Why is Robert Goldberg Slurring Lakewood?

terry batdorf · Post by **terry batdorf** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 2:28 pm

I still agree with Jeff and say lets boycott them!

Where is the Mayor at on this one?

God Bless America!!!
Terry

Jeff Endress · Post by **Jeff Endress** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:13 pm

Terry

My problem with the rally is this. This idiot, who is trying to gather support for Israel, calls us antisemitic. To prove we're aren't antisemitic, we have a rally which gives the idiot exactly what he wants....

Because of the insult, I wouldn't give the sonofabitch what he wanted if I wore a yalmakah, and prayer shawl. There's no point or redemption in proving him wrong. The insult is out there floating in cyberspace, never to be recaptured even if we tear down city hall and replace it with synagoge and bar mitzvah party center. That's why I said no rally.

But a boycot.....by all means

Jeff

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:42 pm

Ohio Savings Corporate Office

216.588.4101

Bobby Goldberg

Jeff Endress · Post by **Jeff Endress** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:47 pm

Thanks Suzanne

But one better:

Fax:

588-4510

Remember when frustrated Browns fans shut down the NFL fax machines?

Wonder how many faxes we could send to Mr. Goldberg by week's end?

Jeff

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 3:54 pm

Perfect.

Phil Florian · Post by **Phil Florian** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:10 pm

Wow. This guy is using the Bush White House playbook on dividing people. Is it now anti-semitic to think that Israel's actions aren't all they are cracked up to be? It was anti-patriotic to not support the Iraqi War, too. Goldberg's statement is exactly reason number one why politics and religion need to be removed from one another, surgically if needed. Since when is Israel's actions in any way religious in nature? Sure, the origin of this conflict has its roots in religion (reason number two on my list...maybe it should be number one...why religion and politics to be separated) but the actions aren't faith-based. They are strictly politics, stemming from actions on both sides. Hezbollah is deplorable and the fact that it now has "legitimate" power, made possible by western-style democracy (how is that for irony), sickens me. But the random back and forth of raining fire down on one another has to stop and it isn't anti-semitism to think this, right?

To a guy like Goldberg (and Bush, etc.) it is, though. What sickens me further is that nothing would please this guy more than seeing even a bit of this come true if someone, of Arab or (apparently) Lakewood descent responds in any way that is angry or defensive.

I don't think theatrics like faxing him repeatedly or a rally is needed. I do think a response from the Mayor, City Council or someone in leadership positions in the city should respond, though. Publicly and with a lot of heat added to it.

Joan Roberts · Post by **Joan Roberts** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:33 pm

This is the letter I am sending to the individual board of trustees members of Ohio Saving. I have a few things on my plate, so if anyone finds their names and addreses, please post:

Dear (name)

Like many of ny Lakewood neighbors, I was discouraged and disappointed to read Robert Goldberg's comments in today's Akron Beacon-Journal.

According to Mr. Goldberg, cities like Lakewood with "large Arab populations" tend to be weaker in their support of Israel.

While the two factual premises of this statement are open for considerable debate, the overall point is offensive to Lakewood residents of every ethnicity, religion, and political leaning.

We are a community proud of our diversity. We are home to followers of virtually every religious belief. Among Lakewood High School student population, more than 50 languages are spoken at home. Our political dialogue is rich and diverse. As our various online forums (or any city council meeting) prove, we can argue about nearly everything, including the crisis involving Israel and its neighbors.

I'm certain that if Mr. Goldberg would take the time to go beyond his hip-shooting comments, he would find that Lakewood opinion reflects the nation at large rather closely in its concern for Israel and more importantly, for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

The point is, we consider our diversity one of our blessings. But like every blessing, it comes with a challenge. That challenge is to maintain a level of understanding between ethnic groups, religions, cultures, and political beliefs.

Intellectually lazy and sterotyping comments like Mr. Goldberg's do nothing to enhance our public life and can only add to our challenges. We are a community trying to get along with the business of getting along with each other in a tough world. To that extent, comments like Mr. Goldberg's were anything but helpful.

Of course, perhaps he can be forgiven. Since Ohio Savings Bank has chosen not to operate in Lakewood, our community and its populace may be beyond his sphere of familiarity. To that extent, I would ask Mr. Goldberg, or any other member of the Ohio Savings board of trustees, to visit us, learn about us, perhaps even invest in us.

History is full of examples of how stereotypes can cause division, danger, and death to any community. Is this the legacy Mr. Goldberg, and by extension, Ohio Savings Bank, wants to foster?

Thank you for your consideration and attention.

Joan M. Roberts

Lynn Farris · Post by **Lynn Farris** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 4:46 pm

Excellent letter Joan.

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:30 pm

This is a very closely owned company. Mr. Goldberg and his family have control. The only message will be a boycott of their company. Perhaps a well crafted letter to the LO and the PD would bring this to a bigger audience.

The question we have to ask is: "Who is next?" Will it be Italians , Germans , Africans, Slovenians? How can he justify this type of bigotry and do we really need this type of business leader in Cleveland? You have to wonder how many individuals of middle eastern heritage work or bank at Ohio Savings and how many are welcome to?

In Bobby Goldberg's world - the depositer rules.

Kenneth Warren · Post by **Kenneth Warren** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 5:58 pm

From an economic development perspective, which is to say, the conditions that must obtain in a location to attract capital, I want to suggest that Mr. Goldberg has dropped a bomb on Lakewood.

As Beth Rankin writes in the Beacon Journal Ã¢â‚¬Å“Goldberg repeatedly voiced concerns that countries and areas with growing Arab populations were at risk because of possible ties to Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations.

``We are never going to be able to understand their mentality and they will never understand ours,'' he said.Ã¢â‚¬Â

Kevin Butler · Post by **Kevin Butler** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 6:33 pm

Perhaps someone could send him a link to this excellent discussion:

robert.goldberg@ujc.org

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 6:35 pm

Interesting reference - redllining...add that to my question regarding middle eastern customers and employees and I think we have an questionable business model. As you've pointed out, targeting his community leadership roles is probably the most likely route to marginalizing Mr. Goldberg. There should be a tsunamit of outrage building toward this joker...is this Cleveland's, Cuyahoga County's, Ohio's future? Hate is hate - shame on him.

terry batdorf · Post by **terry batdorf** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:33 pm

Where the hell is Thomas George? Somebody wake him, what do we pay and city council for???? I see Butler stepped, Ward One out front as usual.

Some one please wave a hard hat and shovel in Mayor George's direct. He out front of this one, but as usual....

Suzanne Metelko · Post by **Suzanne Metelko** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:35 pm

Jim - I don't know what a half page in the PD would cost but how about something like this -

_____________________________________________________________

"...the people who are not supporting Israel are those of Arab descent, those living in highly Arab-populated areas, like Lakewood, Ohio, ..."
Robert Goldberg, President
Ohio Savings Bank

Is this the kind of bank you want to do business with? Is this the kind of leader Cleveland needs?

_____________________________________________________________

Jim O'Bryan · Post by **Jim O'Bryan** » Wed Jul 26, 2006 8:58 pm

Suzanne

While I like the idea of using print ads, I think a better demand would be asking Mr. Goldberg to apoligize with a center page spread in the Lakewood Observer. Both from him and his bank. This would be to all the people in Lakewood. Then pay for delivery, and The Lakewood Observer will donate the proceeds to the Family Room, H20, or whatever charity the members think is best.

I always try for a positive, in my solutions.

peace