Kroger grocery store 'police' make me feel like a criminal. Are they qualified to use weapons
Shopping at Kroger now feels like going to prison
Re "New Kroger policy treats customers like shoplifters" June 2: I wholeheartedly agree.
I now feel like a criminal just for grocery shopping. Unfortunately, Kroger has driven out all local competition, so I have no choice but the Kroger which is now a prison.
I can recall not only friendly neighborhood Kroger store, but even after they were eliminated in favor of "flagship" stores, customer service was key.
Until they drove out the competition and closed the neighborhood stores in "consolidation."
Now we see their true intentions.
Changed policy: Why some Columbus Kroger stores are now requiring receipt checks
Just-in-time inventory, closure of most custom services, few human cashiers, unstaffed "customer service" counters.
Now, if I enter the store, will I be detained if I don't purchase anything because what I wanted was (predictably) out of stock?
After all, in that case I will have to explain to the "friendly" security guard my seemingly criminal behavior of not buying anything.
And, last time I looked, no channel to lodge a customer service complaint on their web site, mostly devoted to ads.
I guess they feel so powerful now that they no longer care how the inmates (customers) feel about their shopping experience.
James W. Adams, Columbus
Who are the Kroger police?
Re "New Kroger policy treats customers like shoplifters" June 2: I admit I don’t always see eye to eye with a lot of the columns in the Sunday Conversation section of the paper, but the one on armed guards at Kroger stores begs one big question: Are these armed guards members of the local police departments?
If so, who pays their salaries?
Are they being diverted from other policing activities? If not classified as law enforcement, are they certified and/or qualified to use the weapons?
More: 'Krogering' now comes with receipt checking armed guards. Bring back the cashiers.
Remember all the discussions on arming teachers? Now we have grocery police. Good to see the priorities.
John Bellemore, Powell
J.D. Vance's behavior disgraceful
During former president Trump’s New York state trial, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio railed at the courthouse against the proceedings. He requested U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to open a criminal investigation of the state presiding judge.
After the unanimous jury verdict, he called the verdict a disgrace and an absolute miscarriage of justice. If the verdict had been not guilty, he probably would have said the proceedings were fair and a shining example of American justice, even though the several weeks of trial would not differ except in the result.
What I find disgraceful is Vance’s, a former lawyer, behavior.
What do you think? How to submit a letter to the editor for The Columbus Dispatch
The Lawyers Code of Professional Responsibility states a lawyer plays a vital role in the preservation of society, and as such should demonstrate respect for the legal system and for those who serve it.
Judges are not free to defend themselves and should receive lawyers’ support against unjustified criticism. A lawyer may voice criticism but without disinformation, which lessens public confidence in the legal system. While it is a lawyer’s duty, when necessary, to challenge official action, there is a duty to uphold the legal process.
Be it elections or trials, Republicans are undermining systems that have served United States citizens for centuries.
Disgraceful.
Toba Feldman, Columbus
Fireworks every night needs to stop
Clearly, it's time to revisit House Bill 172, or the Revise the Fireworks Law.
A cursory internet search of fireworks discharge by public says fireworks can only be set off on certain holidays.
Is June 1 a holiday? No matter.
More: Ohio lawmakers pass bill to legalize consumer use of fireworks, DeWine expected to sign it
Also, for fireworks to be discharged, you must get permission of the Columbus Fire Department. Did you pick up permission slips at Kroger along with the bottle rockets and M-80s? No kids under 18 and no booze? Again, really? Who's checking?
To be clear, I don't begrudge people shooting off their fireworks on July 4, or even July 3 to 6, but it has now become an every night ritual for pretty much any darned reason, and to heck with anyone else's rights.
It's time to prohibit the use of fireworks except July 3 to 6. Violations should start at $200 and increase by $500 for each offense thereafter.
What are the rules: Can I set off fireworks in Columbus area? Here's what you need to know
If you can afford the rocket's glare, don't complain about gas and grocery prices.
The time for collecting signatures for a petition is here.
Greg Winter, Columbus
Donald Trump is not the problem
It isn't over until the fat lady sings. The problem with America isn't Trump; it's the people who vote for him.
Charlie M. Miller, West Jefferson
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Armed Kroger guards make me feel like a prisoner. Are they qualified?
