09-02-2025
Do blue lives still matter after Trump's pardons of people involved in Jan. 6?
Do blue lives still matter after Trump's pardons of people involved in Jan. 6? | Letters
Do blue lives still matter?
So, blue lives matter? Apparently not if you happened to be a member of the Capital police on Jan. 6, 2021. I sure hope I never hear that phrase ever again.
Chris Walker, Fairlawn
Who can explain?
I am confused about this. Our Founding Fathers were the original patriots. They fought a war to get rid of a king. Today's "patriots" just voted to install a king.
Can anyone explain this paradox?
Jonathan C. Plant, Akron
Thanking science
I remember polio. My mother was so terrified that I would get it. She showed me pictures of kids in iron lungs. The pictures terrified me. We avoided crowds and public swimming pools. The polio vaccine wasn't available until 1960, but I got it, both on the sugar cube and the shot. I was immunized against the majority of childhood diseases except measles. You bet I immunized my kids. The measles vaccine was available in the 1960s. By the way, I know a man who survived polio, but he had a shrunken leg. Now I'm a healthy 86. I know a lot of anti-vaxxers. I wish them well, but I thank the inspired scientists who developed these vaccines and saved my children from crippling or death.
Fran Scalise, Akron
DEI made the country great
I am beyond appalled by the University of Akron's cowardly decision to cancel the long-running Rethinking Race series because of threats from Washington about removing justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) from educational institutions. These executive orders have not even been tested in court, and UA is already bowing to the wannabe king in Washington. In addition to this, the powers-that-be in Akron are bending the knee to state Sen. Jerry Cirino and the Ohio legislature to comply with a bill, SB1, that has yet to pass and be signed by the governor.
JEDI has made this nation great. Do not give up on it so easily.
David Wales, Twinsburg
Support for job programs
For the past two and a half years, Ultimate Flooring has proudly partnered with Jobs for Ohio's Graduates (JOG), a program dedicated to empowering youth ages 14-24 to overcome barriers, complete their education, and transition into meaningful careers or post-secondary training. By providing work opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development, JOG helps students thrive at work, at home and in their communities.
At Ultimate Flooring, we believe young people are vital to the growth and evolution of the flooring industry. Through our partnership with JOG, we introduce students to the many career paths this industry offers—including sales, design, manufacturing, and installation—while equipping them with valuable life skills applicable to any career.
I'm Sam, the sales and showroom coordinator, and my journey with the team began during their first summer with JOG. What started as a temporary placement turned into a lasting role and a growing passion for the industry. It's been an amazing experience to contribute alongside other JOG students, all of whom have played an important part in shaping the business. If it wasn't for JOG and Ultimate Flooring, I'd have never discovered my true passion.
Our students have provided fresh insights on social media strategies, showroom design and community engagement, helping us connect with the next generation of clients. Their creativity and enthusiasm bring new ideas to the table, allowing us to grow and adapt in an ever-changing market.
Ultimate Flooring is committed to continuing this partnership with JOG for years to come. We value the opportunity to mentor students, help them discover their interests and showcase the diverse opportunities in flooring.
We encourage other small businesses to explore programs like JOG. Not only do they contribute to the growth of your business, but they also help shape the future of the industry by investing in the leaders of tomorrow.
Sam Robinson, Akron
