Letters to the editor: TPS Haiti decision makes no sense | Opinion

Restore reasonable limits on election spending

Decades ago, upon entering West Point, I swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution against all threats. Today, as a private citizen out of uniform, I reflect on that oath as our nation celebrated its 250th anniversary. I hear fellow citizens say our political system is broken and there is nothing we can do. I believe the system is not broken but is under domestic threat from moneyed interests — and there is still plenty we can do.

In 1776, our founders gave us a republic in which political power and authority derive from the people and their willing consent to be governed. Yet today, our representatives work for donors rather than their voters. Thankfully, our Constitution allows for updating without the need for violent revolution. Bipartisan support is growing for a constitutional amendment that restores the states’ ability to limit campaign spending. In fact, 25 states have already called for such an amendment.

As we mark 250 years of independence, let’s fight for a government that is truly of, by, and for the people. Please learn about this issue and urge our Ohio state and congressional representatives to support an amendment restoring reasonable limits on electoral spending.

Zac Rosson, Dayton

More mention of other aviation industry leaders needed

I enjoyed Greg Lynch’s aviation article in the June 28 edition but found it lacking in coverage of the aviation industry in the “region.” No mention of the Aeronca Inc., Middletown (aircraft manufacturer and current aerospace component manufacturer as Magellan Aerospace, Middletown, Inc.) or GE Aerospace, aircraft engine manufacturer. Other regional companies are Hartzell Propeller in Piqua and Grimes Manufacturing Co. in Urbana. I am sure that there are others that should be mentioned.

Thomas Rudolf, Middletown

Haiti TPS decision makes no sense

I write in response to Rob Scott’s opinion piece in support of the Supreme Court’s TPS ruling. Scott, along with many others, continue to hammer on the word “temporary.” Temporary does indeed mean “not permanent,” but it also does not inherently imply any specific time limit.

TPS is granted for a reason related to the circumstances in the home county of the applicant. It seems reasonable that the status should be renewable as long as the original circumstances continue to exist. Hence, there are provisions for extensions of TPS to be granted.

In the case of Haiti, from all accounts, and based on State Department travel warnings, conditions in Haiti have not improved.

In fact, some sources say that conditions have worsened. Travel to Haiti is generally not recommended.

If TPS is granted based on dangerous conditions in a country, and conditions there are the same or worse, how does it make sense to arbitrarily say “Well, we’re done here. Things are no better than when you got here, but go on back ‘home’”?

The process by which this decision was reached is open to question, but that is for another day.

Nancy Mahoney, Springfield

Compassion needed for those in poverty

The people of Dayton cherish our community and understand, almost intuitively, what it means to be an ally. Growing up here, I’ve witnessed the true power of community, articulated through the ways in which Daytonians show up for one another every single day. The love and care we have for our neighbors is remarkably strong.

However, I believe we need a reminder to extend our compassion and support to those experiencing extreme poverty and humanitarian crises around the world.

One in 10 people live on less than $3 per day. About 8.2% of the world’s population experiences chronic hunger, and in Africa, hunger affects a staggering 20% of people. Billions still live without electricity and adequate sanitation. Global poverty is a complex issue driven by many factors (conflict, economic insecurity, and climate change, to name a few). The problem might sound too big to solve, but it really isn’t, and there are many things you can do to help.

The Borgen Project is a nonprofit that advocates for the world’s poor by lobbying elected officials to support development initiatives and international assistance.

As a volunteer, I’ve learned the importance of speaking up. I encourage you to call or email your representatives in Congress to tell them that you care about global poverty.

Engage with the issue and spread awareness. Research humanitarian organizations and other ways to make an impact.

We have so much power as Americans and Ohioans. Why not use it to help reduce poverty and improve lives?

Helena Neff-Isom, Oakwood