The Cincinnati Enquirer from Cincinnati, Ohio • Page 14

The Cincinnati Enouirer OPINION Friday, Decemhf.r 8, 199r A1 5 Hamilton, Ohio: Untold story Accident victim source of inspiration to others I ijZJ I jjy mum Jml The Fitton Center for Creative Arts. GUEST OPINION is also a historical city, having been founded only two years after the Queen City. schooling stated that there are more than 120 families doing home schooling in Greater Cincinnati (Dec. 2. We think that number must refer to a select group.

Five years ago, there were about a dozen Catholic families doing home schooling in Greater Cincinnati. Today, we number almost 100 families in the Catholic homeschoolers group, and the Protestant support is larger than ours. Catholic home education is alive and well in this area. JOHN AND SHEILA K1PPLEY Alice of Montbar Home Education Association Westwood False impressions In the article, 'Taiwan turning to new party" Dec. 3, the statement, "Taiwan's fledgling New Party triples its seats in Saturday's parliamentary elections and slashed the Nationalist majority by 10 seats to one," misled readers.

It gave a false impression that there were only two parties involved in the election when, if fact, the election was actually a four-way chase. In spile of the triple increase from seven seats to 21, the New Party still trailed by a big margin behind the Nationalist Party (85 seats) and the Democratic Progressive Party (54 seats). The Independents gained four seats. The ambiguity of the report also lies in its failure to explain that the New Party is but a recent branching-out of the Nationalist Party. Its extra seats represent a power shift solely within the Nationalist political system.

This result has little significance in Taiwan's overall political future. Notwithstanding the belligerent actions of the Communist China, Taiwan will hold its first general presidential election on March 23. This date will mark the end of native Taiwanese' relations with the century-old conflict between the Nationalist and Communist Chinese, which began in mainland China. TAITZER WANG Wyoming David L. Belew retired in 1992 as chairman of Hamilton's oldest industry, The Beckett Paper Company.

He Is active in the community, serving on a number of boards. BY DAVID BELEW Guest columnist Too often our city of Hamilton's mention in the news relates to a tragedy. Of course, like every other city, large and small, we have our problems. Most recently, in front-page coverage of an alleged serial killer who formerly lived here, Hamilton was referred to as "a blue-collar city about 10 miles north of Interstate 275." Having lived in Hamilton, Ohio, for 53 years, I am proud to call it home. The many positive aspects of our community are overlooked.

"Blue collar city?" It is true that Hamilton has long been a diversified industrial center, home of world-famous companies and products. It is also a historical city, having been founded only two years after the Queen City. To celebrate our Bicentennial in 1991, we raised $8.5 million (all private) to build a magnificent new arts center, the Fitton Center for Creative Arts and to make major improvements to our riverfront and parks. This center offers a variety of classes, extraordinary exhibits and two successful new programs: A performing arts series and a lecture series bring major talents to its auditorium. Its SPECTRA Arts in Education Program, an alliance with Hamilton and Fairfield schools, has won national acclaim and has become a model.

Last year it won the Governor's Award for Arts in Education. Hamilton offers a wide range of cultural opportunities. During the last month, we had capacity audiences for two concerts, one of which featured our own 50-member symphony orchestra. Our downtown Christmas lights are a spectacular showcase that attract many people from other counties and cities. We boast four historical areas, including three residential districts.

Our branch of Miami University is expanding its campus and is enjoying record enrollment. Across from the campus is the Great Miami River. Its handsome corridor is the scene of our annual Dam Fest, which brings world-famous water skiers to our city. Our new low-level dam has made possible an array of water activities. Parallel to the river is our new 3.6-mile bike path which connects our downtown to our largest park and playground, Joyce-Park.

This park is familiar to many Cincinnatians because of its unique sports facilities, including 17 soccer fields. It is host to large regional and national soccer tournaments. This is one of our 39 parks. We also have two first-class municipal golf courses. In October we dedicated a new Riverside Natural Area, more than 150 TO THE EDITOR: I would like to compliment you on the article, "Coming home" Nov.

