The Observation Deck

Gary Rice wrote:When's that bowling date. Jim?

Gary

Not into that!

Seriously, this is what happens when neighbors talk.

I once explained where we have been since Clinton(our finest Republican president) was in office. Discourse has gotten heated.

Passion is not a bad thing, if it is channeled into good by the end.

I am sure that Justine and Danielle have more in common than not.

I have met Colleen, we get along fine.

Gary makes me happy, so in the end maybe I will give him that bowling date.

But it will be Dutch.

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To bowl, or not to bowl?

That is the question; with apologies to Shakespeare.

I think in this thread- that we've had pinsetters, strike-throwers, split-makers, and scorekeepers.

It takes everyone to make a good game.

But Jim, as to going Dutch?

I'm afraid that I probably do have multiple races and ethnic backgrounds in my gene pool, but thus far, I've not found any Dutch in there.

I should have. I love Dutch chocolate.

And tilting at windmills!

Believe it or not, a pair of wooden sabots (shoes) grace a spot in my home.

I won't wear these, however, on our first Observer bowling outing. :-)

Good night all!

Gary Rice wrote:It takes everyone to make a good game.

Gary

I was thinking we did so good on that discussion about how the LO should cover elections do you think we are ready for Religion?

Well I am an Obist, and we believe...

Ah religion....

Well, speaking for m'self of course, I hale from an old clapboard meeting house in Pennsylvania, where well-meaning souls, having a solid mistrust of mainline denominations, met to meet, greet, and worship.

The Sermon on the Mount was our inspiration, coming right from the Word Made Flesh. Things were simple back then.

Still are, if you think about it.

Over the years, I've been baptized a Methodist, joined up with the Lutherans, Disciples of Christ, and the Baptists, helped out the Catholics for 8 years with that guitar of mine, discovered that there was great spirituality with my Native American roots; that being supposedly the Chicken Hawk Clan of the Allegheny Seneca (Had to be the chicken hawk, I suppose; couldn't have been the eagle, or bear, or?)

All that, plus a probable Jewish ancestor or two.

I've helped the Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish Committees of Scouting in their various programs. I have many Muslim friends, plus others from just about any category you would name.

Plus, I've been captivated by quite a few of the thoughts of a fellow named George Fox, who founded the Quakers about 400 or so years ago.

Though I currently hang my hat with the Methodists, I might be closer to being a Jewish McQuakolic.

I like what Woody Gunthrie supposedly said when he went into the hospital and the nurse lady asked him for his religion.

Woody supposedly said "All". The nurse supposedly pressed him further to name a specific faith. Woody supposedly replied "All, or none"

I'm a Christian at heart, but I know how much pain Christians have caused for each other and the world. I think Ghandi once said that he would have been a Christian if he'd ever met one. I feel that we have much to do, and less to say, for others.

I do talks on the Holocaust. Around my neck, I often wear a stone that came to me, from a person who knew I do these talks. It was allegedly found by the stack of corpses by the crematorium at Buchenwald. On it is inscribed l'chaim- to life. Someone put it there, possibly with their last breath, hoping someone, anyone would find it...and carry on.

In that vein, I might simply suggest to all of you that you carry on, each in your way, through your own faith tradition, or pathway.

George Fox supposedly said things like: "Peter said this, Paul said that. They are dead and gone. This is thy time. What sayest thou?

All God has is thee.

l'chaim

Gary Rice wrote:Woody supposedly said "All". The nurse supposedly pressed him further to name a specific faith. Woody supposedly replied "All, or none"

Gary

Sounds like another Obist.

I personally have always been fascinated by the Amanas.

German Pietists that landed in Iowa, aka The Community of True Inspiration.

But we are guilty of severe thread drift.


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Danielle,
Does this mean you changed your mind on being my co-leader for the scouts??? Let's show us red and blue can work together. If my parents never discussed politics for 40 some years, I am sure you and I can do it for two hours a month! I welcome your energy.

No of course not, co-leaders we are. My daughter is so excited and I'd never let a little political disagreement get in the way. I think as much as can be said has been said in this thread. dl I understand how the member center works and I should have added I have never had any problems. Gary please play on!!!!!

All

At this point in this conversation I would like to point out something.

The Observation Deck was conceived on the blood of the WestEnd vote.

No one, I repeat no one was happy with the outcome. This was Lakewood's Civil War, no one won that day.

Like a family in Kentucky during the civil war, I had close friends on both sides of that heated topic. It was painful watching the outcome to that debate. ALL loved this city, all wanted the best for the city. But it left a huge gaping wound in the pysche of Lakewood.

