Solidarity march coverage falls short
My husband and I are lifetime subscribers to the Examiner and believe in the value of the local paper to be a news source of local events to the community.
It was with disappointment and concern that there was no Examiner coverage of the June 15 Solidarity March. It was a well-attended, unifying family event, peacefully standing in support of fellow Logan County citizens. The Facebook picture and sparse caption did not do justice to the event.
The absence of coverage seemed like an obvious political snub. As a subscriber, I want to be able to trust that news will be delivered in a nonpartisan manner.
Thank you. Sincerely,
Beth Miller, Bellefontaine
Keep Holland Theatre out of politics
I begin this letter to the editor by saying that I am a staunch supporter of the Holland Theatre and that my wife and I have contributed thousands of dollars to the theatre. I also have been personally responsible for helping to generate tens of thousands of dollars in the early days of raising money to refurbish the Holland Theatre. I am also a yearly contributing member to the organization. Have been a supporter and contributor to the theatre because I believe it is one of the best things that has happened to downtown Bellefontaine in decades and that many different people and organizations of different social, economic and political persuasions banded together in this community to support the rejuvenation of this wonderful local landmark that has enjoyed widespread community support.
However, a sad day several weeks ago came to pass for the Holland Theatre when, at the instigation of its Managing Director Chris Westhoff, the Board of Directors agreed with him to post the words “Black Lives Matter” on the marquee of the theatre. I believe that this phrase has many different meanings to many different people. If we are talking about dealing with police brutality, then, of course, I support it; however, unfortunately, the BLM movement also has demanded defunding police departments and doing away with police departments. Obviously, there are many different facets to the BLM movement. I believe that we have an excellent Bellefontaine Police Department and Logan County Sheriff’s Office and we must keep these department intact at current funding levels for the personal safety of ourselves and our families as well as the protection of our property and the rule of law.
The point is, the holland Theatre marquee, or any of the Holland Theatre activities, should not be used as a platform for trying to advance the managing director’s or board’s social and/or political views, and the board made a mistake in approving it. I believe this action taken by the managing director and board may have a detrimental effect on fundraising and support for the Holland Theatre. The marquee should have said “Stop the Violence – Love Your Neighbor – Pray for America” as this would be much more appropriate for the times in which we are living.
When I chose to express this view to several members of the board of the Holland, I was twice approached on the sidewalk outside the courthouse as I went about my daily business by the managing director who proceeded to berate me for talking to board members about this issue, and called me vile, profane names because of my contact with the board members and because I happen to have more conservative opinions on social and political issues than he does. I will not be contributing further to the holland Theatre unless and until the board articulates and adopts a policy that the Holland Theatre and any of its activities will not be used as a platform for anyone’s political and/or social beliefs. I urge other patrons and members to voice their opinions to the board and object to the use of the Holland as a platform for anyone’s social or political beliefs so that we can save the Holland for everyone’s use and enjoyment as was originally intended when the rejuvenation project was started. Please join me in a second “Save the Holland” campaign to get the above referenced policy adopted to keep politics out of the Holland.
Howard A. Traul II
Bellefontaine
Republican party is only hope for law and order
In these days of strife and problems, good solutions should be welcomed!
Riots and lawlessness: We are seeing these things today in our cities. In every form of government or action, there are inequities and lapses. These things can be corrected. But without law and order, there is no peace and safety, and no individual liberty. Pouring gasoline on a fire never puts the fire out! Now when individual liberty is lost, so are peace and safety, property rights and precious opportunities. Which is these things does rioting and burning help?
Radicals, socialists and anarchists have seized upon their moment!
I am 94 years old, and a Navy veteran of World War II. I deserve at least to be heard.
More black people have been killed by black people (officers and others) than blacks killed by whites.
Socialists and radicals hate you, the voter (especially Trump voters). They hate our form of government, our freedom, our rights and opportunities. And of course, socialists hate law and order, peace and safety and will end your individual liberty if they gain control of your government.
The only hope that law-abiding people have is a complete and thorough Republican Party victory in 2020. There is no further hope!
Bill Figley
West Liberty