Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 1:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Newman,

If you are so proud of your Ironton heritage, why aren't you living here? Why didn't you raise your children here? Why didn't you retire here?

Ironton is quite different than it was in 1966 and during your childhood. The economy is poor and quality jobs are scarce. Sometimes, it is hard to live here.

What was the purpose of this letter? Was it to make those who live here feel good about themselves for sticking it out here? Was it to make yourself feel good for patting Ironton residents who stuck it out here on the back? Don't get me wrong. I am proud to be from Southern Ohio. I just find it odd that someone who is so proud to be from here, doesn't make an effort to live here.

I don't understand why you would want your daughter to have her wedding here. She isn't from here. She has no fond memories of growing up here. She should pick a place to have her wedding that is special to her, not you.
I am curious to hear your answers. I have many more questions but I will stop here.

Posted by 79Tiger (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think the purpose of the letter is quite apparent. He is proud to have been raised in Ironton and thankful for the opportunities he has enjoyed in life. They may have occurred elsewhere but they began in Ironton. As for his children, what parent doesn't wish for their children the same life they had as a young adult, especially if they were happy memories? I think you have already asked too many questions of Mr. Newman. Apparently you do not have the same feelings for Ironton as Mr. Newman has.

Posted by anotherproudirontonian (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 2:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

relax, teacherinohio. all this person wanted to do was convey their pride in where they come. as the year and decade were drawing to a close, he was most likely taking stock of his life, reflecting on the past, and felt a warmth and a fondness for Ironton that compelled him to share those feelings. after reading your response, he'll most likely be cured of any good feeling he had.

your negative response is indicative so much of what is wrong with this place to begin with. it's attitudes like yours that help give this town low self-esteem, as if we aren't worthy to receive such compliments. yes, it's hard to live here sometimes. no one can dispute that. but if we all walked around with the chip on the shoulder that you do, it would be much harder.

sometimes, people are offered certain opportunities in other places and have to take them. God knows, i've seen enough friends move away to Columbus or Chicago or other big cities because they've been offered a great paying job doing something that they love, something that they couldn't do here. that doesn't mean they love Ironton any less or that it is any less special in their memory. you can move away from Southern Ohio and still love it. you can't hold it against anyone who moves away because you don't know their story or their circumstances.

and if he can convince his daughter to have her wedding here maybe some wonderful memories will be made for all involved. why should you care?

and you "have many more questions"? for God's sake, let it go, relax, have a little true pride in Southern Ohio, but have a little courtesy as well. say, "thank you, yes, it's a great place to live, hopefully you'll be lucky enough to come back one of these days". it's a new year and a new decade, change your attitude to match and maybe some good things will come about because of it.

Posted by luvinlife (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well said,anotherproudirontion.. We need to start the New Year off on the "KIND FOOT". Can you imagine how great it would be if people would spend half the energy saying and doing something good for a change. We need to get in the KINDER mode. Do unto others as you would have others do unto you.. For all you GRIPPY PEOPLE out there, try it, It just might make you feel better!!!
Happy New Year- Mr. Newman, May your life be blessed with many blessings..Thanks for caring!!

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 6:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

79Tiger....I wasn't talking to you and I didn't yank your chain.

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 7:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am proud to be from this area as I said in my response to him. If I wasn't, I would have left a long time ago. I have responded positively many times when others haven't on here about many local issues. I am very happy to see new projects beginning in Ironton such as the St. Mary's project. I am a good friend of Bill Dickens of the Ironton Port Authority. I have backed him and others trying to do good here many times.

To me, he is giving this area a back-handed compliment. Be proud of your Ironton heritage but I am not going to live there. He is proud alright. Proud that he is in a more progressive area such as Jacksonville, Florida.

Posted by 79Tiger (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 7:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Thank you for not yanking my chain.

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 7:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No problem....

Posted by russ0626 (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 8:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If I upset the teacher in Ohio. I apologize. That certainly was not my intent,. My goal was to "Thank" the town and it's great people for the inpact it had and continues to have on me. In addition, I am not going to respond to the email as he seems to already have an opinion of me,.....of someone he has never met. Saying that I would like to share something that I have shared with some who seem to see the glass half empytl vs half full............. It's titled,"ATTITUDE"

"The longer I live,the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude,to me,is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance,giftedness,or skill. It will make or break a company...a church......a home or even a town.

