Livable Lakewood's Postcard Campaign Well-Intended But Ultimately Offensive

Dear Editor, 

When I first read the article about Livable Lakewood's new postcard campaign in the February 5th issue of the Lakewood Observer, I thought it was a cute idea! I even picked up one of each of the three designs so I could send them to relatives who live out of state.  

Once I got home and got a better look at the postcards, however, I was extremely disappointed. I continue to get more offended the more I think about the campaign. One of the three designs heralds Lakewood as, "Just far enough away from Cleveland to enjoy life!" That is a HORRIBLY UGLY and OFFENSIVE sentiment to use to advertise Lakewood. 

To be clear, that statement is offensive because it implies that if you live in Cleveland you cannot enjoy life. On the back of the postcard it repeats the statement and implies that Cleveland is dangerous. It also talks about the great library, art, etc...of Lakewood. I don't remember Lakewood having a world class art museum, but I know the CLEVELAND Museum of Art located in Cleveland, Ohio is one!     

Why use such a negative statement to advertise Lakewood? I am guessing it was probably intended to be funny, but it is not. Cleveland has enough haters without Liveable Lakewood piling on. Much of what makes Lakewood attractive is its nearness to Cleveland--think jobs, Edgewater Park, stadiums, cultural venues, restaurants, etc.

The statement feels even more offensive in light of United's recent decision to remove Cleveland as a hub city. The entire Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area, of which Lakewood is part, will succeed or fail as one. It should, therefore, be in Livable Lakewood's best interest to promote and sing the praises of Cleveland, not put it down in a major advertising campaign.

I propose that the offensive, "Just far enough away from Cleveland..." postcards be removed and recycled. Let's get positive and do our part to build a better region!