VALLEY: Let's use last week's headline, here

Opinion

Related Photos

Tom Valley

Discussion

Add a comment on this story

August 17, 2011

VALLEY: Let's use last week's headline, here

Anonymous The Journal-Register The Journal-Register Wed Aug 17, 2011, 02:35 PM EDT

MEDINA —

The headline of last week’s column was “Where do you draw the line?” and this week’s article could very well have been called the same thing. It deals with those gray areas where lines are drawn and how those lines seem suspect when a broader perspective is added to the equation. It sounds confusing but you’ll see what I’m talking about.

Knowing where to draw the line — somewhere between two ill-defined areas — usually comes down to a matter of priorities … more or less. And priorities are as subjective as opinions. And let’s face it, opinions are the fruits of our prejudices.

Now before I get started, let it be known that I am merely pointing things out. I’m not taking sides on thorny issues because that will create a log-jam of “you heartless, jerk” e-mails. In other words: Don’t shoot the messenger! I am here as your loyal scribe willing to condone nothing irrational … unless, of course, a fee is involved.

In early June of this year, the demolition of the Lockport Mall was halted because of seagulls. Seagulls: You may know them better as naval pigeons. They decided to take up residency in the abandoned parking lot. Immediately, some folks deemed the birds were in danger. They worried that unnecessary “stress” caused by the workers was bothering these avian homesteaders. (Please hold your laughter.)

So let’s cut to the chase: Bird stress takes precedent over the time and money that people have invested into a project. Did the protesters not think there was stress with those involved in this operation? Did they not think that the stress was compounded by shutting down the operation? Does human stress play second fiddle to that of an invasive bird?

We go out of our way to alleviate mental anguish for seagulls but butcher chickens for chicken-wing eating contests! We make a sport out of blasting graceful ducks into mincemeat in mid-flight — but we can’t interrupt an intrusive water bird? What if they were rats? Would people come to their rescue?

Yes, the government says they are “protected.” But why? There surely isn’t a shortage of them. Where do you draw the line?

Moving on.

Michael Vick has become a lightening rod for vilification because of his association with dog fighting. Yes, it was a heinous crime. And as a result, he’s become one of the most hated and reviled athletes this side of O.J. Simpson.

Vick spent a year and a half in prison. Think about that: a year and a half in a prison. He lost his job, his endorsements and his status as a well-admired superstar. All because he was involved in a dog-fighting scheme. Disclosure: I love dogs and find mistreating any animals totally repulsive.

But let’s put that in perspective and look at some of our presidents and politicos who — for dubious reasons — have sent men and women into combat, never to return. Did the same people who campaigned so vociferously against Vick act as fervently in those situations? Shouldn’t the sanctity of human lives draw as much attention as that of the animal kingdom?

Sure, I’m over-simplifying things — but that’s how I roll. Understand that I’m not saying we should neglect and mistreat animals, I’m just asking where you draw the line.

As a final note, I ran this column by my dog, Maggie, before I submitted it. If she found it offensive, she sure fooled me — she never said a thing. I ask that you be kind to all animals, but be just as considerate to people. Remember, I’m just the messenger. I’m merely calling it as I see it.

Because … that’s the way it looks from the Valley.

Text Only

Opinion

I can clearly see my mistakes

For some reason, God — in his infinite wisdom — made me just shy of perfect. Yes, it’s true. I have faults, but being humble isn’t one of them.

While there are scores of people who would likely disagree, in my opinion, my less-than-20/20 vision ranks right up there amongst my biggest flaws.

June 14, 2012
There are bobcats in our area
In recent years, local residents have had the chance to witness some interesting animals within our borders. Among those that generated the most press and most talk were the black bears that frequented the area for a couple of months. The beasts elicited either fear or appreciation, depending on one’s perception of bruins. More often than not, the former emotion ruled the day.

January 12, 2012 1 Photo
Governor needs to stay on point
Last week in the governor’s State of the State address, Cuomo said he’s taking on a new job. He’s going to be an advocate for the kids. In fact, Cuomo went so far as to say that he’s going to be the only advocate that kids have.

January 12, 2012
CONFER: A warning about the WARN Act

Entrepreneurship has always had its basis in the understanding and handling of the unknown. No business owner has ever known exactly what his customers want, what the markets hold, or what his competitors are doing. But, they’ve always had a good idea about what might happen and, from the theoretical standpoint, what should happen.

September 27, 2011 1 Photo
VALLEY: I'm amused by the little things
Am I the only one amused by the fact that few (if any) people have ever seen a woman in a dress like the ones in the fashion section of a newspaper? I’m talking about the illustrated apparel — designed by people with one name — that’s supposed to be what people will be wearing in the next fashion cycle.

September 22, 2011 1 Photo
Recognize our hometown heroes

If you haven’t driven through Holley this summer, you’ve missed quite a sight. The light posts and electrical poles throughout the village are adorned with Hometown Heroes banners. Each one recognizes someone from the village who is actively serving in the military. The attractive banners are 72 inches tall and about half as wide and each one is adorned with a large photo of the serviceman/woman along with his or her name and branch.

September 20, 2011 1 Photo
VALLEY: Inactive seniors and over-reacting juniors
Have you seen the commercial on television where the young gal who is at the age where she knows everything there is to know about life and the world says something to the effect that a recent study had shown that older people tend to live less of a social life than they did in the past?

September 15, 2011 1 Photo
VALLEY: The other side of a tragedy

In late June of 2010, I wrote a column about my friend, Dave Cook. Back then, Dave and his wife, Carol (and daughter, Chelsea) had been through a Hell-ish scare when a liaison with the U.S. Marine Corps had left a message about their son, Sgt. Trevor T. Cook. Trevor was serving in Afghanistan at the time.

September 7, 2011 1 Photo
CONFER: The real story behind your power bill

As long as the Public Service Commission allows a pending rate change from National Grid — and there’s no reason they wouldn’t — the electric company’s customers will see significant savings come Jan. 1. The bill for the typical household/apartment will be nearly $9.50 lower per month, while homeowners with families (who use more power) drop by almost $16. That’s $114 and $192 in extra spending money per year. Not too shabby.

September 6, 2011 1 Photo
VALLEY: Don't take offense to this

I was making a delivery last week in my Napa pick-up truck when I noticed another truck several car lengths ahead of me. At first, I thought that it, too, was a work truck, because I could see a large sign across the tailgate.

August 31, 2011 1 Photo
More Opinion Headlines

Opinion

Search Results

Related Photos

Discussion

VALLEY: Let's use last week's headline, here

Site Map

Contact Us