Wednesday, September 06, 2000Mail bag
Readers want some to stay out
Readers are sick of drunken bums. They think I should lay off Kentucky's lottery winner. And they're all for students taking shop.
Here's a sampling of responses to recent columns:
Goebel Park
Volunteers recently spruced up this public park in Covington's MainStrasse. They hope to attract more families and fewer undesireables. I argued against declaring general war on the homeless.“I am sure there is a percentage of the homeless in our neighborhood who walk up and down the street never bothering a single soul. I even had one offer to help me with a chore I was doing.
“But because you are not in this area on a day-to-day basis, you do not see 90 percent of the homeless people we have walking around our house and hanging out near our kids. They include: the guy screaming at the top of his lungs that he is going to blow the place up; the guy who is laying on the bench totally nude; the five guys that are sitting on a bench in front of my house drinking beer and leering at my 16-year-old daughter while she's helping me in the yard.”
— Virginia Meyer, MainStrasse
“When you speak of rights, what rights do these bums have to use and abuse a park that the working person's tax dollars pay for? I would think none. If you think these bums make such a great addition to the community, I suggest you import them to yours.”
— Artie Kidwell, the Magic Shop, MainStrasse
“Although this is a transitional neighborhood, I have found the people in the area to be much more friendly and helpful to one another than I ever experienced in 40 years in the 'burbs. Since some of the (homeless) people you reference in your article live on the riverbank in front of our home, I have gotten to know some of them. I agree that, by and large, they are good people.”
— William Bailey, West Covington
Kentucky's winner
Mack Metcalf won $65 million. Then he was revealed as a deadbeat dad charged with DUI.“You sound a little jealous when you speak about deserving winners. I could care less about his problems. ... There's no rule that says you have to be nice to win.”
— Paul Short, South Lebanon
“I don't hear too many people complaining about President Clinton's problem keeping his pants on ... or Sheriff Simon Leis wanting to control everyone's life in Hamilton County. But when some unknown redneck wins millions of dollars, people come out of the woodwork to say what a poor human being he is.”
— Steve Evans, Cincinnati
Tradespeople wanted
My concern about the end of “shop” classes struck a chord with one mother. Her son scores well on standardized tests but wants to work in construction instead of attending college.“I think a lot of educators push college as the only choice. The students who want other alternatives slide through the cracks in the system. ... These children are scoffed at, as if working with their hands is something to be ashamed of. My husband and I are very proud of our son.”
— Twana Hess, West Chester
Thanks for writing, everybody. Keep those calls and story ideas coming.
Karen Samples is The Enquirer's Kentucky columnist. Her column appears on Sundays and Thursdays in The Kentucky Enquirer. She can be reached at 578-5584 or email her at ksamples@enquirer.com