Response to Hornaman's Protector

Jim Karnes is, like every American, entitled to have a difference of opinion. It is this fact that makes the American society the best in the world. However I could not let Mr. Karnes's thoughts go unchallenged. First off, it is not idealism to talk about the respectable counterpart to Mr. Karnes' obvious party affiliation, just as it is not out of line to question the new Democrat taking Mr. Good's position. My point had nothing to do as Mr. Karnes knows with appointing a city manager, but had everything to do with stating that if Hornaman could not be counted on to stay with something during difficult times, what assurances do we as voters have that he will support us if things do not go his way? None. I was not suggesting that someone needs to vote strict party lines just as I would not have been lead like a sheep to the slaughter with the pay raise, and I agree with Mr. Karnes that we need to fix the problems of our county, city and townships by new ideas and positive changes, but I feel that Hornaman’s loyalty instead of to the agenda that Mr. Karnes and I both agree is needed, is only to himself. Let us not forget that the city of Erie has been for many years controlled by the Democratic Party exclusively, so if one wants to talk about the lack of success or positive changes taking place, maybe it is finally time for a Republican at the helm of the city of Erie. Dedication, loyalty to ones beliefs, hard work, and ideas are what this County needs, and the time for old ideas, betrayal, partisan politics, and laziness is done. Let us Mr. Karnes both agree to that! You feel that the Democratic Party has the answers, and I feel that Republican conservatism is the key, and somewhere in-between is a happy medium, but do not hope for Hornaman to be that moderate or someone who can think on his own, but instead watch as he undoubtedly scrambles to unsuccessfully prove himself. As many have criticized Bush, so too should the Democrats criticize Hornaman. Just because he has a dedicated, smart and loyal staff does not mean it will transpire into a dedicated, smart and loyal State Representative.

Christmas Spirit

The amount of houses displaying Christmas lights diminishes each year, yet the intensity of some keeps growing. Outsides lights soon seem to be a thing of the past, whether because of all the work it entails or the amount of attention it brings is unknown, yet the fact remains, that year by year, houses are more dormant than years past. It is obvious that the amount of Christians is not on that dramatic of decrease, yet I wonder if the amount of dedication to religion is not to blame? I would say if looking at the problem logically, one would need to address two issues. One is that today’s Christians are not as dedicated as Christians of past generations, as shown in the number of Catholics who remain involved in weekly mass after confirmation. Or whether the decrease has to do with increased laziness, or increased travel for the holiday season. Although the Christmas season is about Jesus Christ, it also is about family and friends, and the celebration of the uniting of families, and so if I was an outright optimist instead of a realist, I would hope that the decrease in outside Christmas lights has to do with the need for family, instead of just a desire to get Christmas over with as soon as possible. Being the realist that I strive to be, it seems that Jesus, nor family tops the list of Christmas definitions now-a-days, but instead is a season filled with hassle in stores, and discourse throughout the season. What will become next of Christ's birthday season? Maybe if stores did not start to try to sell Christmas products during September, we would not be so "christmased out". Yet who am I to interfere with Capitalism? Yet still, as a Catholic Christian, I am saddened by the idea that Christmas is becoming a dreaded season, instead of a season of remembering family values, and holiday joy. Maybe someday soon Christmas will be restored as holiday not just of toys and charities, but also of family and friends!