Letters: DeWine 'too little, too late' to stop COVID-19. 'Pure madness' to jettison concealed gun permits

Young, immature Rittenhouse bound to self-destruct sooner or later

In challenging the press (Dec. 23, "Rittenhouse cheered by Phoenix crowd"), "Accountability is coming. I'd be on the lookout," and telling a crowd of thousands in Phoenix recently that "he was a scapegoat for a government effort to disarm the public," Kyle Rittenhouse, given his youth, has neither the wisdom nor maturity to play a meaningful role in whatever his self-appointed goal happens to be.

More: At conservative megaconference in Phoenix, Kyle Rittenhouse embraces role of conservative icon

His present-day fame will go to his head and sooner or later he will self-destruct.

Jack Wolock, Worthington

More: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

In the Dec. 26 editorial, "Lawmakers hellbent on making gun violence worse," the Dispatch laid the blame for gun deaths in Ohio where it belongs: on the "hellbent" Ohio GOP legislators that continue to endlessly stoke the flames of gun homicide (and suicide) with permissive gun legislation.

More: Our view: Hellbent lawmakers are doing 'something' about gun violence – making it worse

The deadly moral failure and criminality of the legislature's actions in the face of endless evidence of its harm is clearer than ever. Due to lack of space, I will forgo listing the obvious and proven solutions that the legislators choose to ignore.

However, there may be hope: looking back to recent reports of the governor's sending 1,050 National Guards members o help in hospitals, could he send another 72 to the legislature to pull the heads of GOP legislators out of their (backsides) when they are overcome with the urge to do something like no-permit concealed carry?

More: Ohio Senate Republicans pass bill eliminating need for concealed carry permits

It would be the best use of the Ohio National Guard since the flood of '59.

David Pritchard, Columbus

More: DeWine sends 1,050 National Guard members to ease Ohio hospital staffing shortages

DeWine sending National Guard to help at hospitals 'too little, too late'

It is inconceivable that the governor and the Ohio legislature can claim they care about human life.

When the legislature banned the governor from taking direct action (i.e. mask and vaccine mandates) to mitigate COVID from killing Ohioans, the governor could have taken the case to the Ohio Supreme Court. The governor’s main concern was reelection.

More: Ohio lawmakers override Gov. Mike DeWine's veto of health order bill

Too bad he had to send out the National Guard in order to help with this onslaught of sick and dying Ohioans.

Basically, too little too late.

Julie May, Columbus

Allowing concealed carry without permit is 'pure madness'

To the 23 Ohio Senators that voted for Senate Bill 215:

Did you pause to think about the public safety implications when you voted for the bill that would legalize concealed carry of firearms without a permit? Did you listen to the law enforcement and public health officials who were vehemently opposed to this bill?

More: FOP president: Ohio lawmakers ignoring 'concerns of the men and women who keep your family safe'

I am trying to understand who, except for the gun lobby and the “die-hard” gun supporter who doesn’t care if gun deaths go into the stratosphere, would be in favor of this legislation.

How would the bill help reduce gun violence? How can you mandate drivers' or commercial licenses for everyone and then let anyone over 21 years old purchase and carry a concealed weapon without any training or licensure?

More: Ohio Senate Republicans pass bill eliminating need for concealed carry permits

This is pure madness.

As a legislator, your number one job is to keep us safe. That means keeping Ohioans safe from rampant gun violence. This also applies to public health measures that protect Ohioans from a spreading pandemic.

More: Amelia Robinson: Instead of celebrating Christmas, far too many are 'dying by the gun'

I am shocked and angry to watch how the legislature and governor have failed so miserably on both counts. Your party is putting in place terrible policies that will do more lasting harm to the public good. I wonder when you and your party will finally come to your senses?

Jay Zenitsky, Columbus

Morgan Harper a 'fighter' who wants to give everyone a fair shot

Ohioans, and Americans in general, are exhausted by political posturing and the ineffectual representatives of both parties. For decades, those in power have neglected any responsibility to their constituents in order to fulfill corporate interests and their own political greed.

Morgan Harper is an outsider, a fighter, and a deeply empathic candidate, hellbent on fixing the system and giving everyone a fair shot. Morgan was adopted and raised by a single mother, so she understands the struggle of working-class families who’ve been overlooked by those in Washington for years. If there’s anyone willing to fight for those with no voice, no opportunity, and little shot at social or economic advancement — it’s Morgan Harper.

More: Progressive Democrat Morgan Harper enters U.S. Senate race, setting up challenge to Tim Ryan

Democrats need to evolve from the same banal platform that has plagued the party statewide since Obama’s victory a decade ago. Josh Mandel and J.D. Vance pose existential threats to democracy and equity within our state.

Morgan is the only candidate equipped to defend Ohio from the extremism of Mandel and Vance. She is kind, compassionate, and dedicated to championing the underprivileged and underrepresented.

More: Morgan Harper: Radicalized Supreme Court’s abortion rules reason to expand the court

The media, state party and voters must take notice and realize that while Tim Ryan may not be able to defeat Mandel or Vance, Morgan Harper is entirely capable.

Matthew Roediger, Columbus

Parenting classes more effective before families involved in the system

I am writing to bring some focus to reducing the negative stigma that taking a parenting class has, and to increase access to them.

More: Here's how parents can talk to children about gun violence in wake of Columbus homicides

Most people have not taken a parenting class and likely will not until they are either in a court-ordered situation or they are having serious problems with their children.

Often, a family has to be involved with Children’s Services or the Domestic Relations Court, before they will take a parenting class. Wouldn’t it be better to provide the education before they are involved with these entities?

Reducing the negativity surrounding, and increasing access to, parenting classes would likely greatly reduce the number of those who are required to take them and improve the lives of the children.

More: DeWine plan keeps Ohio children with complex behavioral issues in parents' custody

Parenting classes teach how to encourage appropriate behavior, resist roadblocks to communication, identify and express feelings, listen to children’s problems, set limits on inappropriate and unsafe behavior, resolve conflict effectively, engage children’s cooperation, encourage responsibility and manage stress.

If parenting classes were offered and encouraged online and/or in-person to everyone who has children, it would greatly reduce the numbers of those children affected by parents who just don’t know any better and would improve their quality of life.

Jenn Qualls, Canal Winchester

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Rittenhouse immature, DeWine 'too little, too late' to stop COVID