property and space.

We, the people, can do this, even when some of our politicians cannot.Ellen McGrath, Westwood

Bidenomics has put some millennials behind the 8-ball

As I look around my neighborhood, I see many millennials who have graduated from college walking their family dogs during the daytime hours. They're living at home and apparently subsisting on minimum wage jobs, unable to find that one opportunity that will put them on the first step of the ladder to a successful future. I feel sorry for them and can't help but feel that "Bidenomics" has put them behind the 8-ball without an easy way to get on the right path.

Terry Gilbert, West Chester

City of Cincinnati can generate revenue by fining litter bugs

Property taxes and trash − the former is pricey and the latter can be profitable. Cincinnati residents are witnessing an unprecedented increase in property taxes. How is this equitable, especially for our senior and disabled citizens?

The homestead exemption provides a reduction in property taxes for qualifying seniors. When was the homestead law amended to adjust for income? According to the Hamilton County Auditor, you are eligible for homestead only if your Ohio Adjusted Income does not exceed the state-set limit of $38,600 for tax year 2023. Is it even possible to own and maintain property at that income level?

What does trash have to do with any of this? The city of Cincinnati could generate additional revenue by fining litterers − individuals and businesses. Trash/litter is a burgeoning menace on many Cincinnati streets. Let's spread the joy by allowing litterers to generate revenue. Fine them and make them pay. There are so many missed opportunities to assess a monetary value to the trash/litter thrown on property and streets.

Audricia Brooks, North Avondale

Offended by commotion over well-meaning, elderly men

At 76 years old, I am offended by all the recent commotion about elderly men having poor memories, making outrageous statements that don’t make any sense, zoning out in press conferences, difficulty naming people they just met or spoke of, and, of course, unhinged anger management issues. I am a mature gentleman who has learned the value over time of being a well-meaning person. Now, what was it I was talking about?

Mark Cann, Pierce Township

Public deserves to know cost of DeWine's Super Bowl trip

Recently, Ohio Attorney General David Yost remarked, "Those who perversely seek to turn the government to their private ends face the destruction of everything they were working for." And U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio Ken Parker said, "Today’s announcement (of filed charges) was strictly related to state charges. We will continue doing our work to pursue justice." And finally, Deputy Attorney General Carol O’Brien said, "(sic) the individuals worked together to subvert state government in ways that mightily enriched themselves."

No, they weren’t referring to the question of whether Gov. Mike DeWine paid for 19 relatives to attend the Super Bowl. They were addressing the First Energy corruption charges files against three individuals. But, the point is these comments could all be pointed at DeWine. The investigation into his actions suddenly stopped without any further complaint after the GOP-dominated Ohio Supreme Court declined to pursue the matter. Do Ohio taxpayers deserve an answer? Can the governor prove he didn’t use tax money to his personal benefit? Does anyone care to know that their elected officials are honest and have integrity?

Mike Hauer, Villa Hills

Republicans and Democrats deserve blame for border crisis

Regarding the letter to the editor, "Easy to spotlight opponent's mistakes while ignoring your own," (Feb. 11): The letter writer's complaint about blaming the Ohio GOP without saying anything about the Democratic Party on the southern border crisis is a fair, if imperfect, point. It's imperfect as he's comparing state versus national politics. It's fair that I did not attack the Ohio Democratic Party, but they're not the party of the largest scandal in Ohio political history (Householder), and they didn't thumb their noses at the Ohio Supreme Court (gerrymandering). Preventing or resolving such conflicts are why the people have the power to amend a constitution or submit and vote on referendums.

As to our border issue, the writer has a point. Both sides deserve blame. The latest effort at a compromise failed because of the left's lack of support and Donald Trump putting the kibosh on it because he so badly wants the presidency (like it's a get-out-of-jail-free card, which it might be in his case) and it included aid to Ukraine, which his buddy Vladimir Putin is against. Compromise is needed to improve the border, but just remember the project management saying: You can have it fast, cheap, or good. Pick any two.