I reached out to both sides, people that were unwilling to be in the same room with each other, and said, "If we were to draw up a list of 100 things we need to do in Lakewood, we would agree on 80 of them. So let's work on what we agree on, and discuss what we do not agree on, while accomplishing what we can, together."

My promise, was an open forum with one voice, one vote, and respect for all that sat at the table.

Three years later, that simple realistic thought still governs and powers the Observation Deck. Civic Discourse with ownership of ideas and comments has become the gold standard for Lakewood and nationwide.

Last night Ken Warren and I had the pleasure of speaking with a group from Lorain. They are amazed at what we as a city have accomplished within the Observer Project.

I know Justine Cooper, and have spoken with Danielle Masters, I have a feeling they will agree on many things during those girl scout camping trips. I also know there will be heated debate on other topics. They will grow, the girls will grow, and in the end, they will all know more about each other, the city and their lives.

I had mentioned how Justine Cooper had made me grow as a person, letting me see things in a whole new light. Well, this entire project and everyone associated with it has helped me grow as well. I believe life, should be a non-stop growing and learning experience. I hope we all benefit and grow from this open discussion.

Gary, fade in Kumbaya.(maybe on the saw this time)

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I believe Jim said:

"We are guilty of severe thread drift" that is, getting off topic.

Sorry Jimmy, I don't think so.

The blind see, the lame walk, and even two fine ladies with different viewpoints are about to have a blast leading the Scouts together.

People have learned how to submit their columns to the paper. They've learned that we'll even take those fine members of the Grand Old Party, if they'll just step up to the plate and speak out, rather than squeak out.

Heck I was one of 'em once, I'd even go out to eat with them. They may even have better table manners than us Democrat types. If we keep bein' nice to them, maybe we'll be able to share a few of the crumbs from their table. (C'mon Repuppys, take a joke!)

This follows Chef Geoff's point- that this paper of ours kinda echos Chaos Theory. You know...the moth flaps his wings in China, creating a hurricane in the Gulf.

It does get kinda windy around here at times...

Thats why we SING!

"Kumbayah..."

All for the cost of one fine poster.

Such a bargain.

Hopefully, he will change his mind.

Charyn

Charyn Compeau wrote:All for the cost of one fine poster.

Such a bargain.

Hopefully, he will change his mind.

Charyn

Charyn

Wow that's a real half empty glass view.

Look at the relationships that were built and are now stronger, Justine and Danielle. I have no doubt they will get the Girl Scout Troop off and running just fine. Two people dedicated to Lakewood that do not give up just because of opposing views. That did not give up on the process and go home.

That understand the concept that it only makes sense to hash this out at one-big table, an all inclusive table. That we are all better served putting it out there.

Look at my friend Colleen Wing, she offers the hope that the Lakewood Observer will be filled with information and views from the right. I welcome this form of civic entanglement.

As for my neighbor, Mark, I have been debating R and D since he moved in. The Rheinhold family is a very giving group, and I think Mark looks forward to straightening out my twisted liberal views in the elevator. Mark will return, I know he is dedicated to this city and this process.

I also appreciated the chance to clear the air, on how stories are chosen and that the Project is open to all that chose to participate.

I know of many that left with a flair only to reemerge days or weeks later.

The Deck also added 12 new members during that period.

I see nothing but up.

peace.

Perhaps.

I simply value all of the voices (yes Jim, even yours )

And I am always, always, pained at the loss of even one and I would never say that any particular number of new voices is worth any single person's.

I hope you are right.

Truly, I do, but that doesn't make me less sad that someone felt they wanted to leave.

Charyn

Question. Is it rational to make the following statements: "All teachers are good, effective teachers, irregardless of what subject they teach." Another, "All trial attorneys are excellent trial attorneys." How abut "All employees of NASA on the space shuttle program are correct all the time." "All ministers on television are honest." "All married men are faithful to their wives."
"All Westlake people are anti-Lakewood people". "All the people in Florida are southern born". "All violin players play in tune".


Now, in this light: Republicans are the best people for all of the elected positions. Democrats are the best people for all of the elected positions.

Can we trust our country's well being, security, finances and future to generalities?.

FWIW
Mark Allan Crnolatas.

Awww Mark,

As the awesomely great musician that you are, you 'oughta be helping me lead "Kumbayah" here!

As to generalizations, didn't we learn the following in music class:

All Cows Eat Grass?

Well, once in awhile I like to stir the soup up.
As far as Kumbayah, I'm a little more into "Got My Mojo Workin', but I'll whip out a keyboard and join in.

Mark Allan Crnolatas

Gary Rice wrote:As to generalizations, didn't we learn the following in music class:

All Cows Eat Grass?

I liked Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, but maybe that's just because I like sweets.