"The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past....we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the string we have, and that is our attitude.

"I am comvinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you....we,you and I are in charge of our "Attitudes". Thanks for listening.,Russ Newman

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 8:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Attitudes?

Nice little speach there.

Let's see you move back to dear old Ironton Mr. Newman.

Then, we will talk about attitudes.

Also, I am not a he.

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 8:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sorry speech....

I was too busy celebrating a Buckeye victory in the Rose Bowl to catch my spelling error.

The Ohio State Buckeyes 26 Ducklings 17

GO BUCKEYES!!!!

Posted by russ0626 (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You have a right to celebrate the Buckeyes. I watched most of the second half today after coming from the Gator bowl where FSU won. The Buckyes played great, You should be proud....... Happy New Year..........russ

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 9:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

FSU winning is wonderful!

There is a Southern Ohio player on the team for them.

His name is John Prior #74 from Portsmouth. He is a freshman offensive lineman.

Posted by Philo_Publius (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

GO BUCKEYES!!!!............philo publius

Posted by Carlito42 (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 10:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I, too, am proud of my southern Ohio heritage, though I live in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. I would love to return to Lawrence County, but, sometimes, one has to face the cold, hard facts of life and realize some desires are not feasibly possible. I have often wished the economy of the tri-state area would improve to the point that many of us who would like to return could economically do so. I hope this satisfies the questions TeacherinOhio needs answered. Aside from that, my relatives have roots in Louisa, Kentucky, and I suspect many people in Lawrence County have roots elsewhere, as well. How many can profess to be true Lawrence Countians???

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 1, 2010 at 10:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am!

Born here!!

Raised here!!!

Didn't leave here!!!!

Will die here!!!!!

Oh and....

The Ohio State Buckeyes are the 2010 Rose Bowl Champions!

The Ohio State Buckeyes 26 The Little Ducklings 17!

Jim Tressel is such a classy man. He gave a shout out to The Best Damn Band In The Land during his post game comments!

Posted by jcshop (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 9:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

sounds like teacherinoh needs a zanax r some anger classes or maybe just a good old ass kickin what is wrong did santa stop ur pain clinic visists to florida??? geez leave people alone freedom of speech ever heard of it!!! go have urselve another drink an shut the fffff up .some of us r very proud to live here yes lots r wrong but get a life an move out if u dont like it

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 3:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Jcshop,

Take some spelling and grammar classes. That would be TeacherinOhio. Ohio has an "O" at the end of it. You have several spelling and grammar errors in your little comment. :)

Do you comprehend what you read? I am very proud of my Southern Ohio heritage. I stated that quite clearly. I am proud of living in America too. That is why I expressed my right to free speech. Free speech is guaranteed to everyone in this country. ;)

By the way, I don't need Xanax (it is spelled with an "X" not "Z" and should be capitalized), I do not take pain medication from Florida or anywhere else. From witnessing your spelling and grammar errors, it looks as if you are the one who takes Xanax and pain medication from Florida. Did you miss your last dosage? Are you having withdrawal problems?

Have a blessed day. :)

Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

as another teacher in Ohio, thank you Mr. Newman for your nice letter. It's good and positive to have fond memories of your childhood home.

TeacherinOhio, I know you have to go back to your students Monday, but relax a little bit. I don't get the chip on your shoulder or why you took umbrage at his remarks. Just let them stand as they are, a tribute to his hometown. Are you this mean to your students?

You redeemed yourself slightly with your praise of my alma mater, OSU.

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cashmere,

This is a free country with free speech guaranteed to all. I have no desire to redeem myself to you or anyone else.

Am I mean to my students? Not at all. They know they can come to me and talk about anything. Over the years, I have helped several students graduate. They were ready to drop out. I am quite proud of them.

Also, I am extremely relaxed. All of these comments have been quite humorous to me.