And again, I say stop trying to divide us and remember that we're all in this together and majority rules. This isn't a Russian-style autocracy − yet.David Woodburn, Pleasant Ridge

Help homeowners by capping tax increases at 8%

There is no doubt that property values have increased substantially over the past three years. The failure of our state legislators to anticipate the consequence of the most recent valuations to homeowners on fixed incomes and limited budgets is shameful and will force many elderly residents out of their homes. Here's what they can do quickly to ease the pain − cap tax increases at 8% per annum throughout the state. The counties will still still get a windfall, but do they really need the kind of increase currently mandated? As Enquirer columnist Dan Sewell accurately noted, it seems as though our gerrymandered Statehouse is a lot more interested in pressing culture war hot buttons than addressing the concerns of Ohio homeowners.

Robert Nyswonger, Golf Manor

Failed immigration bill was about capitulation not compromise

Paul Rutter's Feb. 11 column ("Speaker must take the gift of Senate immigration bill") makes the point that compromise between the two political parties is good for the country. Usually, that's true. However, the Republican side of the bipartisan committee that crafted the immigration bill quickly found out from their constituents and other Republican senators that the compromise was actually capitulation. The "gift" from Democrats that Mr. Rutter references would continue to allow millions of illegals into our country, which is exactly what Democrats wanted in the first place. So, the columnist's criticism of House Speaker Mike Johnson's "dead on arrival" decision was either naïve or disingenuous. Take your pick.

Jim Sharmin, Maineville

Intolerance exposes darker side of human nature

For me, the image of a Republican politician from Missouri burning LGBTQ books has gone from horrifying to laughable to just terribly sad, trying to imagine what it must be like to be so afraid of people different than you that you try to eliminate evidence of their existence. The concept of "e pluribus unum" is beautiful and inspiring. The darker side of human nature makes me wonder if it is possible in fact.

Steve Hennessy, Westwood

David Taylor is the right man for Ohio's Second District

I have the privilege of serving the people of Clermont County as the elected prosecutor. Many years ago, while serving as an assistant prosecutor, I met a young law student named David Taylor. Here's what I learned about Taylor early on and since then. He's committed to his family and community, he's a hard-worker, and his word is good as gold.

He joined the prosecutor's office as an intern, working as a volunteer for two years. After graduation, he was hired on as a full-time assistant prosecutor. As an assistant prosecutor, Taylor handled criminal matters from misdemeanors to felony violent crimes, including prosecuting gang members and drug dealers.

Later, Taylor went to work with his father and eventually took over the family concrete business. Sardinia Ready-Mix in Brown County. As a business owner, hed employs two dozen Ohioans and is a pillar of our community.When I was elected prosecutor, Taylor agreed to come back as a part-time special prosecutor. He's helped mentor attorneys in my office and helped prosecute cases in Clermont County and neighboring counties.In Congress, Taylor is the only candidate in this race I know we can trust to get tough on fentanyl crossing our border and toughen penalties on gangs at the federal level.Since the first day I met Taylor, he's grown from a young law student to a successful businessman, and most importantly, a husband to Charity, and a father to three incredible daughters. I'm proud to call him a friend, and even prouder to give my full endorsement to his run for Congress.I urge everyone who cares about law and order and securing the border to join me and vote for David Taylor for Congress in the March 19 primary.Mark J. Tekulve, Clermont County Prosecutor, Pierce Township

Voters must show up in force for the primaries

While the upcoming primaries are understandingly focused on the presidential race, it's time for those who call Washington, D.C. "the swamp" to also focus more of their attention on the senate and congressional races. It's during these primaries that "establishment" candidates of both parties slip through and win their party's nomination with a small percentage of voters participating at the polls. Name recognition (rather than accomplishments) seems to win the day, and until voters turn out in force in the primaries, things won't change in the nation's capital.

John Adams, Fairfield

Blaming Metro for recent violence downtown is absurd

Teenagers are not attacking people downtown because they have bus passes, and that Metro receives any blame for recent violent events is absurd. Cincinnati has for decades failed to address child poverty, address the lack of spaces for teens to be after school without paying money, nor done anything beyond vague promises of equity by elected officials. The scapegoating of the public transit system is not productive and furthers the stigma of people who ride. It is clear that city leadership and the Cincinnati Police Department are in damage control mode and pointing fingers at everyone else. Our leaders need to promote real solutions to the decades-long problem of youth violence. Summer is coming, and youth violence always rises in the summer. Are our leaders working on any plan?

Anthony Simon, Columbia Tusculum

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Cincinnati stinks like a skunk since marijuana legalization