February set more records for numbers of new readers and first-time correspondence to the website. And whether you agree or disagree, we’re always happy to hear your opinion.
In particular, our coverage of area high school basketball, and the opening rounds of the tournament, sparked a lot of new readership and comments received from first-timers from around the region…and from people with area relationships that now live in other parts of the country:
“I’ve never seen Press Pros before but wanted to tell you how professional looking the site is and how impressed I am with the quality of your content.” Ren Barker…Greenview, In
“Press Pros does an amazing job and I really like the photography. Your stories and pictures are the best.” … Karen
“Is there a reason why you don’t cover more of the Dayton city teams?” … Monique
(Ed. note: Facilities and lack of financial sponsorship. Press Pros, like other media entities, is a business…not a hobby.)
“I’m writing to let you know how much I enjoy reading about the area teams on Press Pros from Georgia . Haven’t lived in the area for a long time but it’s fun to read about so many familiar names. Keep up the good work.” … Jerry Keller (Smithville, Ga)
“I really liked your article from this week about why so many of the Shelby County and MAC teams keep winning year after year. They’re not bigger. They’re not better. For some reason they just win. You hit the nail on the head when you talk about expectation and demand for a higher standard. Can’t say enough about how important that is and how others, as you say, don’t appreciate it.” … Joe B (Sarasota)
We’re often asked why we don’t include more editorial comment on the state of the country, culture, and in particular, politics. Our recent feature entitled What The Candidates Don’t Respect About Voters paints a very clear picture of divide in our viewpoints:
“Thank you for speaking your mind and for others who are fed up with the welfare state of America. We ‘are’ sick of paying too much. The tax code ‘is’ unfair. And while the figures are hard to justify for most, those with enormous wealth should not be taxed at a higher percentage just because they’re more dedicated to personal success. I appreciate your courage to write the truth.” … Jim Clegg
“You’re the first person I’ve ever seen who makes the point about opting out of social security and Medicare if you don’t want it, or need it. I understand what you’re trying to say about a loss of personal freedom, but politicians will never listen because it will cost them votes.” … Richard Bailey
“The truth is that health care and retirement security would be cheaper if people were ‘mandated’ to contribute to their own private account beginning at age 21. There’s no reason why that couldn’t be an automatic deduction, the same as social security. But people won’t do it on their own. They’d take the money and buy cell phones and a bigger TV.” … Gene (Columbus)
(Ed. note: In fact, Gene, that’s the way it used to be, when people were forced to be responsible for themselves cradle to grave…during that period of history we now like to call the “greatest generation”.)
“If you do the math a person who puts $2,500 per year in a personal retirement account that earns an average of 6 to 8% for 55 years could easily draw $50,000 a year in retirement. I’m a retired CPA and have studied retirement alternatives for years. That’s almost twice what the average person gets from social security, and no burden on other taxpayers or the government. But guess what? You’d still have to pay taxes on it.” … David Waller
Others wrote:
“Your attitude supports the selfish, who tend to think in elitist terms.” … Syl (Dayton)
(Ed. note: If that’s the case then why all the empty talk about shooting for the higher standard, eh?)
“Your site was forwarded to me and I’m amazed that you’d give the the millionaires a tax break that pay almost nothing in taxes. You ask what’s fair? A flat tax simply does not pass the test. Otherwise, I like your site very much.” … Janet (UD grad from Murfreesboro, Tn)
(Ed. note: I love Murfreesboro, and the Stones River National Military Park. In regards to the rich paying no taxes, we have the highest corporate tax rate in the world, you know. And those same individuals and companies you object to also take the biggest business risks in the world, as well. Risk comes with its rewards, which is why a lot of people never realize the American dream.)
” You should listen to (those) who advised you to stick with sport commentaries. I enjoy you sports reporting, but not your uninformed political opinions.” … Jesse Parete
(Ed. note: Jesse, you’d probably have a wonderful conversation with David Waller. Apparently he “is” informed. I can probably hook you up with him…if you want.)
As another baseball season is about to get underway, we heard from two readers with differing opinions on our February column on pitchers protecting themselves:
“You crack me up. On one hand you say football has to change to make the game safer because athletes are bigger and stronger. On the other hand baseball players are bigger and stronger and your suggestion on how to make the game safer is to make hitters duck inside fastballs?” … Dave (South Charleston)
(Ed. note: There is a difference. Most injuries in football come from hits that you don’t see coming, or with contact with the ground. In baseball the hitter “does” see the baseball coming, can get out of the way, but has to consider the potential of having to avoid an inside pitch. Every sport has some risk, and that’s fine. But someone smarter than I figured this out in baseball a long time ago, and short of using mechanical pitchers, I don’t see a more viable alternative for pitchers.)
“I agree with you that baseball is being watered down to resemble recreational softball. You can’t throw inside, you can’t slide hard, and you can’t make contact with the catcher because someone might get hurt. This is the next chapter of the “wussification” of America. My grandson is 14, likes to pitch, and you can bet I’ll teach him to throw inside to make hitters respect his position. BTW…love your coverage of Buckeye baseball.” … Rob (Newark, Oh)