DEAR EDITOR:

My keys, my phone, my glasses? Part of being too busy or simply getting older, don’t worry, it will be fine.

The “sadness” is when you forget your roots — the reasons behind your gains, accomplishments and the family you raised.

Many who have remained in the Valley love the area for what it has to offer, accept some of the minor setbacks, areas of concern that every community experiences, apparently have forgotten how we got here, how we obtained our position in life, sent our kids to school, college, paid that house off, enjoyed the many family vacations and now can relax and watch our family grow.

You can and should take some personal credit for your gains, but don’t forget the support you had.

Supports as in:

�–� Employment in a safe and healthy place of employment. Fair labor practices, e.g. a 40-hour work week, guaranteed overtime pay, health care, non-discriminatory employment and paid time off to take care of that sick mom, dad or kid.

�–� Environment, able to take that short drive up to Great Lake Erie, enjoy the beach, fishing or just sit at the many wineries and enjoy the sunset.

�–� Health care, feeling relaxed knowing that you have coverage in the event you need that medical care.

The above are just a few of the endowments provided to us, allowing us to be where we are today. Sadly, many have forgotten how we achieved those protective guarantees. Many believe they always existed, just “there,” especially those that weren’t around when they did not exist.

These were fought for and arbitrated by the party always fighting for social justice. Ending unfair employment based on who you knew, your race, religious beliefs and what political party affiliation you had. There was a time when how many fingers you had left identified where you worked. But through fighting for equal rights and ensuring a safe place to work, we no longer, at least we should not worry about the aforementioned.

There was a time when Lake Erie was “closed,” dead fish strung across the beach, no fishing, no trophy walleye, no best-tasting “jumbo” perch. Only after the passing of the Clean Air and Water Act did it become the “Walleye Capital of the World” and offers some of the best beaches, boating and sunsets anywhere.

There was a time when the 40-hour work week did not exist, safety at the workplace was the proverbial roll of the dice, and if you ran into a problem, health-wise, well can’t say what I wish in print, but good luck.

All these and many, many other safety nets, environmental gains and human resource protections, all fought for by one party with the challenge by the other.

I can go on and on showing the gains we’ve made that made our country stronger, more receptive to societal change and environmentally mindful. Today, all are taken for granted.

Look, any party at some time may experience the need for directional correction, that is what makes this country the great country it is, the freedom to voice one’s opinion. We’ve all experienced it in family, in our faith and our political standing. It is then you must consider the ideological foundation of the organization you subscribe to. Be part of getting that group back on track.

Many saw the other side as a protection from the trials and tribulations that a growing, diversified society brings. Failing to notice gradual changes, removing the previously fought-for safety social nets reminds me of the allegory of the frog in warm water. The warm water, the comfort it brings, soon begins to boil, where and then it may be too late.

You see, “We’ve forgotten.”

God Bless America.

JOHN LESEGANICH

Canfield