Letters: Day care workers deserve better pay
Filipino-American doesn't see US as fundamentally racist
My parents met at the U.S. embassy. They were both there to apply for visas to move from the Philippines to the United States. Their journey was a success, and I was born and raised in Cleveland, a testament to my parents' dream of a better life for their children in the greatest country in the world. America welcomed my family with open arms,
Yet all you hear from Democrats is that America is a fundamentally racist country. As a child of Filipino immigrants writing during Filipino-American History Month, this could not be more incompatible with my family's lived experience. If America is so racist, why do immigrants from around the world continue to come — legally and illegally — into our country in staggering numbers?
There is certainly racism in America. I would point to disturbing examples of anti-Asian hate crimes in Democrat-controlled cities like San Francisco and New York, which affect me on a personal level. The first step to curbing such violence isn't weak-willed proclamations from Joe Biden. We need Democrats to stop demonizing and defunding police, and to prioritize the safety of American citizens the way Republicans consistently do.
As a proud Filipino and a proud Republican, I am honored to serve my community as mayor. My family's journey — from my parents' immigrating here to my life in Brunswick — is a testament to the American dream.
Mayor Ron Falconi, Brunswick
More:How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch
Workers at day care centers deserve more than just better pay
Labels shape impressions. Sadly, today's headline "Low Pay, little respect, deter day care teachers" contributed to a continued lack of respect for the women and men who care for the young children in our community. These critical workers care for children, not days.
Judith (Fountain) Yesso, former director, OSU Child Care Center, former chair, Action For Children