Reader feedback – 7.20.05

DFA DIVERSITY

I am both amused and saddened by the depiction of
dfaROCHESTER in the article “Divide or conquer? The Dems’ Dilemma”
(June 29).

            dfaROCHESTER
is many things, because we are a diverse group of people. We are teachers,
students, inventory-control specialists, lactation consultants, lawyers,
programmers, student employment coordinators, secretaries, and many other
professions. Some of us are retired or unemployed. We are also outspoken,
hardworking, honest, caring, involved, concerned, and respectful of each other.

            We have
never thought of ourselves as intimidating — though I have noticed many
people are surprised at how dedicated and hardworking we are. If that’s
intimidating, then so be it.

            We are also
not a faction of 15, as an anonymous source called us. We are far stronger than
15, with upwards of 60 people attending our monthly Meet Ups and various other
events and activities throughout the month. Some of our “quiet”
members research news articles and post them on our message board, thus
providing an educational service to the group. One of our members operates a
nationwide talent bank of people with various skills needed in political
campaigns. We have 30-40 very active members, though the public will never see
some of their activities.

            The article
states that dfaROCHESTER is defying Joe Morelle. This is incorrect. In order to
defy him, we would have to have the intent to do so and we do not. We are
supporting candidates — plain and simple. That we do not always support the
Democratic Party’s designated candidates simply means we find great value in
other candidates, and we believe voters deserve many choices when they seek the
best candidate.

            We cannot
be considered a faction of the Democratic Party, since dfaROCHESTER is open to
members of all political parties and we are willing to endorse members of all
parties. We are like-minded, fiscally conservative and socially progressive
people and are willing to endorse anyone who believes in those values.

            The most
amusing part of the article concerns the anonymous “political
insider”. This person would only make comments if he/she could remain
anonymous. This issue is not important enough to warrant the words of a
mysterious, anonymous source.

            Thomas R. Janowski, Organizer, co-founder,
dfaROCHESTER, Hazelhurst Drive, Gates

            Writer Krestia DeGeorge’s response: The anonymous
source says the characterization of dfa’s size was not intended literally —
and frankly, we never expected that it would be taken that way.

LOVIN’ LETTERPRESS

I couldn’t believe my eyes! Front-page coverage on my most
beloved printing process (“Wood Type Rising,” June 29). We typofiles are few
but obviously are growing. Michael Neault’s article supports my contention,
hopefully, that given the opportunity more people will realize the beauty,
tranquility, and therapeutic qualities of an almost lost art.

            I have been
collecting letterpress equipment for many years, most of it stashed throughout
the city, my garage, and basement. Lately I’ve been trying to convince myself
that organizing it all into one space and opening it up to the public might be
the best way to preserve and advance letterpress printing.

            I’m in the
middle of a business plan to establish a PrintingArtsCenter
here in Rochester. It will be a
non-profit entity offering paper making, letterpress workshops, and book
binding. I’m modeling this enterprise on the 20-year-old, very successful
Center for Book Arts in Minnesota
and hope to be operational within six months.

            Mitch Cohen, The PinMark Press, Glenhill Drive, Brighton

HIS TYPE

“Wood Type Rising” (June 29) brought yesteryear back to me
in a big way.

            As a former
printer’s devil, it was great to see wood type, or “circus type,” coming back
as a printed art form. After more than 40 years in the publishing, newspaper,
and related businesses, it did bring back with sadness and joy my early years
with the smell of the paper and ink under my fingernails.

            William C. Gerling, Henrietta Street, Rochester

BYE, BYE, BUCKS

“Monroe Tobacco Money Is Gone,” read the D&C headline. Surprise, surprise. Did
anyone think that money would be applied to worthwhile needs? Steve Minarik and
his puppets in county government couldn’t shake any of that money loose to
maintain nursing services for city school children.

            No Monroe
County Republicans would dare to do anything without Mr. Minarik’s approval —
not if they want the continuing support of the party. Of course, they are
always generous with COMIDA benefits for their corporate sponsors. All too
often, those corporations pocket the money and take the jobs out of the county
within a few years. And of course our local commercial news media never pick up
on any of this. Can’t alienate Mr. Minarik; he might not grant us any more
“sound bites” for the evening news. So much for liberal media bias.

            If all of
this upsets you, don’t blame Mr. Minarik, Republicans, Democrats, or anyone
else in government. They are simply doing what the rest of us allow them to do.
If you don’t vote, or if you always vote your party line, you don’t have to
look any farther than the nearest mirror to see whom to blame.

            Until you
demand better from our politicians, you can’t expect anything more. Believe it
or not, they will respond if people demand what they want at the ballot box.

            Dan Walsh, South Avenue, Rochester

WRITING TO CITY

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This article appears in Jul 20-26, 2005.