Have a blessed day. :)

Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Free speech, to paraphrase Justice Holmes, ends when my fist hits the other guy's nose.
Just thought your first post to Mr. Newman was rude, and didn't want him to think all teachers in his old hometown were as disrespectful.
It's nobody's business where he lives or where his daughter has her wedding or anything else. Everyone has to come from somewhere, he feels his upbringing in Ironton contributed to his character and life and he is proud of it. No need to attack his free expression.
Yeah, no need to answer to me, still, to express myself, I think you owe the gentleman an apology. But maybe that's just my upbringing, born in Ironton and living here.

I expect a caustic response or none. That's fine. Have a stress free week.

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cashmere,

When someone writes a letter to be published in a newspaper, they open themselves up for other people to express their feelings about what was written. I do not owe an apology to anyone.

I know of the saying your referring to in the first line. I didn't hit anyone. So, your point makes no sense.

A caustic response or none? If you don't want a response, quit responding to me.

I will have a wonderful week.

"Fly away little Starling, fly, fly."

Posted by Carlito42 (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 9:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well, TeacherinOhio, for the most part, I had wonderful teachers in the city and county schools I attended. You don't appear to resemble any of the teachers I knew, except my gym teacher at Ironton High was a big bully. I attended Central, West Ironton, Lawrence Street, and Kingsbury (elementary city schools), Coal Grove (Dawson-Bryant), and Hanging Rock (Rock Hill.) Most of these schools are now gone; even so, I think I can presume you don't teach in any of these three school districts. Are you absolutely sure you're not mean to your students??? Just curious!!!

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 9:53 p.m. (Suggest removal)

No, not mean at all.

Curious no more....

Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

figuratively speaking my dear, figuratively speaking.
If you re read your response to Mr. Newman, and his polite response to you and you still don't feel you should issue a kind word to him....but if you feel your freedom of speech gives you the right to write unkind things and possibly hurt another's feelings, that's your right of constitutional interpretation, I suppose.
That's why I wondered if you were rude and mean to your students, if you would be impolite to a mere stranger simply expressing his gratitude for his upbringing.
Oh, well. ta ta

Posted by mikehaney (anonymous) on January 2, 2010 at 11:04 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Russ---Nice article.
Sounds like nice memories of living in Ironton and graduating from Ironton High School.
Unlike you I stayed in the Ironton area and married an Ironton High girl with family roots in Busseyville, Ky; forty years this year.
Even though I remained in this area I have relatives in at least 10 other states and one even in Canada.
Isn't this a great country to live in!!!!

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 3, 2010 at 11:16 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Cashmere,

Yawn....

Good-bye.

Posted by billybob (anonymous) on January 4, 2010 at 11:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Russ - It was a delight to read your letter in the Ironton Tribune. Those of us who stayed behind only wish we could have traveled the United States as you have. I know your humor and you must be having a ball reading the comments from TeacherinOhio who can't get off her computer. Thanks for the memories. See you next time you are in town. By the way, we are already planning our next reunion.

Your 6th Grade Date!

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 10:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Billybob,

Yeah, I hang on the computer 24/7. By the way, what a wonderful name you have on here. I am sure redneck serves you well.

Posted by nottellin (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 11:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

He is not talking ONLY about how proud he is of the past...He is berating those suffering in Ironton now, with the exorbitant "fees" (aka legalized theft), the crappy infrastructure, and even sloppier p.d. for not being thrilled for being stuck in the hell hole that Ironton has become.
He really needs to shut up about how proud they should be to live here because HE DOESN'T LIVE HERE.

Don't tell someone to be proud when you aren't proud enough to come back to it.

Memories are NOT building the economy. Memories are NOT creating jobs. Memories are nice, but try feeding your kids with them.

Posted by columbiacop (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 12:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a comment to TeacherinOhio. For a College Educated Professional you don't act like one. You do have freedom of speech and the right to voice your opinion but I am concerned that you are verbally bashing people with comments that are unprofessional for a teacher and disturbing. Calling people rednecks and childish comments such as fly, fly away makes me think you are not a stable person to teach children. If you teach this kind of disrespectful behavior to your students shame on you!!!!! I would expect a teacher to be a role model to the children they teach. You also posted when people write an article, they open themselves up for opinions to be expressed but when people responed to your opinions you go nutts on them. Do you think you are better than us? Ironton is full of major problems but your toxic behavior is not solving the problems, JUST MY OPINION!!!!!! I EXPECT A RESPONSE, AS YOU MUST HAVE THE LAST WORD OR SO IT SEEMS. LET ME KNOW WHEN YOU ARE READY TO TAP OUT!!!!!!

