Season greetings abound

From a lump of coal, to a gaseous repartee, to a bon voyage, readers warmed the cockles of this writer’s cold heart with their complements of the season — responding to various columns.

The lump of coal was a gift from Santa Claus during the Christmas Party at Youngstown State University. There are reports that Santa was played by Dr. Chet Cooper, professor of molecular biology and microbiology. The present obviously was in appreciation for all the nice things that have been said about the poor overworked and underpaid employees of Youngstown State.

The lump was nice, but next year, Santa, let’s have a ton. Given the skyrocketing price of coal as a result of China’s insatiable appetite for energy, this writer could make a killing by selling the coal— and feel like a public employee.

The gaseous repartee was contained in an online response to the column headlined, “Shed a tear for YSU workers.” It was sent by “MrFixit” and had this descriptive paragraph:

“Lastly, your writing has given me intestinal discomfort so time to hit the rest room where I plan to use your article with your picture to cleanse my hind quarters [once] I finish my business.”

“MrFixit” took exception to the words “academic shlubs” being used to describe some of the students who are admitted to YSU.

‘Bart or Bert’

“Let’s see, I am one of those so called lazy YSU staff members who take [offense] to your labeling our students (including my own children) as academic shlubs…. Bash us all you want Bart or Bert whatever your name is but you have crossed the line of decency when you bash our valleys hard working students….”

The bon voyage was offered in a letter to the newspaper’s editor from a supporter of former congressman-turned federal convict James A. Traficant Jr.

“I am writing this protest letter to you, about the persecution of James Traf by you so called columnist, Bertram DS. This man is rude, vindictive, and highly insulting to our intelligence.”

But there were two paragraphs in the letter that truly reflected the spirit of the season.

“Does anyone bring up the fact [over, & over, & over] that BDS is living with a woman — He is, I believe Catholic — But, I guess it depends on whose poor bull is being gored. Enough already.”

And then this parting shot:

“Maybe if this poor xcuse for a writer, returned to Africa, & wrote for their newspapers, he would be more their style. Now, how long would they put up with his … writing? He would be arrested on site. Thank God for America!”

In response to a column following the November general election, there was this online entry:

“DeSusie is a little man who stands on a box in order to reach his computer on his childs desk at the Vindy. He reminds me of the hall monitor in grade school who has to be in charge of something inorder to boost his failing ego. He belittles others in print but couldn’t hold a candle to these same folks with all things being equal...he’s a sad, bitter little person. We should feel sorry for him...NOT!”

But the best gift of this season came from the lawyers representing one of the most powerful, influential and richest individuals in the Mahoning Valley.

Oakhill controversy

In one of the documents filed in the so-called Oakhill controversy — the list of defendants includes Anthony Cafaro Sr., former president of the Cafaro Co. — there was reference made to a number of columns that focused on county government’s purchase of Oakhill Renaissance Place, the former South Side Medical Center.

The decision by the commissioners to relocate the Job and Family Services agency from the Cafaro Co.-owned Garland Plaza on the East Side to Oakhill, triggered a battle royale. The effort to stop the purchase has resulted in criminal indictments against several individuals, including Cafaro.

Here’s what the lawyers wrote: “A September 5, 2010 column by Bertram de Souza in the Sunday Vindicator proclaimed the media’s intent to scrutinize and report on all further filings and evidentiary disclosures.”

Reality check: The role of the press is to scrutinize government, which is what this writer has been doing for many years. It’s not about personalities. It’s about ensuring that the representatives of the people don’t violate the sacred trust.