Letters: Column about displaced priests got it wrong. Problem is 'our people.'

The Columbus Dispatch
·3 min read
Christian Nelson, 19, a year-old single mother from Whitehall,, said the COVID-19 pandemic only made her depression, anxiety and schizophrenia worse. With counseling and medication, they are now under control.
Christian Nelson, 19, a year-old single mother from Whitehall,, said the COVID-19 pandemic only made her depression, anxiety and schizophrenia worse. With counseling and medication, they are now under control.

Straying from church teaching is the 'problem'

“I will no longer attend Mass at Newman, and though a cradle Catholic, I may join a different faith tradition,” says writer Jack D’Aurora in his Aug. 11 column, "Bishop gave an offer Paulists couldn't accept."

D’Aurora should beware of what he wishes for: Many mainline Protestant denominations are in freefall and several are supportive of so-called abortion rights (could one be connected with the other?).

More:Letters: 'Moral outrage' to surprise. Era ending at LGBTQ-friendly parish for new vision

As for the Catholic hierarchy being “out of touch with our people,” the problem begins when “our people” want to stray from church teaching and do things their way.

Catholics must support the Ten Commandments, believe in the inerrancy of the Bible and support church teaching. What’s the problem?

Jack Wolock, Columbus

Changing outcomes for disadvantaged kids

Ohio must seize an opportunity to make transformational changes in the health and well-being of its children. Data on childhood depression, anxiety and absenteeism from the Annie E. Casey Foundation and Children Defense Fund of Ohio are sobering, particularly the resultant 31st overall ranking of Ohio.

More:Mental health, teen birth rates: 5 takeaways from new data on Ohio's children

Underlying factors for these findings are not surprising – low socioeconomic status, living in Appalachian region, and being ethnically diverse. But the answer to reversing these trends may be.

Ohio has the opportunity to show the country that investing into business produces positive change in the lives of disadvantaged youth. Specifically, Ohio needs to leverage the momentous success in recruiting Intel into requiring its reinvesting into social and health resources to enhance the lives of disadvantaged children. Collectively, we need to invest to make the change.

More:'A perfect storm': Challenges of life in Appalachian Ohio affect children's mental health

Social investment requires a holistic approach to produce sustainable change through the provision of physical and mental health resources, neighborhood support and safety, education and learning opportunities, and job training and employment.

Businesses like Intel need to appreciate their influential roles in community health and well-being. Similarly, state government must seek partnership with health institutions, community and non-profit organizations, and law enforcement to create hospitable environments conducive for self-growth and instilling self-worth.

We have been given a seed that has the potential to produce a bountiful harvest. It’s up to us to cultivate and care for what emerges.

“History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children.” − Nelson Mandela

Jeffery J. Auletta, M.D., Dublin

Share your thoughts: How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch

Bob Vieth, who began attending mass at the Newman Center when he was in graduate school at Ohio State in 1978, attends mass on July 3, 2022. The Catholic diocese has been taken from the Paulist fathers, an order of Catholic priests, who ran it for 65 years.
Bob Vieth, who began attending mass at the Newman Center when he was in graduate school at Ohio State in 1978, attends mass on July 3, 2022. The Catholic diocese has been taken from the Paulist fathers, an order of Catholic priests, who ran it for 65 years.

No firearms fracas at the fair

"Firearms at the fair ‘insane'" was the headline from the July 28 letter from Sheri Pierce (and others). She was distraught over the allowance of firearms at the Ohio State Fair.

She obviously thought there would be mass shootings everyday. I followed the daily news and not one instance of a reported shooting at the fair. Maybe “legal” gun owners are law-abiding, sensible citizens who just wanted to have a good time and feel safe.

John A. Backus, Pickerington

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Intel, other businesses must invest in children's well-being