Ignorant behavior will drag down revitalization efforts

Ignorant behavior will dragdown revitalization efforts
EDITOR:
There are a number of positive things happening that can contribute to Youngstown's revitalization and improve the quality of life for city residents. These include the school district rebuilding efforts, the police department's zero-tolerance gun and crime policies, downtown revitalization and the Youngstown 2010 project. While many folks are involved in these projects, many others don't have the time or monetary resources available to be able to contribute. However, there is something that we can all do for the betterment of the city. It takes a minimum of effort and, better yet, it's free. It's called exercising personal responsibility.
Almost daily, I see examples of ignorant and dangerous behavior among some city residents and visitors. It almost seems like there is an & quot;anything goes & quot; attitude when it comes to Youngstown. It's a drag on the quality of life for all residents of the city, and I don't see the need for it.
One example of this is the trend of pedestrians walking three or more abreast down the middle of the street, blocking traffic, making vehicles negotiate an unnecessary human obstacle course. Whatever happened to using the sidewalks? Streets are for vehicles; sidewalks are for people. This afternoon, I actually saw a young woman carrying an infant, walking down the middle of the street as cars approached her from behind. Not only was she risking her safety, but the child's. She didn't even seem to be concerned.
Another example is the alarming and growing trend of ignoring stop signs and red lights and excessive speed in residential neighborhoods. And when did left turn on red become law? Because of such ignorance and impatience, someone is going to get killed.
I actually saw a used condom on the road in a residential neighborhood as I recently walked to the post office. Did the owner of that condom think he or she was being funny? Do they care that a young child, not knowing what it is, may pick it up and play with it?
I'm determined to stay in Youngstown. My wife and I plan to raise a family here. However, I can fully understand why so many families move to the suburbs or won't consider moving into the city. Who wants their kids to grow up in an environment where people show such open disrespect for themselves and one another?
As a community, we should have absolutely no tolerance for such irresponsible, ignorant and disrespectful behavior. Attitudes need to change. Revitalized schools and downtown buildings are great, but real revitalization for Youngstown will have little chance for success as long as people refuse to conduct themselves responsibly. A civilized society can't thrive when the citizens act like barbarians.
RICK ALCORN
Youngstown
The best part of the day
EDITOR:
It happens every time. The gasp, the accelerated heartbeat, the eyes starting to well-up. The arms starting to reach up automatically to clap. It's my favorite event of the Fourth of July, the fireworks display.
The event, especially the barrage, to me symbolizes our strength and resolve.
As I look and listen, my mind recalls the history of the first Continental Congress and the mindset of King George. Of Boston and the famous ride. And the importance of the mysterious first shot at Concord. A shot that meant there was to be no turning back. The cost of future freedom paid up front. And all laid out on a piece of paper with words by a pretty good writer.
I absolutely can't wait for the fireworks in 2076. That should be a wild one. And I'm gonna have the best seat in the house. From the heavens.
JAMES J. SICILIANO
Warren