We need heroes in all arenas of life

12/11/2004

Where have all the heroes gone?

I do not admire athletes who exhibit behavior for which my children would have been disciplined. Nor do I admire the conduct of so-called fans who assume the price of admission includes the right to likewise misbehave.

Security shouldn't need to be "stepped up" at sports events at any level.

Fans should stay behind the rails, mind their manners, and have self-respect as well as respect for players.

Parents and grandparents who feel the need to attend, especially with youngsters in tow, should be heroes to those youngsters and give them examples of appropriate behavior, not the opposite.

Players should play their game, stay on the playing floor or field, and mind their manners.

In the process, they might again become real heroes to youngsters, as well as to those of us who grew up idolizing people who had earned our respect and admiration!

The media should stop replaying the negative incidents that occur at such events (and others, for that matter). Isn't there some real news somewhere?

I try to remember that most players and fans do behave appropriately, but that's not what is reported on.

Perhaps a large portion of the problem might be the outrageous price of admission to most such events, prices caused in great part by the obscene compensation these inflated-ego celebrities are given.

Personally, I refuse to perpetuate this appalling situation by purchasing a ticket or attending such events.

Good sportsmanship begins at home.

It's time for a lot of us to grow up, and be responsible in all arenas of our lives.

Sharrone Clay

Wendover Drive

Trash fee protests are over the top

In regard to the proposed $7 fee for trash pickup, I think that a whole bunch of people protest too much.

To the people who smoke, I say, at $2.50 a pack, smoke two fewer cigarettes a day.

To those who like their alcohol, reduce your weekly drinks by two per week.

To those who own pets, maybe Fido or Fluffy does not need as many treats.

An alternative would be to move to Sylvania Township. In that community, the charge for trash pickup is $70.95, including tax, per quarter, or $283.80 per year.

DAVID AXILROD

Manchester Boulevard