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 5:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nottelin,

Wonderful post!

Columbiacop,

Thanks for the laugh. :)

Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 7:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nottellin:

Where did Mr. Newman mention cops or infrastructure or solving problems? He just expressed his appreciation of his upbringing in Ironton. Why should the burden of Ironton's problems fall on his shoulders? How is he to blame him for the fees on water bills? Geez.

And Columbiacop, nice post, but that's the response you should have expected. I'm a teacher, and we're not all like teacher in Ohio, if that makes you feel better. At least we are amusing her, so maybe she will lighten up. I know more pleasant teachers than her, I'm happy to say. Maybe she should have left the area for awhile and gotten a better college education. Or get an estrogen patch.

Posted by columbiacop (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 8:11 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Nottellin, great post and I know first hand all teachers are not like her. TeacherinOhio is seeking attention as she evidently has no social life,nor any class. I'm sure her co-workers run when she gets close to the Teachers lounge. I think she may have PMS or PMDD that is causing her to act out. Maybe spring break she can visit Florida and melt that cold hearted heart of hers. Anyway, I have had a good laugh at her post's and know someone else has more problems than I do!

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 8:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You people are very amusing. You keep trying to put me down, make comments about how I am at work. You make a sexist comment about me having PMS. You talk about me spending so much time on the computer. Well, you people keep coming back too! How funny! The pot is calling the kettle black. ;) You must be spending some time online too! I keep a tab open to this page so I can check out the new humor that shows up each day. It is much easier than clicking through the links to get here. ;)

Just to fill you in a bit, Columbiacop, since you like to make comments about how you think I am at work, I am well-liked by students and staff. We don't have a "teacher's lounge" but we all eat lunch together in my room. We have a wonderful time. I have a great professional and personal life. I never have PMS. All women don't have that problem but I sure know I lot of men who have it. Look up male PMS. I bet you will find your picture there. It seems as if you may have it. ;)

Mr. Newman responded to me days ago. He probably is having a good laugh from all of this. You people keep it going on too. You keep throwing the stones. I find it amusing watching the glass break.

I just can't wait for the new responses! I will keep the tab open on this page a little longer.

I hope all of you have a blessed evening. :)

Posted by columbiacop (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Cashmere: sorry for the mistake, the first part of my post was for you. I was laughing so hard on TeacherinOhio's lame attempt at humor, I addressed the wrong poster. Lawrence County does have great Teachers that care about the kids. I am sure you are an Outstanding educator. Mr. Newman's article was a thoughful reminder of the way Ironton was in a different time. I didn't expect anything from you know who. She may be a great person and teacher but being in your career you must be carful how you project yourself in a public forum.(kids do read the newspaper) and we all are adults.

Posted by columbiacop (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 9:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TeacherinOhio, just remember who cast the first stone! I take responsibility for my comments, DO YOU? Go back and read your prior post,does that clear you from your trashy remarks, you called a poster a Redneck. Is one sin worse than the other. What is wrong with you? Do you think it's OK to offend someone else that has the same rights as you but when you become the victim you cry foul. Dont post if you cant handle the heat. I have nothing against you, my only concern was your obivious bad attitude towards an article that didn't warrant your outrageous outburst. This can go on and on but frankly I really don't care what you think of me. I have thick skin and have dealt with people worse than you. I hope you have a Great week.

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 10:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

My week has been wonderful and will continue to be!

Keep on throwing stones and smashing those windows!!

You are so full of it and you don't even realize it.

Let's see....it only took you 13 minutes to respond after I left my comment.

Posted by columbiacop (anonymous) on January 6, 2010 at 11:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

You are the one full of it!!! IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU, YOU, YOU. Now you are counting the minutes between post, how childish. You have proven time and time again what you are! I really feel sorry for you. Your in your own little world TeacherinOhioLand. The place none of us want to be. How long did this one take. I told you already, your opinion of me means nothing. I am sure Russ didn't expect this kind of reaction from his own Hometown either.

