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Respect trumps radical notions
(by Dave Lange - October 13, 2010)
COUNTY LINE, BY DAVE LANGE
Respect trumps radical notions
Dear County Line: Although I wish our quaint little village could stay the way it used to be, I understand the desires of certain individuals to turn it into a tacky tourist town full of bars, restaurants, art galleries and the like.
But I think putting an advertising kiosk right in the middle of our historic downtown would be going too far. It would be way out of character for Chagrin Falls. The next thing you know, we'll have street musicians causing a bunch of racket and dancing around with their hats held out for tips.
We don't need an arts commission to come up with such radical notions. They should have more respect for our heritage.
-- Alto Sax, Chagrin Falls
Dear Alto: Not only that, but the word kiosk comes from the Turkish term "kosk" and the Persian term "kushk," meaning portico. Persia is just a polite, antiquated reference to the rogue country we know as Iran, which is part of the axis of evil that exports terrorism and supports radical Islamic ideals. Furthermore, Turkey is a country that's seeking to extend is leadership among Muslim nations and firming up its ties to Iran.
So it would seem to be quite disrespectful to locate a kiosk that could be associated with the languages of Muslim countries less than 500 miles from Ground Zero.
Dear County Line: Our community has worked very hard to establish high standards for the architectural designs in our central business district, especially toning down the gaudy color schemes that are more typical of honky-tonk tourist traps.
I believe the owners of the Arby's and Applebee's restaurants have been very cooperative with our Solon planning commission in making color choices in their building renovations that show respect for city regulations which call for earth tones. But I was shocked to learn that the proposed facade renovations for the Midas auto-repair shop include bright red and yellow that fly in the face of our standards. I was even more shocked to learn that city planners seem to be so willing to toss the rules out the window.
-- Ruby Golden, Solon
Dear Ruby: It should come as no surprise, since Midas is named for the legendary Phrygian king who had the power to turn everything he touched into glittering gold. You know, "the Midas touch." The ancient land of Phrygia was located where central Turkey is now and later became part of the Persian Empire. There seems to be a pattern developing here with distant, impertinent connections to Islamic nations and the construction of brazen edifices within hundreds of miles of hallowed ground.
Dear County Line: I see where the Geauga Park District has added Camp Chickagami in Parkman Township to is ever-expanding acquisitions. It is getting to be an out-of-control organization that's spending tax money like it grows on trees and sooner or later intends to take over the entire county. Somebody needs to keep an eye on this.
-- Connie Spiracy, Munson
Dear Connie: Geauga and Chickagami both are American Indian names. As we know from our history books, Native Americans were called Indians, because Christopher Columbus thought he had arrived in India. The population of India is 81 percent Hindu and 13 percent Muslim. Of course, this bears watching.
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