Red Line (Dec. 27)
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An online reader who identified herself as Sherry P. wrote on www.MaderaTribuneRedline.com, “I too am a former Maderan, who now lives in Texas. I also used to work for the Trib. Kudos to you, I think you guys work too hard, to give your work away for free. Also, it’s about time you got with the program. Madera is growing and you need to be up there with the big dogs! I will proudly pay to keep up with the news from my hometown.”
A visitor who gave his name as Kevin S. commented, “I want to say that I am saddened by all the negativity on this red-line. So many people just are not happy with life it seems. We have the city officials we elected. If we do not like them, we can vote them out, or at least vote out the people who hired them. To the people who think the police officers in Madera are not doing their job, try looking around for the people who do the right thing and who do drive correctly; you will find them. I suggest we all should stop at least one officer and thank him/her for serving our community.”
He went on to write, “On the subject of charging for the Tribune site: capitalism — if you don’t like it don’t buy it. Exercise your power as a consumer. I for one switched to the Tribune so I could find out what is going on in the city and I am more informed than I used to be. I want to thank the folks at the Tribune for this Red Line too. It is good for people to get their feelings out and you are very brave to take all the abuse.”
A Web page surfer who called herself Jenny commented,“You know there are a lot of online newspapers out there and i can say from experience that they are free online newspapers. I don’t mind paying for a new newspaper when I’m in the local area but for me I live three states away and it was nice to get online and read about my hometown.”
A reader who went by the name of Lisa commented on www.MaderaTribuneRedLine.com, “Your fees are way too high. I was patiently awaiting the new setup so that I could begin to read the Trib and know that it was going to be updated in a timely manner. But $66 a year?! You have got to be kidding me!”
A person self-identified as John W. wrote, “To the caller that complained about the announcements in Wal-Mart being in Spanish: Get your facts straight. The United States of America does not have an official mandated language. I believe that it may be time for some people to go back to the first history classes they offer or some government classes. How can you live in a country and not know anything about it and then turn around and complain?”
He went on, “Also, stop complaining about the illegal immigrants. They are doing nothing to you and it seems like you must have nothing to do all day but call The Red Line and complain about things and talk bad about people. This also include the lady that keeps on talking bad about Leon Emo. People please get a life and do something worthwhile instead of hating a man for being successful and enjoying life and his job.”
An online reader who called herself Lisa F. commented, “A Stallion ‘girl’ should go to the ACLU as I am sure there are Title 9 violations in having a male-only mascot name. (It is) impossible to be a lady stallion and for an educational institution to promote this is absurd.”
A “Shelly B.” — allegedly from Texas — wrote online, “I know just how Paul feels! Though my ‘blue face’ is caused by a rare illness, going out in public seems to be a pain when inflicted. I hope you all continue to support him. It’s great to know what kind of community he’s found where he can live and feel free and accepted.”
A frequent online comentator, “J.P.,” wrote in response to a caller’s comment in the Red Line for Dec. 18 that she saw a good movie without a single curse word in it, “Now this struck me as so simplistic, so unassuming, yet so great. It flies in the face of all the ‘-itchiness’ that everyone else displays here … In amongst all the articles complaining about the speeder in an El Camino on Pine Street (instead of calling the Red Line, how about calling the police?), comments on downtown (yes, it does look like doodoo. Complain to the city, not (the) Red Line. They can’t affect what it looks like!), and other trivial gripes, this one simple statement is the best thing I’ve seen here so far!”
An online visitor who referred to himself as a “murdera resicent” commented, “Well I was thinking one day and I was like, ‘When is the town of Madera going to see some growth such as new shopping centers?’ Come on seriously. I’m tired of going to Fresno to buy clothes. Some things that can be added to the area can be new chain restaurants, department stores, (and a) mall perhaps.”
“Look at towns up (in the) north area with the same population size. They have Best Buys, Targets, (and) at least a Ross. Wouldn’t that help Maderans or whatever if people spent their money here? Isn’t the land cheap compared to other parts of the state. Why don’t they take advantage? I say burn all the grape vineyards and peach/almond orchards and start building. Ag is not the way into the 21st century…”
Someone who identified himself as John A. added to the comment left above his own thoughts: “No more Mexican food restaurants or Asian buffets. It seems like all the businesses occupying newly vacant buildings and new buildings are all the same. That’s why most people just say forget about it and shop elsewhere not giving any money to local businesses. … A good example is the Lowes that is supposed to be being built at the fairgrounds very close to Home Depot. Plan better and do not allow the city to mess everything up even more with more of the same businesses or ones that no one will visit or enjoy.”
He then started writing about the entertainers chosen for the annual Madera District Fair. “Why doesn’t the fair board try to get good acts instead of acts that no one else wants? It seems like there needs to be some new blood as far as getting entertainment at the fair.”
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Thank you for your comments. Remember, the Red Line is open for your messages 24 hours a day by calling 674-4478 or visiting www.MaderaTribuneRedLine.com.
