posted on June 7, 2007 05:05:47 AM new
Okay, so we're all very proud around here. James and Gibson are two outstanding basketball players. It's amazing, too, considering just how young these two players are. So, in honor of the teams' accomplishment and LeBron's popularity, a large We are Witnesses billboard was erected along the Shoreway (a highway running along Lake Erie) featuring a larger than life LeBron James. The Feds want it removed. Why? They said "it violates a highway beautification act passed during the Johnson Administration." See: http://tinyurl.com/yu6qsn.
Are you kidding me? It's a beautiful sign. I'm sure many have observed miles upon miles of garbage lined up along highways all over the country, dead cars or cracked roads or overgrown brush or those high cement barriers that make you feel like cattle being led to the slaughter. . .not to mention billboards advertising alcohol, dating services,etc. that are falling down, dirty, or outdated. It's also a distraction to the drivers, according to the Feds. What? Cell phones aren't? Eating while driving isn't? How about those that choose to read and drive or drink and drive or. . . .?
This city doesn't have much to be proud of. The poverty rate is sky high, there is plenty of racial hostility, and the jobs are becoming less plentiful. For the Feds to complain about something so trivial as a billboard announcing the city's pride is beyond my comprehension. Thank God for Governor Strickland. He's standing up to the Federal Government and refusing to have the sign removed. He has ordered the Ohio Department of Transportation to leave the sign alone. It's a showdown, folks. My money is on Strickland!!!
posted on June 7, 2007 06:14:27 AM new
How typical, Cheryl. They focus attention on a beautification project while ignoring more serious problems such as pollution, unemployment, racial tension and poverty.
A similar battle over signs occurred in my area a few years ago. Suddenly it was announced that all signs on buildings that extended above the height of the building had to be removed. No signs were allowed that had a moving part and signs could not be painted on a building. Of couse all billboards had to be removed.
Now there is a movement to prohibit smoking in the park while at the same time some without access to a toilet are pissing in the street.
posted on June 7, 2007 08:21:50 AM new
From the photo I saw, this is not even a sign really. It's more of a mural on the side of building. There are dozens of these of the 101 in Los Angeles, have been for years... most have been captured in scenes in a number of movies. I can't believe the feds have never noticed.
I think you are just dealing with an embittered non Cavs fan
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
posted on June 7, 2007 10:30:46 AM new
If these guys can keep themselves clean, they can remain the great role models that they are right now for so many kids.
What a shame it would be to take it down!
posted on June 7, 2007 11:16:45 AM new
Fenix - LOL! You are probably right about the non-Cavs fan thing. They are playing San Antonio TEXAS afterall. Must be a fan of the president because they are well aware that in Cleveland we don't admire Bush!
posted on June 7, 2007 12:08:57 PM new
well...I'm waiting for crowfarm/mingotree , to come in this thread screaming and telling cheryl SHE doesn't speak for the whole city of cleveland.
posted on June 7, 2007 12:46:12 PM new
James has pleasantly surpirised me. To tell you the truth, I had doubts about the kid when he came into the NBA. Such a big deal was made of him skipping college but he didn't actually have a choice. He would have been declared ineligible straight out of the gates.
The high school kid with a cleaning lady mother that drove a bright yellow Hummer to school was just begging for a financial investigation the minute he start NCAA sports.
I wasn't too confident that this was not trouble in the making throwing him straight into the NBA but luckily he's done amazingly well. Not just as a player, but as a person.
The NBA lucked out that year... they got James and Denvers beloved Melo. Sure he had his issue early this season (which ironically was good for the Nuggets since I doubt we would have pursued Iverson as hard as we did had it not been for Melos suspension) but he handled the aftermath with class and came back as a stronger player and person and lord knows he has given above and beyond to the community both here and in Syracuse.
~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~ • ~~~
People put their hand on the bible, and swear to uphold the constitution. They do not put their hand on the constitution, and swear to uphold the bible.
