Monday, June 17, 2002
Convention center survey showed lack of interest
EDITOR:
And the truth will out. How true. It most certainly did with the Web survey concerning the Convocation Center.
The huge response should have any potential investor jumping with joy and anticipation. Yeah, sure, in your dreams. Yet those involved seem to be set on building that white elephant just to spend money. Doesn't anyone remember the South High Field House fiasco? There is an old axiom that says, "Those who do not remember the past are bound to repeat it." So here we go again.
That money was received because a man sold his political soul. There are so many strings attached that it isn't worth it. It would be easier to tell Washington to take it back. It then would behoove us to elect a person who could get other funds that are not so restricted.
We seem to gravitate toward neophytes, crooks, shady characters, etc. When will we turn our faces toward the sun? In the 17th District, we turned our backs on one person who had all the political know-how to help us. He had seniority, connections, the way through the maze in Washington. Instead, we elected a candidate who has nothing to offer but rhetoric. He has never held a job. What are we doing? It will take him a year to find the key to the restroom. Crossover voting is permissible.
At this point, it doesn't matter if a candidate is a Democrat, a Republican, a Tory or a Whig. If we don't elect the right person, this area will continue to struggle for another seven to 10 years. The city will continue to deteriorate, and the county will be ignored.
Our present representative has not been in Washington since January. He cannot vote. He cannot submit any resolutions. He is looked upon as a pariah. Yet he continues to collect $12,500 a month for doing nothing. OUCH. Wake up Mahoning Valley. Think or Thwim. It is not too early to start thinking about November.
ROBERT R. THORNTON
Austintown
Turning to word of God through prayer, scripture
EDITOR:
Several weeks ago we were fortunate to have Jesuit Father Daniel Berrigan with us at Villa Maria Retreat Center for our annual Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Lunch and Lecture. His topic, which your reporter covered so well, was "The Peace making Christian in the War Making State." Dan's very presence is one of prayer and peace.
Evidently, a recent letter writer was among our 250 participants. She indicated in her letter of June 2 that Father Berrigan did not urge us to turn to prayer and to God in our efforts for world peace. I differ with her perception. Dan called us to turn to Scripture as the very Word of God, calling us and showing us the way to make peace. He urged us to come together in our efforts and in our prayer.
In his presentation and by his very way of life, Father Berrigan called us to turn to God using the Scriptures and prayer and to support one another so that we do not lose hope. He has been urging us to become a nation of peacemakers for over 40 years. In war there are never any real winners.
CAROLYN CAPUANO, HM
Villa Maria, Pa.
X The writer is the director of the Villa Maria Retreat Center.