Moreno values the dear leader
Ohio families can’t afford food, housing, childcare, etc, etc. etc.
Yet Sen. Bernie Moreno’s biggest concern is introducing legislation prohibiting dual citizenship?!?
Moreno is totally out of touch with the needs and concerns of Ohioans.
But then again, it’s never been about the needs and concerns of Ohioans. Bernie’s biggest concern is being approved of by dear leader, Donald Trump.
Ohioans deserve so much better.
Brenda Smith, Hilliard
Hegseth could not have had the authority
Re “Report: Signal chat violated policy,” Dec. 5: The article stated that Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth “…had the right to declassify the information.”
That statement is less than half true.
According to DoD Manual 5200.01, DoD Information Security Program, classified information can only be declassified after the time/event specified by the original classification authority has passed/occurred.
Regarding an active military operation, the specified event would be the completion of the operation. Furthermore, releasing the information to the public, even though it has been declassified, requires separate formal approval.
The bottom line: Secretary Pete Hegseth could not have had the authority to declassify information about an active military operation and release it to the public.
The Pentagon’s inspector general must have overlooked those portions of the manual…or had other concerns when writing their report.
Kenneth Neal Snyder, colonel, USAF (retired), Columbus
Think beyond the economy
“It’s the economy, stupid!” is a political saying we often hear.
With our economy worse as President Donald Trump’s second presidency continues, many predict it will be key to drastic political changes in 2026.
Former President Joe Biden got legislation approved which eased Americans’ economic travails due to COVID, initiated infrastructure projects, and the U.S. was successful in combating global inflation, yet voters rejected the Democrats in 2024.
Trump inherited good economies in both presidencies. But his tariffs have been a major contributor to higher prices. Yet history shows a president can only influence the economy so much; and forces beyond his control may make matters better or worse.
That is my fear.
Although many Americans believe they are worse off under Trump, and might vote Republicans out of office if the 2026 and 2028 elections were today, a positive change in the economy might cause them to disregard all the attempts by Trump and his administration to weaponize the Department of Justice and FBI, disregard the checks and balances by the judiciary and Congress, and eliminate due process, to name a few.
If the vote merely hinges on the economy, we may find ourselves having to endure even more years where our democracy and Constitution are constantly at risk.
Joe Barmess, Patskala
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohioans top concern is prohibiting dual citizenship, right? WRONG. | Letters
Reporting by Letters to the Editor, Columbus Dispatch / The Columbus Dispatch
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