Jury duty a privilege
Given the proximity to Election Day, I should be ruminating about that aspect of our enfranchisement, but I am drawn to another part of citizenship: Jury duty. I have survived jury duty in Trumbull County three times. I am joking. ‘‘Survive’’ is not an appropriate word at all; jury duty is a privilege, honor, responsibility, humbling experience, momentous event, sacred trust, and, yes, sometimes a headache, literally, not figuratively. As an integral component of governance, it ranks right up there with voting, serving the nation, paying taxes, obeying just laws and disobeying unjust laws (facing the consequences, too). My first call came more than 20 years ago. Back then, I was a full time teacher who was excited to serve. I proudly passed the notification to my building principal and to the superintendent of schools while asking them about the process to be absent from my classes. Those two administrators had other ideas, however.
» Full StoryStudents who just happen to be athletes
Some of the most gratifying hours of my time at Youngstown State each week are spent in Stambaugh Stadium. No, it is not cheering the Penguins on to another victory, although that is an enjoyable Saturday afternoon diversion.
» Full StoryState legislature needs to make spending cuts
Gov. Ted Strickland has taken excellent, effective action to deal with Ohio government budget shortfalls. But the need for prudence has exceeded the governor’s ability to respond realistically. State legislators need to get into the act quickly.
» Full StoryContradiction in numbers
Irony as a literary element in fiction can be fascinating. However, irony as an element in real life can be downright disconcerting.
» Full StoryMary M’s loss continues trend
Another business has disappeared from the Warren landscape.
Mary Madeline DePascale, 90, opened a Perkins Pancake House with her husband, Art, in January 1970 on Parkman Road.
Confessions of a new car addict
I confess that I suffered from an addiction to the ownership of a new car every two years or so. It did not have to be a brand new car; a more recent, used car seemed to offer me the “fix” that enabled me to survive for about a 24-month period.
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