Letters: Self-serving 'goons' going after Ketanji Brown Jackson. Move the primary already

Portman, Brown should apologize for self-serving goons on behalf of Ohio

I’ve had some old ideas stuck in my head. I have had the notion that being a United States senator meant something special.

Since childhood, I have believed that being a U.S. senator was about integrity and honesty, public service and wisdom.

The recent Supreme Court hearings have made it clear that the office has descended into something far different.

The Republicans on the committee seem to be all about mugging for the cameras, grubbing for fundraising dollars, feeding their own egos, and trying to be popular on Twitter.

More: Ted Cruz was right: Babies are super racist. A Supreme Court nominee should know that.

It seems they will do almost anything to make this happen from distortion and grandstanding to just plain making stuff up. They don’t have to like Ketanji Brown Jackson as a Supreme Court nominee, but the disrespect with which they have blasted this qualified, hard-working, distinguished mother and judge is appalling. It reflects strongly on their own characters rather than hers.

More: Race, gender become factors in Supreme Court confirmation battle before Biden names his choice

My notion that being a United States senator meant something other than being a self-serving goon was probably outdated, anyway. Still, I am sad about this. I am sad that we have elected people who are so far from being men and women of stature and substance.

More: Two-thirds of Americans back Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for Supreme Court, poll shows

Senators Rob Portman and Sherrod Brown are not members of this committee. May they have the guts to offer an apology to the nominee.

“For myself and on behalf of the people of Ohio, I am deeply sorry for the treatment you have received.”

I hope as citizens we have the courage and insight to elect people of integrity to every office.

John Schmieding, Athens

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

'Then What Happened' podcast launching Monday

The 'Then What Happened' podcast hosted by Dispatch Opinion and Community Engagement Editor Amelia Robinson will launch Monday, April 4.

Robinson will bring you true stories from the intriguing and inspiring people who bring life to this community during the the twice a month show.

The podcast, an extension of the Dispatch's Conversation section, will be available on Dispatch.com, Apple Podcast, Spotify and other podcast services.

New flood insurance rate system will benefit some customers

Some describe my job as the Franklin County Recorder as the equivalent of being the county’s filing cabinet.

Simply put, a large part of what my office does is record the deeds and mortgages of homes that are bought and sold in Franklin County. It is gratifying to be part of the homebuying process for Franklin County residents.

As a homeowner myself, I know the joy that comes with homeownership. This is why I support the Federal Emergency Management Agency's updated rate-setting methodology for the National Flood Insurance Program (known as Risk Rating 2.0), which creates more transparent and equitable flood insurance premiums for homes and businesses.

More: Flood-prone homeowners could see major rate hikes in FEMA flood insurance changes, new study finds

Over 2,000 homes and businesses receive flood insurance from FEMA in Franklin County and under Risk Rating 2.0, more than 49% of these policyholders will see a reduction in their monthly premiums from single digits to over $100 per month.

Meanwhile, about 47% of flood insurance policyholders in the county will see an increase of less than $20 per month.

This update is long overdue and will allow residents to adequately prepare for flooding, the nation’s most costly natural disaster that Franklin County residents are seeing far too often.

Danny O'Connor, Grandview

Two primary elections too much for poll workers

We are poll workers for this year’s Ohio primary(ies). We are spending part of our retirement working the polls because we believe it is our civic duty. However, being a poll worker is not easy.

It requires training beforehand, setting up the day before the election, and usually working 14 hours on Election Day.

More: Secretary of State Frank LaRose says legislative races won't make May 3rd primary

Now, we are told that there will be two primaries because the General Assembly’s majority, who are Republicans, refuse to move the May 3, 2022 primary date to an August date.

We don’t know the reason for the insistence of two primaries, but many of us poll workers are not interested in working two primaries in addition to working the general election.

More: After Ohio Supreme Court rejects maps, Senate GOP leader pitches pricey solution: 2 primaries

As Aaron Ockerman, the executive director of Ohio Association of Election Officials, was quoted in the Feb. 9 Columbus Dispatch, “That would be an outcome (two primaries) we would hope to avoid at all costs.”

Please move the primary date from May 3 to a date in August.

Anne Light Hoke, Columbus; Jan Patton, Columbus; Susan Storck Miller, Highland County

Let's discuss body-shaming instead of 'The Slap'

With the whole world discussing Will Smith's slap, one very important topic has gone missing: Why aren't we talking about the fact that it continues to be okay to make fun of women's bodies — the elephant in the living room, so to speak.

More: Opinion: Will Smith should use his voice, not fist, to educate about alopecia

It's great that people are now aware of alopecia and the serious pain it brings. And it is a very good thing to talk about violence and peaceful resolution. Now can we please look at the misogyny of humor about the female body?

More: What causes alopecia? Here's what Jada Pinkett Smith has said about the condition

If we watch it done with impunity on stage, can we better understand the pain and angst teen girls suffer every day. How many have taken their own precious lives over this form of bullying.

Diane Donato, Columbus

Peaceful transfer of power keeps democracy alive

I read a sermon today written by a Lutheran pastor named Nadia Bolz-Weber and she gave me something new to think about. She wrote that perhaps “the opposite of fear is not bravery. Maybe the opposite of fear is love.”

Fear feeds the ego and the ego can lead a person to destroy everything in their path, believing they are working for the good. Love, on the other hand, forgives, cares, seeks understanding, and love acts, but love never destroys.

More: America is in danger of falling apart. We need to act now before it's too late.

This country has a long history of fierce debate, and, unfortunately, demonizing the other side. Demonizing is the work of fear. However, if we can think of the opposite of fear as love, the need to destroy will be diminished. In the attack of the Capitol building on Jan. 6, people were killed and lives were destroyed on both sides.

The United States of America has a long history of arguing, but then the peaceful transfer of power. Peaceful transfer of power is essential for democracy to survive. There is always another election. Our democracy has lived through many a crisis, and has prevailed because of the peaceful transfer of power.

Janet Schulte, Columbus

Matt Dolan 'second to none' in Ohio Senate race

Having developed real estate (Easton Town Center) and supported economic development in Central Ohio for decades, I cannot underscore enough the need for stability, partnership, and competence in government. It drives collaboration and results, for job creators, builders, taxpayers, and consumers.

Looking at the present race for U.S. Senate, it’s clear that Matt Dolan is the only candidate with the skill set and understanding of Ohio to effectively serve as our next United States senator.

More: Ohio Sen. Matt Dolan enters U.S. Senate race, bringing establishment voice to GOP primary

Our country is facing significant challenges due to supply chain issues, rising inflation, and much-needed investments in workforce development and training. During his time in the legislature, Sen. Dolan has cut the income tax rate, slashed regulations, and incentivized businesses to invest and locate in Ohio.

More: The 'nicest mean guy': Republican state Sen. Matt Dolan considers a run for U.S. Senate

Take for instance Intel’s recent announcement that they intend to bring tens of thousands of jobs, and hundreds of millions of dollars, of investment to our area. As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Matt Dolan played a vital role in championing pro-growth project incentives to make this dream a reality for Ohio.

While other extremely partisan candidates in this race offer little more than divisive rhetoric and conspiracy theories, Matt Dolan has been out meeting with voters and offering positive solutions across the state.

More: Ohio Senate candidate Matt Dolan is talking policy, not Trump. Are GOP voters interested?

His candor, knowledge and work ethic are second to none. He has led with integrity. In the U.S. Senate he will lead with honor and focus on Ohio's needs.

Yaromir Steiner, New Albany

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: What impact would two primaries have on Franklin County, Ohio