Published: July 24, 2008 01:49 pm            

READERS' FORUM 7/25 | Vet subjected to literal, figurative spit

Regarding the Northern Cambria students’ well-done project presentation on July 16 at Pitt-Johnstown: Jim Scofield disputed the fact that any Vietnam veterans were spit upon after returning from the war.

How about this example?

In l969, the beginning of the fall semester at a Pennsylvania university (English 101), my virulently anti-war professor advised our class that any work written about our war experiences would receive a failing grade. Being in a front row seat, I had the misfortune of receiving a slight spray of saliva from the excited professor’s mouth. I was a veteran and damned if I didn’t feel “spit on.”

Years later, I had an encounter with an angry woman who had lost a brother in the war. Her comment: “My brother lost his life there. Why the hell are you here?”

She appeared to be trying to spit survivor guilt all over me (and, once again, I got hit with the real thing).

Ah, the sweet memories of being a young veteran. But I still feel fortunate to live in a country that allows for the freedom of dissent.

By the way, I declined an on-camera interview for this project, but did contribute a very personal item of interest.

Al Grybosky

Emeigh



West End group achieves solutions

The West End Improvement Group thanks all those who participated in our second annual community day on July 12 for making it a success. Everyone had a great time.

Also, in light of recent editorials and news coverage, we would like to comment.

There have been many successes within the West End community since our group reorganized two years ago. Some of these successes are aesthetic in nature; however, some resolutions have been achieved through direct involvement by our council representative and the city.

Some situations have been, and continue to be, resolved quietly, without fanfare or advertisement by ourselves or the city.

However, some issues cannot be solved to everyone’s satisfaction for whatever reason and are beyond our control.

We think it is important, now more than ever, that everyone – council and city government – work together quickly as a united front to move beyond the obstacles to get things done for the best interest of the entire city. Period.

What should not distract from this mission are individuals running their own agendas, or internal political or personal battles. The energy that drives such negative actions is wasted and could be channeled in a way that yields positive solutions.

We welcome anyone who is willing to work with us – in conjunction with council and the city – toward positive solutions to attend our monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month at Grace Lutheran Church, 246 Chandler Ave.

Connie Martin, president

And other officers

West End Improvement Group



Funeral costs came as nasty surprise

I would like to add a bit more information about cremation versus regular burial (July 20, Page A1).

My father-in-law passed away unexpectedly in November 2007. His wish was to be cremated. Without making prior arrangements, he had ideas about the way he wanted things handled. His intent was to keep costs down. That was just his way.

We met with a representative of a funeral home and made all of the arrangements. But the funeral was not what we expected.

Many requests that we made were overlooked or forgotten, and many things that we felt should have been standard were never done.

Imagine our surprise when the invoice for the funeral arrived and the total was more than $5,000.

There was no viewing at all. We had just a Mass and graveside service (per my father-in-law’s request).

When we questioned the funeral home about the high price, we were supplied with an itemized list of all expenses. Many things that we expected to be part of the “whole funeral” were individually priced.

Our biggest mistake was never asking the price of each item, but we were never offered a price list.

My advice is not to be persuaded by advertising. The price that is advertised may be nowhere near the price you will pay. Make sure to ask for a price list so that you know up front the cost of every item.

Brenda M. Ward

Johnstown



Customer regrets closing of JBC

We thank Sue Lovette, former owner of Johnstown Brewing Co., and Ralph and Pat Lovette for five wonderful years of good food, great beer, terrific service and warm friendship.

No matter whether I was working as a vendor for ComTEC Installations or relaxing as a customer, the feeling was the same.

It was like being at a friend or relative’s home. Even as a vendor, I always was asked if I needed a cold drink or a bite to eat.

Our family had several party and luncheon occasions at JBC, and we were treated like we were the only customers in the place and had the full attention of every staff member. Even our really “picky eaters” found something on the menu that suited them. We were especially fond of the root beer and chips.

As Sue Lovette mentioned in her July 16 letter, “when one door closes another opens,” this is very true. Nothing lasts forever. Each of you at JBC will move on, and it will be better than it was before. You will all look back on the past five years as a high point of your lives and be grateful for every moment spent there. You will have many great memories.

Having gone through similar family business closings, we can associate with each one of you. It hurts as much as losing a loved one. This too shall pass. You will survive and go on to even better things.

We wish everyone associated with JBC continued good fortune and best wishes in the future on whatever path life takes you. Our prayers will always be with you.

Ed and Colleen Figura

Johnstown



Columnist should do his homework

In response to Publisher Robin Quillon’s July 20 column about Pamela Anderson: I am wondering what Quillon has done to educate himself about Anderson, her work for PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and vegetarianism?

My guess is little to none. I say this because anyone whose argument consists of the line “Humans are at the top of the food chain” usually knows nothing about this issue.

However, my point is not to advocate vegetarianism, but rather to express my disgust toward the manner in which Quillon wrote this and other columns.

He points out Anderson’s failed TV show and lack of acting awards. This prompts me to ask: What awards/accomplishments has Quillon received that make his opinion that much more respected than Anderson’s?

I guarantee you that Anderson has devoted a great deal of time, effort and money to educate herself and others about animal cruelty.

What has Quillon done to justify his opinions?

Under his logic, I suppose it is acceptable for humans to torture and eat individuals whose intelligence levels are less than that of a pig.

After all, it is those with higher intelligence that get to “call the shots” – right, Quillon?

For another example of Quillon’s ignorance and intolerance, one can refer to his column several weeks ago about “Brokeback Mountain.” That column, like this one, speaks for itself.

Sarah Biss

Johnstown



Quillon’s remarks right on target

Robin Quillon’s July 20 column was a well-written piece.

All too often we kowtow to celebrities and sports figures who have lost touch with reality and common human existence, believing via their sheltered, pampered lives that they have discovered utopia and feel the need to share their enlightened opinions of life.

My thanks to Quillon for speaking out and offering a common-sense opinion relative to an element of the food chain.

Like Quillon, I am fond of chicken. It’s an ugly bird, but quite tasty when properly prepared. Please pass the barbecue sauce.

Political correctness and people with too much time on their hands have crossed the line as they attempt to impose their views on the rest of society.

Thanks for sharing.

Mike Beaver

Richland Township

        

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