Feedback: Aug. 25 column

9/1/2002

Below are excerpts of e-mail responses to the Aug. 25 “Twin Pack” questions (an abbreviated version of “Half a Six Pack” and “Six Pack to Go”). Each question has five responses from readers. (Sorry, but Russ serves as the “gatekeeper” — he determines the five answers to accompany each question.) In order to make this a reader-friendly feature, some lengthy answers submitted by readers may have been shortened.

1) What's your take on the Toledo Catholic Diocese's decision to turn over to the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office at least 50 years' worth of files involving sexual abuse of minors?

A little late, don't you think? If they were serious about doing something about their priests sexually abusing minors, they wouldn't have swept things under the rug until forced to do otherwise.

I have always wondered why these monster priests were exempt from prosecution. They are human, after all, and should be subjected to the laws of the land like everyone else. It's about time.

It's nobody's business expect Catholics, what the Catholic church does. If this was happening with another church group, I would say the same thing.

It's long overdue. The Catholic church is finally attempting to save itself. The question: Is it too late?

Sounds like back-against-the-wall, better-come-clean time. Makes you wonder how long people knew about this and swept it under the rug. Strange, you never hear about this problem in other religions. Anyway, any person or organization will always do what is good for their own best interests. Sounds like the Toledo Diocese figures the time was right to “confess.”

2) Just taking the public's temperature: Who do you see winning the race for Lucas County commissioner, Sandy Isenberg or Maggie Thurber?

I knew you'd ask this one! To tell you the truth, I don't think Sandy is in any trouble. I think her previous rep and the seemingly good work she did on making Fraction Field a reality will carry her over Maggie Thurber with no difficulty. Not saying all that's come to light recently is OK, it's just that the voters will think well enough of her to put her right back in office, double-dip or no.

Maggie Thurber. I feel that Ms. Isenberg has become too complacent, feels she is the boss, is above reproach, and has no need to be accountable to the public, other than her Democratic leash-holders.

No chance for Thurber. The Isenberg machine is way too entrenched and powerful to let a few indiscretions get in the way of victory.

Thurber by a nose, but only if more allegations of influence-peddling by Sandy surface. If the Mud Hens win in the playoffs, all bets are off — because Sandy will take credit for it.

It will be close, but I think Sandy will win if she really campaigns hard. This thing could become mighty rough, meaning dirty.

Regarding the shock jocks … as a Catholic, you bet I'm outraged. Having its license suspended isn't good enough for WNEW. It should be longer than, say, 30 to 90 days, it should be permanent. Same goes for those clowns, Anthony & Opie. They deserve to be permanently banned from broadcasting.

The shock jock issue is not so simple for me. First, let me say that I really dislike and am uncomfortable listening to these types of radio programs. I listened to Howard Stern several times for 5 or 10 minutes each time before changing the station. I also dislike “Dr. Laura.” I have listened to her program several times only to switch the station after finding her arrogant and insulting. I exercised my option to change the station. Apparently, huge numbers of people do not change the station, thereby indicating a desire to have this type of programming on the radio. If a station is uncomfortable with the public response of its listeners to its personalities, then they should do what WNEW did and fire them. But revoking the license of the station is far too harsh a penalty, in view of our freedoms in this country.

I think you hit the nail on the head with the comment about Toledo's lack of attention to things big and little. It IS one of the reasons why Toledo's population is on the decline and why the young people leave (Carty's big brain drain … no one seems to worry about that now). Not that other areas of the country are perfect, but there seems to be too much ineptness around One Government Center these days … and few able, visionary persons around to light a fire to spark action among those who are so beholden to the union special interests that got them elected to do ANYTHING.

I think the scofflaws are an indication of the mentality of Toledo, and one of the main reasons why Toledo struggles to develop and prosper.

The parking-ticket situation is really sad. People who did the right thing and paid theirs must feel like saps. I do think it is typical of the way the city is run. Sad.

I agree with your take on Bob Barr. How pious could you get? We had a stronger economy during the Clinton years, with a surplus that has evaporated with our “war.” We need to focus on curing our domestic ills such as Medicare prescriptions, funding Amtrak permanently, and other things.

I thought it was interesting that in today's paper [the Sunday, Aug. 25 edition], there is a full-page ad for “The Sopranos” in the business section. Says a lot [about the business world], I think.

Regarding parking tickets … perhaps cops are getting as incompetent as federal inspectors when it comes to doing the job they were hired to do. Maybe too-strong unions make it hard to discipline workers for incompetence. I know it was for me, because every time I wrote up an employee, I went under the gun from the union as too strict of a boss. And it was impossible for me to fire anyone. My whole family was heavy into unions, but they overstepped their authority protecting worthless bums.

Personally, I don't have a problem with Ms. Isenberg drawing both her salary and her pension. If she worked hard and earned it, what difference does it make if she is still working at another job? Sorry, I can't see the problem. I understand why some people are upset. I just don't happen to agree.

Sorry, Hank Jr., but I'm NOT ready for some football.