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I had coffee with Craig James today. We had a brief conversation about the letter I've included below, and I thought it was appropriate to share it with all of you. I'm going to be one of the ones trying to make a difference on 9/17 and I hope some of you will join us:

We had to write this letter after awaking very early this morning and reflecting on the conversations we had regarding an August 17th article in the Plain Dealer Metro Section. The article referred to the teenagers who attacked homeless people on Public Square on August 9th. We are disturbed not only by the cruel acts of the teenagers, but also by a radio station that would profit from the delivery of additional pain. Toward the end of the article, it was explained that days after the teenager's acts, a radio station orchestrated a remote show on Public Square. They paid homeless people $10 in cash and gave them a $20 food coupon if they would agree to be shocked by a stun gun. Evidently the majority of the callers to the show thought the segment was "funny". The radio station condemns the teenager's acts, but considers their own acts acceptable since they had "willing participants". We ask if they've heard of extortion? Offering hungry people food, but only if they let you hurt them seems to us to be more like extortion than free will. Was the radio station conducting a science or sociological experiment? ... Or were they after ratings? Outrageous. We wonder if they imagined someone they loved... their spouse, child or elderly parent - dazed and unable to walk for several minutes because they were shocked by a stun gun. All for money. We're not sure which is worse, inflicting pain for "fun," or inflicting pain for money - but we do know that neither is acceptable. Neither is humane. Looking Forward, Paying It Forward: It's an odd coincidence that on or about that same date of August 9th, a dear friend of ours and Craig were chatting comfortably within the cozy library of the beautiful Club at Key Center... Literally, within arms' reach was anything anyone could want; tea, coffee, cookies - whatever. They talked, reflecting upon the imbalance in the world... and considered the fact that within a short walk there is a very different picture. Craig & Tony agreed that they wanted to do something positive about the picture - no matter how minor the effort or effect. What came from the discussion was the idea "Pay it Forward on Public Square Day". A day when people do some positive act, perhaps as simple as giving bottled water to people passing by... business people, homeless people... anyone. No judgment. Another friend, Bill, joined the discussion, and the date, time and theme were set: Lunch time on September 17, 2003. The details had yet to be determined. But we established a date. Therefore, on September 17th, you will find folks by the names of Tony, Lisa, Bill, Craig & Sue standing there. Rain or shine . . . handing out water, coffee, cookies - whatever. Then again, it may not be just us. The plan is to approach individuals and businesses located on Public Square and beyond to help in the effort. It might be you too. If you're interested in contributing, contact us at pi4ward@hotmail.com Craig James Sue James

I'll be the one handing out the coffee!