Welcome To My Blog

This blog is the musings and ramblings of a Youngstown transplant. From downtown events and news from "Federal Street," and expanding throughout the Mahoning Valley and beyond, you will read satirical, political, nonsensical, and sometimes inspirational thoughts and comments.

About the name: "The Federal"ish" Papers," is hopefully an easily identifiable double entendre of my rally'ing on of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, and a small allusion to "The Federalist Papers," essays that were published serially in The Independent Journal, and The New York Packet in 1787 and 1788. Primarily a series of 85 articles advocating the ratification of the United States Constitution, I enjoyed reading about them in history. Particularly relevant today, is Federalist No. 10, an essay by James Madison and the tenth of the Federalist Papers. It was published on November 22, 1787. No. 10 addresses the question of how to guard against "factions," groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the whole community. In today's discourse the term "special interest" often carries the same connotation. Reading the Youngstown Blogosphere, I have always found it interesting some of the comments made to posts written by my fellow "Pro Yo" bloggers. It sure seems the commenters seem contrary to making the entire Mahoning Valley community as a whole be a better place, and put down the revitalization efforts of Youngstown. And politics sure has made "special interests" a household name. Also, the rights of others is a very much a "hot button" topic in the Mahoning Valley, be it rights of women, blacks, gays, or whomever, the subject will usually pop up in a post of mine from time to time.

For today, no rants or raves, just a thank you to the blogging community for being a force for introspection, retrospection, commentary, information, or just plain down home fun and hospitality. I hope my posts will add a bit to the discussion, maybe raise some new points, and try to stay from being boring as much as possible. I welcome your comments, emails, agreements and disagreements. Use your voice and stand up for your beliefs, whether they agree or not with others. As long as you research and stand behind them, you will be respected at this blog. I write this as I avoid the weather at the first annual Grey to Green Festival in Wick Park. A grand idea and a worthy cause. I salute your efforts and hope rain didn't stop any besides wimps like me. Soldier on Youngstown, and welcome to my Blogosphere.....................S