Moving on like Robert did will solve all so Im moving on!!!!!!

-- Paul F., South Side

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I also believe that the root of the exchange between Paul F., and others is a matter of perspective. I am not going to lie and say that I was not initially bothered by Paul's responses, however, I had to stop and consider WHAT was causing me to be upset; was it WHAT he said, HOW he said it, or what I PERCEIVE his paradigm to be?

I responded a little while back regarding the difficulties of finding entry-level employment in the city. Yes, I admit to being one of those who "bitched" about it and I am wholly entitled to that opinion. However, I must say that Paul's initial response(s) to similar entries struck a cord not because I was appalled or offended, but because it is a truthful (and very difficult) pill to swallow. I am going to give the benefit of the doubt and try to view posts similar to mine (re: the job situation) through the eyes of someone who has experienced it (as Paul has reminded us that he has). From that perspective, I can understand how he feels and why he expresses an exasperated demeanor.

It can be easily construed those who share my sentiment re: the job situation have an opinion stemming from a false sense of entitlement bred by a post-secondary graduation ceremony. Yes, that may be true, (it was for me, until I realized that I the days of old are long gone) but it is not always the case. The days of old that I refer to are when a degree greatly increased the prospect of landing a job and starting above entry-level. One fallacy amongst modern graduates is the underestimation that the pool is a lot larger now; there are more fish swimming in the sea, and a piece of paper does not guarantee you a spot anywhere. Again, if one was led or allowed to believe that a degree was a guarantee, that person is in for a RUDE awakening. I am one of those people who had to bang their head against the wall before getting it.

Several times in the past, I have gotten into heated debates with family and friends on this very issue and at the end of it all, I was left to realize that regardless of how unfair and messed up the reality is, having to grind along like so many others who may not have attained the education that I have is just that, reality. That is not to minimize the frustration that a modern graduate may feel. Frustration with a given situation is a normal, human response and there is nothing wrong with letting off some steam as a means to vent that frustration. One should not be demeaned for expressing their views on a situation. Again, trying to empathize with both sides, I understand the Nike "Just Do It" paradigm AND the "I have a boatload of loans to pay off and I deserve good money now" paradigm as well.

Regarding the comments made by Paul stating, "unless you take care of your own, no one will care," and (to paraphrase) "It is the responsibility of the neighborhood to take the community back," I must say that there is truth to that as well. At one time, Homewood did have a business district but not anymore. Dare I ask, but who looted and burned down the local establishments when Dr. King was assassinated? Fast forward. Who pulled the trigger at Kaizuki's (formerly Dairy Queen) that left a toddler and her father dead? Fast forward to a few months ago. Who killed the young man in front of KFC while his folks waited in line at the drive-thru? All of these acts were done by local residents with no regard for the consequences to be faced by the community. We do need to take care of our own. Period. In order to demand respect and/or help, we (as individuals and as a community) need to show that we are taking responsibility for what is going on. WE are killing ourselves. WE are hurting our community. Yes, outside help is needed, but the primary initiative needs to be taken by those who are faced with it every day.

To tie this in with the initial question that I presented concerning what was said, how it was said, or who said it. Too often, a misconception occurs because the communication is hard to accept, was spoken in a manner that could have been more "diplomatic," or we just do not like whomever made the comment for various reasons. I think that neither side is hearing one another primarily because of the third suggestion, "who said it." Honestly, it is easier for a homogenous group to discuss and/or criticize their own because the opinion is more widely accepted due to the perception that all parties can relate to one another. However, if an "outsider" makes a similar comment, it will be perceived differently: not by all, but at least a few. I think the dialogue in question is a good example. It was suggested that Paul move to Homewood in order for him to get a better grasp on what was going on in the community. In other words, Paul can't relate so until he does, what he says is not valid. That is not entirely true. Both sides appear to view the other as having a chip on their shoulder and/or being closed-minded. I think that his comments were poorly stated, but I cannot say that they completely lack merit.

-- Tia S., Homewood

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It was beautiful day in homewood on election day. I have voted since I was able to vote, but this day was something so special that it just seemed glorious. I had to go to three different voting sites in homewood because the information on the card that was put on our door was wrong. It did not matter to me, I probably would have road for two more hours if need be. I was not worried about my gas this time! My point to this is every where I went it was crowded and I knew that the people of homewood was pleased. I even asked as I rode through the blocks looking for my voting place, Did you vote? Every response I received was, "you know I did". My prayer is that Obama does well, however we have made history either way.

