What I said in the blog post was that the library was making decisions based on the input and demonstrated behavior patterns of their patrons. I'm not sure what more you're looking for from them, but I would be interested to hear specifics.
To call the library out on not taking the time to seek out every little mention of them and put themselves into the debate is kind of silly. Clearly, they have better things to do.
To imagine that the hard-working people who do use the library in droves haven't justified its continued support is curious, as well. In this top-down economy, just because someone is hard-working, tax-paying and decent doesn't mean they can afford to rely on private rather than public services.
ProAmerican, your rhetoric is unhelpful. Library supporters also believe in liberty, the Constitution, capitalism and the Republic. People of goodwill can disagree about domestic spending priorities without being lumped in with ACORN or Rush Limbaugh.
Not sure where you're going with that, Ron, but I smell a non sequitur. The topic here is whether the Chamber overstepped it's mandate and, if so, is it justified under the circumstances. Do you have an opinion to share on that?
@jjsmith I know the history of Traficant's refusal to foreclose in the early 80s, and I can appreciate what that meant. I'm not suggesting you're saying so, but I don't think that excuses his subsequent criminal career. Am I calling out his supporters to take a second look at the guy? You bet.
Perhaps I've somehow injured you in word or deed for you to brand me a self-appointed messiah, and I'd welcome the opportunity to address that with you, if so.
Let me ask you: just how long does someone have to live here before they can speak their mind? And what action would prove to you that I care about and respect the people of the Valley?
The reason I chose to raise my children here is because of the people and communities, which I respect more than anywhere else I've lived.
As for blogging, I've done it for eight years. It seems to me that if you're going to spend the effort to blog, you might as well have readers. And sometimes that means raising controversial issues. And since this blog (which the Vindicator personally invited me to write) is avowedly political, many of the topics invite spirited comments--such as yours. Yes, I do welcome that, and I also appreciate your input.
@jjsmith I came to Youngstown in '94 and graduated from YSU after attending for 4 years. I married a Youngstown native whose dad worked in and was later laid off from a factory. I think I have a pretty good idea of what the past here has been though, no, I didn't live it myself.
I try to listen to and learn from everyone I can so that I can understand Youngstown better. Feel free to pass judgement on my style and my intentions, I can take it. I'll keep working to improve my neighborhood and adopted city the best I know how.
@leaveusalone I hope I'm always open to criticism such as yours. I accept Youngstown as it is, and I don't accept that it's wrong to want more for it. That means primarily jobs and revenue. Sometimes, in order to attract that, there are improvements that need to be made. I want us to be sensitive to that. This doesn't suggest that people need to change who they are, though there are prevalent attitudes that hold us back from our potential.
I'm all for thoughtful, sincere and intelligent individuals. What I fear is a return to corruption in the Valley, which Traficant will forever represent, long after his prison term has ended.
Posted on November 3 at 7:20 p.m.
red: HA! Always glad to find common ground. Cheers.
Posted on November 3 at 9:52 a.m.
and in every other decade, Ron, along with all the other buzzwords associated with the push and pull of our pluralistic society
Posted on September 24 at 5:49 p.m.
What I said in the blog post was that the library was making decisions based on the input and demonstrated behavior patterns of their patrons. I'm not sure what more you're looking for from them, but I would be interested to hear specifics.
Posted on September 24 at 6:17 a.m.
To call the library out on not taking the time to seek out every little mention of them and put themselves into the debate is kind of silly. Clearly, they have better things to do.
To imagine that the hard-working people who do use the library in droves haven't justified its continued support is curious, as well. In this top-down economy, just because someone is hard-working, tax-paying and decent doesn't mean they can afford to rely on private rather than public services.
Posted on September 23 at 12:48 p.m.
ProAmerican, your rhetoric is unhelpful. Library supporters also believe in liberty, the Constitution, capitalism and the Republic. People of goodwill can disagree about domestic spending priorities without being lumped in with ACORN or Rush Limbaugh.
Posted on August 30 at 8:14 a.m.
Not sure where you're going with that, Ron, but I smell a non sequitur. The topic here is whether the Chamber overstepped it's mandate and, if so, is it justified under the circumstances. Do you have an opinion to share on that?
Posted on August 13 at 1:30 p.m.
@jjsmith I know the history of Traficant's refusal to foreclose in the early 80s, and I can appreciate what that meant. I'm not suggesting you're saying so, but I don't think that excuses his subsequent criminal career. Am I calling out his supporters to take a second look at the guy? You bet.
Perhaps I've somehow injured you in word or deed for you to brand me a self-appointed messiah, and I'd welcome the opportunity to address that with you, if so.
Let me ask you: just how long does someone have to live here before they can speak their mind? And what action would prove to you that I care about and respect the people of the Valley?
The reason I chose to raise my children here is because of the people and communities, which I respect more than anywhere else I've lived.
As for blogging, I've done it for eight years. It seems to me that if you're going to spend the effort to blog, you might as well have readers. And sometimes that means raising controversial issues. And since this blog (which the Vindicator personally invited me to write) is avowedly political, many of the topics invite spirited comments--such as yours. Yes, I do welcome that, and I also appreciate your input.
Posted on August 13 at 6:50 a.m.
@jjsmith I came to Youngstown in '94 and graduated from YSU after attending for 4 years. I married a Youngstown native whose dad worked in and was later laid off from a factory. I think I have a pretty good idea of what the past here has been though, no, I didn't live it myself.
I try to listen to and learn from everyone I can so that I can understand Youngstown better. Feel free to pass judgement on my style and my intentions, I can take it. I'll keep working to improve my neighborhood and adopted city the best I know how.
Posted on August 12 at 11:54 a.m.
@leaveusalone I hope I'm always open to criticism such as yours. I accept Youngstown as it is, and I don't accept that it's wrong to want more for it. That means primarily jobs and revenue. Sometimes, in order to attract that, there are improvements that need to be made. I want us to be sensitive to that. This doesn't suggest that people need to change who they are, though there are prevalent attitudes that hold us back from our potential.
Posted on August 11 at 9:38 a.m.
I'm all for thoughtful, sincere and intelligent individuals. What I fear is a return to corruption in the Valley, which Traficant will forever represent, long after his prison term has ended.