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A lesson in political thought

To the editor: Democrats smear the American political right as fascists and Nazis. How true is this, in point of fact? Benito Mussolini, founder of what we call fascism, regarded it as an organic, regional ideology. Specifically, in his era, post-World War I, it grew and developed as it did in Italy, becoming Italian fascism. What was called Nazism was Germany’s fascism. What became Japanese imperialism was Japan’s version. It’s harder for such extremist ideologies to sprout in countries like, say, the United States, where individual liberties are guaranteed by law. ...

Fame is a bully pulpit

To the editor: In recent weeks, several artists have disappointed me deeply, while others have filled me with admiration. Among those who broke my heart: Liev Shreiber, Mayim Bialik, Debra Messing, Pete Davidson, Dave Chapell, Kevin Hart, and above all, Bill Burr. Among those making me proud: David Cross, Mark Ruffalo, Olivia Colman, Susan Sarandon, Carsie Blanton, Marc Maron, and — most surprisingly — Shane Gillis. Fame is a powerful gift, granted to a rare few who receive a platform and, with it, a moral duty to use their voices to better the world. Leaving the world ...

A look back at 2025 Guardians

To the editor: Although the 2025 Major League Baseball season came to an end for the Cleveland Guardians as a result of their being defeated by the Detroit Tigers two games to one in the American League Wildcard Series, as a longtime supporter of the Guardians-Indians baseball franchise, I am very pleased and encouraged by their outstanding and overachieving regular season in 2025. Prior to the beginning of the 2025 season, literally none of the baseball experts predicted that Cleveland would win the American League Central Division race, which they did, and many even picked them ...

Library deserves a ‘yes’ vote

To the editor: I love libraries, especially our local Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County. When I talk to different people in the area, I am heartened by how many also have an appreciation of how lucky we are to have seven branches (soon to be eight) and a bookmobile serving our community. On the other hand, I am often dismayed at how many people are unfamiliar with all of the ways that the library can enhance their lives. Oh, sure, everyone knows that you can check out books, movies and music CDs. Many people know that you can also access online resources like audio ...

Capaldi right choice for city manager

To the editor: I am writing to formally express my strong endorsement of Carlo Capaldi for the position of city manager of Steubenville. Capaldi has devoted more than three decades of exemplary service to the city of Steubenville, including his distinguished tenure as a firefighter and fire chief. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the welfare of our community. His extensive experience within city operations has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of how our municipal systems function and how ...

More questions about diocese

To the editor: The disassembling of the Diocese of Steubenville looks to be nearly complete. Thanks to the efforts of Bishops Daniel Conlon (2002-2011) and Jefferey Monforton (2012-2023), the agenda has been to scatter faithful parish communities by closing their churches. The hierarchy for the Diocese of Steubenville — Archdiocese of Cincinnati Archbishops Daniel Pilarczyk (1982-2009) and Dennis Schurr (2008-2025) — along with apostolic nuncios — Cardinals Gabriel Higuera (1998-2005), Pietro Sambi (2005-2011) Carlo Vigano (2011-2016) and Christophe Pierre (2016- present) ...