Critic of local block watches should pitch in and patrol

Critic of local block watchesshould pitch in and patrol
EDITOR:
We wish to respond to the letter written on May 10 concerning our local block watch groups. We take issue with the notion that these groups are nothing more than political groups. That statement is pretty far from the truth.
Our particular group does meet once a month, and there are complaints. Voicing these complaints helps us to find out about some of the problems in our area. That could include everything from high grass and weeds, loose dogs, unkempt rental properties and suspected drug activities. We do our best to address these issues and to notify the proper city departments or department heads. We do not tell anyone how to vote, but we do encourage our members and their families to get out and vote. When there are responsible people in responsible positions, things get done, such as youth programs.
It would be wonderful if we could patrol the streets and attempt to prevent crime. This might be possible in some areas, but not all areas. Block watch groups are the eyes and ears of the neighborhoods, not police officers. The neighborhoods are getting older. The group that we are involved with consists of all women who just happen to be well over the age of 60. We certainly cannot expect them to go out on late-night patrols. That should be taken care of by the younger people, especially the younger men. However the men won't even show their faces at our meetings. They should be more concerned that all is well in their neighborhoods. They have keener eyes and are more able bodies. Our city councilman and a representative from the Youngstown Police Department are usually present at our meetings to address some of our problems. They help as much as they can.
Perhaps the writer would be willing to set up some type of neighborhood patrol group. Instead of pointing fingers and making accusations, get out and help. We would love for you to patrol our area.
MRS. WILLIE WILLIAMSMRS. FRANCES SINGLETONNorthside Eagle Eye Block Watch
Youngstown
GOP version of democracydoes little to make U.S. great
EDITOR:
I entered the world during the reign of Herbert Hoover, who is best known for the Great Depression. I didn't know it, but I was living in poverty, as were all of my friends. Dr. Tidd came to our home to welcome me into the world. As he was leaving, he said to my father, "John, my bill is ten dollars, but you don't have to pay me anything now. Just pay me whenever you can afford to." I suppose your young readers, 65 and under, have heard the same statement coming from their doctors and attorneys many times.
Currently we are living under the Republican Party's version of democracy with a Republican president and Congress calling the shots. Their formula is "to the victors go the spoils," which means that all the cushy appointments will be made to Republicans only and that non-bid contracts will be given to Republican contributors. I am sorry to say that this also means sometimes appointments are made to people who are not qualified, as in the case of the former governor of Pennsylvania being appointed as the head of Homeland Security. Just before he retired, I saw and heard him on TV saying, "I have two daughters about ready to go to college and I cannot afford to send them on what they are paying me, so I am looking for a new job." Don't you think he was being paid enough to send his kids to school? Is it just me, or does that sound silly?
I also disagree with the thought that democracy has made America great. In my opinion, the American people have made America great. When there is a war, the American people fight the war. In WWII, the American women took over the jobs usually held by men and did a great job at that. Everyone pitched in. There are still examples of this today: when there is a big medical problem in a family, all of the people pitch in to help. That's the American way. There are so many other situations where we can call on other people and organizations when we are in distress for which I am thankful, such as police and firefighters, teachers, members of the clergy, tradesmen of every sort and many others who make this country great. It just ain't democracy, it's Americans.
STANLEY J. POLANSKI
Mineral Ridge