LO 12/22 Online, On The Streets, Almost Everywhere

[Jim O'Bryan]

http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/issue ... sue_22.pdf

“A mature society understands that at the heart of democracy is argument.” Salman Rushdie

For 12 years, a concoction that comes together every couple weeks to give a snapshot of Lakewood, right then.

Everyone weighs in on this one, and much great information.

Thank you to all, what matters is what we accomplish when we all work together.

peace/love

[Michael Deneen]

Thanks to the editors, photographers, and editors that made it happen.

Some very nice pieces, especially Meg Ostrowki's item on Brent Larkin's "Unloveable Losers".
As usual, she hits the nail on the head.

http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/read/20 ... -activists

It's regrettable that LO management decided to print the tripe from O'Leary and Nowlin.
No other media outlet would give a platform to the people that are trying to destroy it.

[Bridget Conant]

It's regrettable that LO management decided to print the tripe from O'Leary and Nowlin.
No other media outlet would give a platform to the people that are trying to destroy it.

The Lakewood Observer is the only media outlet in this area that allows everyone to have their say.

While I agree with you, Mike, that the powerful already have plenty of outlets for their message, it says a lot about Jim and the Observer project that they do not "judge" the content.

Yet in spite of the fairness of the project, the leaders in this city would love to destroy the paper, the Deck, and Jim. Why? Because he lets everyone be heard, and they don't like that.

[Jim O'Bryan]

It's regrettable that LO management decided to print the tripe from O'Leary and Nowlin.
No other media outlet would give a platform to the people that are trying to destroy it.

Mike

Then this community project would be as bad as they are.

I think there is a stark contrast between fluff offered up by Sam and Ryan, and the hard cold facts offered up by Betsy, Terry, Dan and Brian.

I also think that after two years of hearing how bad the Observer is, and what a lousy person O'Bryan and Essi are, people re wondering, why didn't City Hall spend those two years explaining what is really going on with the hospital debacle.

Rob Masek's cartoon, nails it, once again.

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[mjkuhns]

I don't like to fawn, but I agree. For 64 views get space—and not just 200 words like at the PD, or three minutes like city council public comments—and people can decide what makes sense.

Carry on, Lakewood Observer.

[Dan Alaimo]

The LO is more valuable to us, and to everybody, when all sides are represented. We need to hear from them more often, not less. It will drive overall readership, and therefore readership of articles supporting our position.

The same thing is true with the Deck.

[Dan Alaimo]

When I was out canvassing today, it was good to be able to say, "If you need more information, pick up this week's Lakewood Observer. It has a lot from BOTH sides of the issue." Of course, I think the case Against Issue 64 as presented there is much stronger than the case for it. But that's the value of giving voice to everyone. Tomorrow I'll pick up a few copies to hand out to the few who come to the door.

[mjkuhns]

I know Dan is not the only person who has made that referral, and I hope that more people will find their way to this issue of the LO for information. It really is a thorough and fair voter's guide for Lakewood's big decision.

For that reason alone, I'm proud that our city has produced this journal. And grateful to the individuals who make it happen, to the advertisers who provide support, and to all of the businesses and other locations which continue to host copies.

I contribute to campaign literature against Issue 64 (FYI, for any who don't know). In that capacity, it's my role to present one side of the argument as effectively as possible, and I do so to the best of my ability. But I am also glad that there is at least one, homegrown, platform that consistently welcomes diverse perspectives.

I hope that there will continue to be one, for a long time to come.

[Bridget Conant]

Yet there are those who plot to destroy the Observer project, as we all know.

Stop the hate.

The Observer is not going away. It's far more than the sum of it's parts.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Stop the hate.

The Observer is not going away. It's far more than the sum of it's parts.

There is a strange concept that if we stop Jim O'Bryan and or the Observer people will stop talking.

I have told this story many times.

As working to set-up the Westlake Observer, Mayor Dennis Clough had some reservations, "It will encourage people to talk." I said yes, that is the purpose of the project. But if you think people are not talking to each other you are a fool. They talk over the fence, at the store, at parties, at the bar, at school functions, everywhere. That is what people do. But the Observer will give you great insight into the community, and the psyche of the city, like nothing else out there. That gives you, the chance to know, understand and comment on it or not.

He smiled, nodded and helped us to launch Westlake/Bay Observer.

The Observer is not the enemy of the city, it is its mirror. And Jim O'Bryan has less to do with the Observer final product, than the person on the street.

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[Dan Alaimo]

If JOB/Observer goes away, a half-dozen other JOBs will spring up to carry on his work. That should give the other side pause.

[Pam Wetula]

It is impossible to underestimate the importance of the Lakewood Observer to our community, especially now, in these times of anger and division amongst the residents.

It is the only venue we have that allows an open discussion from all viewpoints, even to the point of caustic remarks from each side. At the same time, insisting that the individuals make their identities known. We are held accountable for what we say, for better or for worse. This personal responsibility is important for maintaining a society of integrity. Allowing both sides to argue maintains the intended democratic nature of our culture.

I cannot give enough respect to those who use the Lakewood Observer and the Deck to disseminate, analyze and discuss the important issues and aspects of Lakewood including the schools, the hospital, the restaurants, people and even the weather. The LO has a great team of writers and editors that consistently put out a superb paper.

I have personally learned so much from all of you. I thank you Jim for maintaining this avenue of communication for Lakewood. May those that are trying to shoot you down fail. You have a following that supports you.

pam

[Jim O'Bryan]

I thank you Jim for maintaining this avenue of communication for Lakewood.

Pam

Thank you for understanding my part of this project...



I try to maintain the AVENUE of COMMUNICATION.

All support, kudos and applause should be laid on those taking part, and trying to get others to discuss the city we love.

I am the least important thing at the Lakewood Observer. Except when a clean up is needed. Just ask the staff.

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[Lori Allen _]

I found the article by Dr. Georganne Vartorella interesting. She has an internal medicine practice in the INA Building. She claims to be independent, but I strongly suspect she has some affiliation with the clinic.

While I understand that the LO allows anyone to print almost anything, I find it interesting that Dr. Vartorella does not even live in Lakewood, but in Westlake. Also, she does not appear to even own her house in Westlake, but rents it and does not pay property taxes. I understand that she has the right to print what she wants, but she really doesn't have my skin in this game, in my opinion. My guess is that IF the medical building is built, she may have some kind of high position at the new FHC. If it is not built, she will most likely be moved elsewhere to another CCF facility. If she truly is independent, why would she throw herself in the middle of this and possibly risk losing patients? It appears as if there may be something to be gained.

Again, I understand she has the right to print what she wants, I just find it ironic.

[dl meckes]

If JOB/Observer goes away, a half-dozen other JOBs will spring up to carry on his work. That should give the other side pause.

That should give anyone pause.

Silencing the Observer silences City Hall, the School Board, the library, etc. As we found out from Fitz, publishing a newspaper isn't as easy as it seems. Perhaps I just don't know where to find a copy of the "Neighborhood News". Can I find that at City Hall?