I would like to add a big thank you for the information submitted about cleaning up the lot beside my house, I will be using those resources.

Stay Blessed and Encouraged.

-- Ronna D., Homewood

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I've spent the last 15 or so minutes reading the MY HOMEWOOD section(s), and the mixed posts surely trigger a curious nerve. In a good way, mind you, a good way.

Most of my extended family is from and around the entire Pittsburgh region. Pittsburgh is one of my favorite places to visit, and for a while I lived there.

I remember Homewood from my childhood. I'm 37 now and things have definitely changed for the worst. I lived in Homestead and East Pittsburgh, both of which have seen their better days as well.

What brings a quiet laughter is the way people generalize each other, and criticize each other on these posts. Will we ever reach a time in our lives, or our children's lives, that we see each other as gifts of humans instead of "you people" or "those types"? In my mind it's almost like comparing "Yun'z to y'all" -- it means the same thing, doesn't it? And last I checked...an African American bleeds the same color a Caucasian will. Speaking of, that's me -- the latter.

What memories sparked me during "My Homewood" reads were the days of the true penny candy stores. I remember my grandparents, though they lived in Braddock and Wilmerding always took us on trips around the city. I remember walking into these stores with a dollar, and coming out with a couple of brown paper bags full of goodies. I also remember how wonderful of a man the clerk was -- probably at the time an African American of age 60 or so. A person who will live in my memories of Homewood forever. His gentle smile and wondrous charisma will live forever.

Racism...isn't that a loaded subject. Come to the south and experience it here.

Let me tell you a little tale...

As I stated earlier, I'm a while male, 37 years old. While not from the Augusta, GA area -- I've lived here two years now. I'm a Technology Director with a heavy background in graphic arts. I've been in the IT field since 93 and have ridden the wonderful and difficult wave of the web and internet. And yes, there is a difference between the two.

When my wife, three children and I first moved here we were very low on living funds. Moves can be quite expensive. While doing my full time job, I also found side projects in South Carolina and Georgia to help on the tight monies. I met with a family owned office supply company in Orangeburg, SC in April of last year. They wanted a full project (complete web, eCommerce, graphics and printing) that could have meant $6,000 extra for my family and me. I spent three hours building a job jacket with them, and defining all their needs. Both parties were happy. I was about to wrap up my meeting when one of their delivery drivers -- whom I later found out, was named Harold -- apologized for interrupting us and then proceeded to tell "the bosses" that he managed to pick up two new stops on his weekly route. These stops brought in new business that meant at least another $1000-2000 weekly. "The Bosses" smiled and thanked him. Harold then said, "Have a blessed evening everyone!" He clocked out, placed his coat and jacket on and walked to his car. I watched him, not due to his pride, not due to the color of his skin, or the fully restored 1969 Chevelle that he drove. I watched him, because his kindness was genuine and very sincere. I had a smile in my viewing. Just then, one of the "the bosses" looked at the other and said, "Can you believe that coon has the balls to sell our products without talking to us!"

I was in shock.

I packed my things, kept a solemn smile on my face and proceeded to walk out of the meeting room.

They asked me where I was going.

I turned, smiled gently and said, "Gentlmen. Considering you have no decency towards your own hired delivery guy or of his values, I find I cannot work with you. In fact, what if I was married to a "Coon", as you so loosely use?"

Now the point of this story? Easy.

Can you tell me, of which heritage, of which color of skin, of which lifestyle originates from this country? Which of us has a right to judge another human being based on their look, their lifestyle, and especially the color of their skin? None of us do. The American Indian surely has a case of prejudice -- ironically, they are among the most peaceful humans on the face of the earth.

One day I pray that I may see my children live in a world where racism is erased more and more. Never forgotten, as too much history -- important history -- is based around it. I pray that I see them together strongly, but remember who they all really are.

Ignorance. Dumb. These are words I've read several times tonight. If the shoe fits....

And by the way, I'm a high school drop-out with three children, a wonderful wife (23 years together) a very nice home, two cars and very good paying career. How did I get here? I worked my ass off...from the bottom. It can be done. And surprisingly, intelligence and wisdom isn't always book learned.

Thank you for your time.

I have enjoyed the reading, and will definitely be a constant visitor and possible poster.

-- Ron T., Augusta, Ga.