23. The section about Joey Newcomb, paralyzed in a swimming accident, was so inspirational. Although I do not know Newcomb personally, I saw him every time I visited my friend, who was also a patient at Drake, with a similar injury. I would see Newcomb, always looking so happy, speeding down the corridors of Drake in his power wheelchair. Seeing the progress that Newcomb is making is a real encouragement to all those with similar injuries and those who are awaiting their recovery.

I know that Newcomb was an encouragement to my friend seeing someone further along in the recovery process was a real help. Being able to walk alone is a big step, if you will, on the road to recovery. Although my friend and Newcomb never talked about their actual accidents or their surgeries, they would have competitions on the amount of therapy they could do. Newcomb is an awesome leader, and I sincerely admire him. Thank you for such a speedy report on a very important news story.

What a way to celebrate Thanksgiving. JACKI LAROUERE West Chester Cyclones respect city Lynn Wagner's letter concerning the Cincinnati Cyclones was right on the button "Cyclones are everything Reds and Bengals aren't," Dec. 6. This is a team that has been a contender for the championship every year, with players who actually respect the sport, the fans and the city. MATT MYERS Fairfield Right to protect self No, this isn't Laredo.

When something like this happened in Iaredo, it was surely a rarity because the "thugs" knew what the consequences could be shot or be hanged "Cole convicted of murder," Nov. 18. Wasn't the victim, Charles "Kevin" Blankenship, warned not to come upon the porch? And at that time, didn't Blankenship indicate to Charles Cole that he was armed? I would bet that eight out of 10 people, if in the same situation, been threatened, terrorized by Blankenship READERS' VIEWS and "friends" before, being faced with this person coming onto their property, after indicating he is armed, most people would react in the same manner. I thought we, as Americans, have the right to protect family and property. In a situation like this, you have no idea what the criminals' intentions are.

Maybe Judge Norbert Nadel should live on Tremont Avenue feel the fear and then make his decision. This is another example of the system protecting the criminal and the threatened public having to second guess the decision to protect family and property? What's wrong with this picture. RHONDA PRICE North Bend Enjoy the arts Yikes. Jackie Demaline seems to have taken the title "critic" a little too seriously. So far, the party at the Contemporary Arts Center, the Aronoff opening, Andrew Lloyd Weber and Miss Saigon have all been bombs, according to Demaline.

Why not take a step back and realize people have spent their time, money and energy attending these events, choosing to come downtown and be supportive. Lighten up enjoy the arts and try to find a new attitude. MAUREEN PIPPIN Hyde Park Browns' right to move Concerning the move of the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, the mayor of Cleveland now wants the government to intervene and stop the move. When other businesses decide to move, some to Mexico and others to Asian countries, did the government step in and say, "No, you can't do Major league teams are big business and if the owners can't make moves to become profitable, then they are being denied that freedom. ROBERT HELLER Middletown Home schools Your informative articles about home acres of natural beauty.

Our Hamilton Community Foundation has assets of over $30 million. It is the eighth largest foundation in Ohio, and last year it ranked 37th in the nation for growth during 1994. This foundation has contributed importantly to our quality of life. For example, last year, it granted $223,000 in scholarships to 101 seniors. Hamilton has a fine network of schools with talented and dedicated teachers.

Our excellent main library is undergoing a substantial capital program. Visitors to our city are impressed with our attractive neighborhoods and lovely churches. Among our numerous assets, we include our proximity to Cincinnati; we appreciate and take advantage of your zoo, museums, athletic, musical and theatrical offerings. It is not surprising that Money Mag recently selected Hamilton and Middletown as No. 1 cities in Ohio The best place to live, work, own a business and raise a family." Criteria used in the judging were economy, health care, crime, housing, education, weather, leisure and arts.

LETTERS Send to: Readers' Views, Enquirer Editorial Page, 312 Elm Cincinnati, Ohio 45202. Fax to (513) 768-8610 or E-mail to EnqEditaol.com. Limit your letters to 200 words or less and include your name, complete address (including community) and daytime phone number. Letters may be edited for space and clarity. Please type, if possible.

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