Posted by anotherproudirontonian (anonymous) on January 9, 2010 at 3:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TeacherinOhio, I just can't get past the fact that you believe that in order for someone to be proud of their heritage and where they grew up that they have to live there, die there and be buried there. Don't you realize how absolutely asinine that sounds? If that were the case, then people should be suspect of Bruce Springsteen for writing all those classic songs about New Jersey when he owns homes all over the country, now. Or Cameron Crowe for making a love letter of a film to his hometown of Elizabethtown in Kentucky when he lives in Los Angeles. Or Tennessee Williams for writing lovingly about the South decades after he was a prominent playwright in New York.

The reality is, you felt self-conscious because you took his letter as someone taking pity on poor, poor Lawrence County. You felt you were being patronized. And, again, that just speaks of low self-esteem and a high degree of self-loathing. Anyone with true pride would have welcomed the comments and agreed with them, wholeheartedly.

Posted by ladonia (anonymous) on January 10, 2010 at 10:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hello Russ! Was just browsing the letters (a rare thing) & noticed yours. My sentiments EXACTLY! What teenager didn't dream of faraway places? I certainly did. Found out, decades after my parents died, from reading their 1930's letters that they had that dream too. My dad returned to Ironton for family obligations but his brother remained in another state & started a new family branch there. Old story. Of course, one leaves & then marries someone from elsewhere. My husband & I, like you, lived in many foreign lands, then retired in Texas. Our daughter's "hometown" is in England! If anyone stayed awake in HISTORY class, they know America is a move-around land and always has been. My Ironton childhood was magical. What's funny is the reverse of the "you don't live here" snobbery: it's the "you weren't born here" -- "you're an outsider." We've run into that all over. Can't win 'em all! (Class of '66 reunion coming up in 2011.) Sharon Geibel Banister

Posted by columbiacop (anonymous) on January 11, 2010 at 6:18 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Well Said Sharon!!! I am sure Russ understands we are all not like you know WHO! Ironton may have problems but it's still home and I have fond memories of growing up here also. Thank you for your positive post to Russ.

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 12, 2010 at 3:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Columbiacop, keep on throwing those stones but make sure you keep back a good distance. We sure don't want you to become cut on your own broken glass.

Thanks for the smiles and laughter. :)

Posted by Hacksaw (anonymous) on January 12, 2010 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

TeacherinOhio, don't you have some papers to grade or something? The rest of us would like to stay positive. Once I figured out who you really are, your negativity made sense from what I know of your personality.
The rest of you, trust me, don't let her get to you, just appreciate Russ and the other nice comments. It's a healthy thing to appreciate one's roots and life!

Posted by TeacherinOhio (anonymous) on January 12, 2010 at 6:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hacksaw, you don't know me personally or you would know that my personality is overall quite positive.

Also, it is against the rules of this site to do the following:

From the Terms of Use Policy

"Agree not to knowingly give out any private information about other users. Users who engage in the behavior of continually trying to guess other user's private information may be banned and their account and contributions removed."

Posted by cashmere (anonymous) on January 12, 2010 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

How did Hacksaw give out private info? I cannot tell who you are from the post. I might even work in your building. You say are a teacher, and perhaps Hacksaw knows you. So what? Maybe you are Miss Sunshine at work. Congratulations.

Posted by BucksTigersFan (anonymous) on January 12, 2010 at 8:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Mr. Newman wrote an article in which he expressed his feelings. I enjoyed reading it. But, when writing such an article, positive and negative feelings may be expressed toward it. This is obvious from the responses written here. Ganging up on one person who left a response that others dislike isn't right.

Trying to say you know who someone is on an anonymous forum isn't right either. Hacksaw certainly doesn't reveal his/her identity.

Many people in this region are frustrated with the lack of growth here. Having someone who doesn't live here anymore telling them how they should feel about the area can add to that frustration. I have felt that frustration many times. I just take it, pick myself up, dust myself off and keep living.

Arguing over this article isn't positive and neither is ganging up on each other.

Posted by ladonia (anonymous) on January 12, 2010 at 10:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

BucksTigersFan, Please quote the part of Russ's letter that "[told people in this region] how they should feel about the area." I seem to have missed it. Thank you. "Ladonia"