Don’t abandon the area; there’s lots of things to do

Don’t abandon the area; there’s lots of things to do

EDITOR:

A July 8 article in The Vindicator explained how a couple of men who are recent victims of GM layoffs decided to open their own business in Girard. It also said that these two individuals wish to remain in the area because their friends and family reside here. I couldn’t agree more with them. These men deserve all that praise in the world for keeping true to their decision.

I, too have family and friends here. Being a recent college graduate and not being able to find entry-level positions in my field, I contemplated moving away. But, as the article points out, it ultimately comes down to home. So, I am also sticking to my decision to stay here. Not only does the men’s decision to stay here show pride in the area, but the small family-owned-type of business also helps the local economy. We need more businesses like these, not only in Girard, but everywhere. I’m not saying that large corporations like GM don’t have anything to contribute to society and the economy. It is also the smaller ones like the State Street Bar and Grill that help us out when the larger ones are hurt by economic downturn.

Another article also appeared in the same day’s edition of The Vindicator that I also think deserves attention. It positively exploits the various forms of free entertainment that are available for residents of the Greater Youngstown area. In Warren, there are free concerts offered for music lovers like myself at the amphitheater in downtown every Saturday night. Fortunately, I was able to attend one of these events. I had a wonderful time. There is also a series of events being launched by the Chevrolet Centre in downtown Youngstown. This establishment is hosting free drive-in type-style movie showings outside the building on the front lawn in hopes of drawing people downtown to the central business district. I have not been to one of these movies yet, but I am sure that the program will be a success. Just like that events in Warren, people are finding relief from the every-day woes wreaked by the recent economic recession. I am all for these programs.

I also agree 100 percent with the quote that says there are those who think that this area has nothing to offer in terms of entertainment, and that those with that kind of attitude are sadly mistaken. These events, plus many more, are proof of that. If this area has nothing to offer, then why are people showing up for the events by the thousands? We need more events like these. They are very good and worthwhile ways to express our pride in the Valley. In the end, that’s what it is all about.

VINCE WILLIAMS

Girard

It’s not just a ‘black’ problem

EDITOR:

The writer of a July 8 letter to the editor appears to be a typical, conservative, white, out-of-touch suburbanite.

In the first place why does he think that America is without racism? He needs to look in his own backyard in Poland, Ohio. Barack Obama does not have a checkered past that I am aware of, The Rev, Wright told his story the way it really is. The letter writer can’t handle the truth.

White American teens are having babies out of wedlock, joining gangs, doing drugs and listening to rap crap music just as black kids are. Remember if it were not for the mass purchasing power of the white community this disgraceful, distasteful music would not be on the shelves.

Since the death of Rev. King, many young blacks have moved on to higher education. As a prime example, look at Sen. Obama. Look at the thousands of black public elected officials and look at the accomplishments in sports, music, politics, government and business.

I don’t feel the July 8 letter speaks favorably of African-Americans. Most blacks are not looking for welfare or handouts, but only a fair. square chance, something we were denied before affirmative actions and something that letter writer and his ancestors and blood line never had to worry about.

LANCE SMITH

Youngstown