To the editor: Don’t leave kids alone at library
Unelected librarians decided to allow children to hang out at the Bedford Township Library unsupervised after school.
Thu, 23 Jan 2020 05:00:00 GMT
I have to agree with the Monroe County sheriff that the Bedford Township Library should enact a policy that no one under the age of 16 may use the library unless they are accompanied by an adult.
This year, unelected librarians decided to allow children to hang out at the Bedford Township Library unsupervised after school. Not only does this decision subvert the ability of the public to vote on this decision, but these librarians are putting a public property left in their trust in a precarious position.
Although the librarians feel they are providing these children with a place to stay, they are not agreeing to supervise them. As a result, children who should be in an after-school program protected and under supervision are hanging out where it is unsafe for them. I worry for these children and their safety.
No one is watching who is picking them up at the library. I beg the township and library board to curtail this program immediately.
MARY RABIDEAU
Temperance
Different kind of trial
In his letter, “Follow trial rules, move on,” Jan. 15, respected retired Judge James Ray expounded on the workings of a trial that he has observed from a distinguished career on the bench. He correctly noted the responsibilities and goals of the prosecution and the defense and the need for documentation and witnesses to ensure a fair trial and to give the jurors all the information they need.
The trial he was alluding to was for the removal of a president, which is not a legal, but a political exercise. A crime need not have been committed and the judge, in this case Chief Justice John Roberts, is more of a traffic cop that can be overruled by the jury. This jury also decides if there are to be witnesses. And although the jurors take an oath to be impartial, previous comments on the guilt or innocence of the defendant do not excuse the juror from serving.
The mistake people are making is in believing this trial will be like other court proceedings they have observed. Nothing could be further from the truth.
DONALD MUNKACY
South Toledo
Fully staff IRS
Once again Congress hamstrung the Internal Revenue Service with late tax law changes. Call Congress short-sighted if you wish. In fact, our senators and representatives are simply inept. The IRS budgets have been steadily reduced, by 17 percent since 2010. Personnel decreased as well as the number of audits.
Meanwhile, billions of taxes are uncollected every year. ProPublica estimated lost revenue at $18 billion annually. Underfunding the IRS means fewer employees, less assistance for taxpayers, and computer systems that are growing antiquated. How did we elect these people?
JEFF HOHL
Maumee
Senators took oath
The GOP senators took an oath to do the right thing for the country dealing with the impeachment of President Trump. The citizens of the United States need to hear the testimony of the Trump inner circle. We also need all documents, e-mail, and text messages provided.
GOP senators, history will not be kind to you if you do not get to the bottom of this debacle.
Senators, at some point in time you may have to look your grandchildren in the eye and explain your votes in the trial.
RONALD KLOCINSKI
Monclova Township
The Bedford branch of the Monroe County Library system in Bedford Township, Michigan.