Letters: Liz Cheney is one of the strongest Republicans out there
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Columbus schools' reputation on the line
The ability of central Ohio to continue to develop a national reputation as a center of innovation and attract the necessary talent to the area will be dependent on many things. The quality of our school systems is certainly one of them, and that very much includes the Columbus public school system.
I strongly urge those in government and private industry to consider that as the Columbus teachers union and the school board negotiate.
Jim Klun, Columbus
The strength of a Cheney
I don’t usually follow or have much interest in a Republican primary. My views lean more towards Democratic or Independent races. I was shocked by the defeat of Liz Cheney in Wyoming.
I feel she is one of the stronger Republicans out there, she speaks her mind and definitely has our country’s issues at heart. Her leadership of the Jan. 6 committee proves that.
All I can say is I feel our country is at a crossroads, we can move forward with positive and forward-minded candidates or follow the same old people sending us spiraling out of control!
God bless and help our country.
Jackie Albert, Columbus
'Crimes are being committed in our names'
Recently, we have heard of the threats against the lives of John Bolton and Mike Pompeo.
An Iranian operative tried to arrange their deaths. They were on a “kill list.” Why are Americans surprised and horrified at this news? Our CIA and military have long lists of “targeted kills.”
More:Iranian national charged in assassination plot targeting Trump national security adviser John Bolton
Why is it acceptable for Americans to breach international law, but it’s a criminal act when other countries behave this way? We are so used to this culture of impunity that we don’t even question this inequity.
For too long, we have felt that we inhabit a moral high ground and should never be questioned, let alone investigated for our human rights violations internationally.
The United States, the supposed beacon of decency, has engaged in extrajudicial killings, drone strikes and torture.
Our country has consistently, along with other superpowers, opposed any efforts by the International Criminal Court to work for justice and accountability.
Both of our political parties are guilty of thwarting efforts to seek international justice when it comes to accusations against our country.
More:Voices: Worldwide fallout from CIA torture report
We have to change the mindset that our country should never be held accountable for its behavior.
These crimes are being committed in our names. You can love your country, but not be proud of everything it does. It is important to speak up against human rights violations and all trends showing a loss of respect for human life.
Carol Rafferty, Columbus
More:How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch
Religion is not to blame for Rushdie attack
As an American Muslim, I condemn the attack on Salman Rushdie. While I disagree with his views, violence against those we disagree with is not permitted within Islam.
While some claim that Salman Rushdie is an apostate, for which the punishment is death, there is no such punishment for apostasy prescribed in the Holy Quran.
The Holy Quran's instructions regarding dealing with people that Muslims do not agree with: “There is no compulsion in religion.” (2:257)
More:Letter: I am thankful to be able to practice my faith
Similarly, there is no punishment for blasphemy. The Prophet Muhammad was maligned and insulted by his contemporaries, yet he treated them with compassion. He exemplified how no man has the right to punish another for his choice of belief.
Ultimately, it is my hope that governments and the media can focus their efforts to combat ideological extremism at its core rather than blame a particular religion or group for the actions of a few.
Samar Ahmad, Pickerington
Time to celebrate
Ever since Joe Biden became president, he and Democrats in Congress have tried to pass legislation that would be good for ordinary Americans and for the earth.
They always met stiff opposition from Republicans, so their accomplishments weren’t as numerous or expansive as was needed.
More:Biden signs climate and health care bill. Now, Democrats race to explain its benefits
Thankfully, they never gave up. Because they didn’t, we can celebrate the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which will:
Authorize Medicare, for the first time, to negotiate the prices of some medicines.
Compel multinational corporations to pay at least a 15% tax rate.
Cap out-of-pocket costs for many people who need insulin.
Require big business to pay a 1% tax when companies buy back their own stock.
Extend health care subsidies for millions of Americans.
Support massive investments in renewable energy; the most far-reaching measures America has ever taken to address catastrophic climate change.
Each of these items, individually, would be a major legislative accomplishment. Together, they will do tremendous good for ordinary Americans, for our economy, and for our planet.
More:Prescription drugs, taxes, climate change: What the Inflation Reduction Act will mean for you
So, when you vote in the midterms, please remember what Joe Biden and Democrats have tried and been able to do for you.
Catherine Hunt, Akron
Support a 'serious' energy policy
With signs of a recession flashing red, Ohio families and small businesses need President Joe Biden’s firm commitment he will do everything he can to bring gasoline and diesel prices down and help lower the highest inflation in over 40 years.
More:Gas prices in Columbus and Ohio fall ... and may continue to drop
The White House missed a clear opportunity to lower inflation while supplying current global energy demand when it released a proposed five-year leasing plan for offshore oil and gas drilling that could block all new Gulf of Mexico oil and gas activity.
The plan won’t even be adopted until 2023, and its “no action” option would shrink the 15% of U.S. oil production that comes from the Gulf, one of the least carbon-intensive sources in the world.
More:These metros had the highest inflation in the US – and you'll be surprised by No. 1
From offshore oil, natural gas and wind, to onshore solar, an increase in American energy of all forms is a win for American national security, our lower emission future, and an affordable, reliable energy supply for all of us.
It’s time Ohioans, who are spending 40% more than a year ago to fill up their gas tanks urge our elected leaders in Washington to support a serious energy policy that recognizes the national security, economic security, reliability and affordability that offshore leasing provides.
Chris Ventura, Columbus
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: More Liz Cheney, please. Columbus' reputation is on the line
