Wondering what went wrong

Wondering what went wrong

Just prior to the shooting that killed Mr. Repchik and critically injured his wife as they were driving home from St. Dominic Church, I had read two articles about growing up in Youngstown.

One man described his upbringing on the South Side as “a magical time,” which is exactly how I felt about growing up here too. Another long time resident wrote that the end of the good times occurred somewhere in the 1970s. Reading the letters to the editor from these two men who grew up in almost the exact same way I did was heartwarming.

However, my troubles begin when I try to think of the reasons why everything had changed. Of course, there is the loss of the local steel industry that led to a sustained economic downturn lasting over three decades. Then there is the mass exodus out of the city by its youth in search of better jobs. Many area residents have aged and ultimately passed. However, what I never hear about is how the loss of faith has played such an integral role in the downfall of our fair city.

The violence in the vicinity of St. Dominic’s — two killings and a wounding — is just one example of how a lack of faith has permeated what was arguably one of the most faithful cities in the country.

However, the lack of faith in God does not completely rest on the shoulders of these cold-blooded murderous thugs; it comes from virtually all directions. In many cases the well-educated sons and daughters of those who were devout churchgoers, have willfully labeled themselves agnostic or atheist.

The parents of those born in the baby-boom era experienced the Depression as children, and the war as teenagers. They lived through the worst of times. Their undeniable faith and resilience created a community of families whose children would grow up with love, and be taught respect for others. They raised children who described growing up in Youngstown as “magical.”

If faith has the strength to overcome such great adversity, provide love and teach respect, then why is it considered to be so wrong by so many?

Jeff Buzard, Youngstown