Regarding the proposal to build a new downtown library and why I think it was defeated:
The full-page ads in AnnArbor.com and the Observer listing "10 reasons why we should vote NO on the new library" were very impressive and helped me understand why a NO vote was important.
Perhaps if the group that supported a new downtown library had used the same technique — i.e. full-page ads that listed 10 reasons why I should vote YES on the question — I would have been persuaded to follow their advice.
Fredda C. Clisham
Ann Arbor
Had the library board asked for a modest (say, .25-mill) sinking bond/infrastructure millage for a period of 10 years, it would have won in a heartbeat. Many people who voted NO agree that there are library infrastructure improvements that are needed.
The bond issue as proposed, however, morphed into a referendum for concepts that are not popular — 400 seat auditorium, media production facilities, child play area, i.e. ‘community center’ elements. More traditional library programs are highly valued still. Hopefully, this rejection will give the library board pause about how to proceed next. Many NO voters like myself “LOL - Love Our Library”
Sheila Rice
Ann Arbor
I think it’s too bad that we no longer celebrate Thanksgiving with the true meaning for which it was intended. We seem to have forgotten that the Pilgrims came to America; we cannot find any decorations like little Pilgrims, which we could years ago.
We go all out for Halloween and go right to Christmas. There just isn’t much made of Thanksgiving, which we should be so thankful for.
Irma Weidmayer
Manchester
As a military veteran (Army, infantry, Viet Nam) I invite everyone to take a few moments this Sunday and think about the interconnectedness of life. Why this Sunday? Because the 11th day of the 11th month was originally called Armistice Day - a day to mark the end of WWI and the beginning of world peace. Congress passed a resolution that said in part, "this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations" and they invited "thepeople of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples." Unfortunately, like many other "days," the original meaning has been forgotten, or intentionally changed. This day is now called "Veterans Day," and what will be promoted is the military solution to conflict resolution. There will be much talk of "patriotism," and "sacrifice," and "love of country," and "defending our freedom," but little about "mutual understanding" or "friendly relations" or non-violent solutions to conflict. Peace cannot be obtained by bombs, bullets, invasions and occupations. Peace cannot be obtained by violence. Peace can only be obtained by the simple, yet courageous act of talking, and developing mutual understanding. Violence is the barbarian solution to conflict. Think about it this Sunday.
Arnold Stieber
Grass Lake