As a resident of Summit County, I have become familiar with public transportation in the city of Akron. Growing up, the Metro bus was one of my main sources of transportation, and I loved every minute of the ride.
Now, the thought of riding the bus just isn’t that attractive anymore. Public transportation is a major part of society, so the ride should be as comfortable as possible.
Being in college, and having other day-to-day responsibilities, I’m in need of the bus every day. While on the bus, I notice a lot of pros and cons that come with today’s bus ride.
Certain buses, such as the West Market, Arlington and Copley routes, have so many passengers that there’s no seat by the time the buses depart the transit center.
Wheelchairs and baby strollers crowd the front of the bus, so the rest of the bus stays cluttered with people standing everywhere. Usually, one can find a seat, but during the vital hours between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., it’s almost impossible to find any seats.
I’m not complaining about the Metro bus system and its policies, but would like the system to find solutions for the bus to be more comfortable for everybody.
Maybe take into consideration a double-decker bus, or two buses following each other.
Now that Metro buses have bike racks, maybe try some sort of rack for baby strollers.
The handicapped and babies will always need the bus, and their seats are important.
The elderly need seats, but regular passengers should be as comfortable as possible, too. Safety isn’t an issue, because Metro bus drivers make the ride feel safe.
Most of the time, buses are right on schedule. Now if we can just figure out something to do with the availability of seats, the bus can be more comfortable for everyone.
Anthony Byers
Akron
Accounting for the national debt
Wow, another “gloom and doom” letter stating how this country is headed toward disaster because of the “socialistic” thinking of American voters.
In regard to the Nov. 19 letter, headlined “Road to bankruptcy,” in particular to the comments regarding the national debt and the racially charged comment about “Santa Claus,” the writer talks about the deficit using Republican talking points and about the “gifts” we supposedly have received.
I am aware of the national debt. The letter writer appears to be aware only of the GOP’s talking points.
For his information, there has already been an accounting of our national debt — two unfunded wars and those Bush tax cuts for the wealthy, which, by the way, are in large part the reason why we have amassed $16 trillion in debt.
One of the main reasons European countries are on the brink of collapse is because they are dedicated to the same principles the Republican Party has instituted, trickle-down economics. It doesn’t work.
Has the letter writer forgotten the near collapse of our own country a few years ago? Was that President Obama’s fault, too? The writer’s kind of ideology is divisive and poisonous for this country.
We, as a nation, have so much to be thankful for, and, in the spirit of the season, I will say that I am thankful I do not have the same disdain and contempt for the people of our country.
Ruben De La Rosa
Wooster
Unqualified for the medical board
Although the abortion issue is precisely why Gov. John Kasich appointed Michael Gonidakis to Ohio’s State Medical Board, allow me to explain why he doesn’t belong there without even touching the abortion issue itself. As you may be aware, Gonidakis is the president of Ohio Right to Life. But that’s not why he doesn’t qualify. He doesn’t qualify to be on the State Medical Board because he’s not a doctor and has never worked in the medical field.
He’s a politician and a lawyer. His credentials include a BA degree in political science and graduating from law school.
There is no explanation that suitably explains why this man qualifies to be on Ohio’s medical board.
I urge readers, no matter what their views on abortion, to write to Gov. Kasich, as I have, to tell him to withdraw Gonidakis’ appointment.
The validity of the State Medical Board depends on it.
Rebecca Murphy
Canton
A list for Thanksgiving
With the election behind us and Thanksgiving approaching, the following is a list of things for which I’m most thankful:
First, the imperfect yet still well-managed way federal, state and local officials handled the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.
Second, the consolation that must give to the victims who survived Hurricane Katrina; that a repeat of their tragedy has been greatly reduced, even as they suffer from their own losses.
Finally, I’m happy for all the egg that must be covering the face of Karl Rove, who proclaimed after George W. Bush won re-election in 2004, “We have secured the White House for the GOP for at least a generation.”
Perhaps he can save it for Thanksgiving and have it with his turkey. That could only be described as a very expensive omelet, unless you hang out with people who make $10,000 bets.
It seems that President Obama has the luck of the Irish and the endurance of a Kenyan in his blood, and that is one tough combination for the GOP to beat.
Michael J. Walzer
Akron
Since JFK
When I was growing up, I remember listening to John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech in January 1961.
His most famous line was: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
It appears that in the ensuing 50 or so years, America has done a complete 180.
Ken Zelman
Akron
Detours on road to socialism
I had to chuckle about the Nov. 13 letter headlined “The road to socialism.” It sounded to me like sour grapes from a person who claims to be a Christian, but is hateful about the re-election of President Obama.
What freedoms have been lost?
What increased taxes?
What lies by the president?
The letter writer has a few options if he does not like the outcome of the presidential election.
First: Take out a petition, gather signatures to get on the ballot and run for public office.
Second: If defeated, the alternative would be to renounce his citizenship and move to a country that is more to his liking. A Third World country would probably not be a good idea.
I would remind him to direct his dismay to his elected representatives. The speaker of the House, John Boehner, would love to hear from him.
Thomas Crangle
Mogadore
Return to reality
Now that the politicians are through telling us how honest, sincere, caring and productive they are, can we can go back to regular ads on television, where at least you know some of what you hear is true?
Stan Ramsey
Barberton
Music at church services
The Nov. 15 letter headlined “No love for rock on Sunday” had some good points about contemporary worship services in our churches.
I am 78 years old and have spent my entire life attending traditional services. They are more inspiring and meaningful than the contemporary ones I have experienced.
I feel that the younger people simply want to be entertained and need a service that features guitars, drums, strobe lights and songleaders using a microphone.
The letter writer is correct — they resemble rock concerts rather than church services.
Much of the music is what a former choir director at our church refers to as “pap.” The music and lyrics are often quite poor.
Worship at these services would be much more meaningful if choirs were used. There are excellent contemporary anthems by composers such as John Rutter, Craig Courtney and Pepper Choplin that would add immeasurably to the worship experience. The 7-11 type songs (seven verses with the last two lines repeated 11 times) offer praise, but could be supplemented by much better music.
That being said, there is a place for the contemporary services, and I am glad our young people are involved in worship services rather than leaving the church in droves.
Perhaps I may not enjoy the contemporary style, but I believe that everyone should be able to worship in the manner he or she sees fit.
Perhaps an answer would be for more congregations to blend both styles during a service that would have meaning for persons of all ages.
William O. Brown Jr.
Akron
