Talk show host Jerry Springer paid a visit to the Valley Thursday, to be a part of the Mahoning County Democratic Party's 5th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner. Springer talked about the state of the country, and commented on Ohio Senate Bill 5.
While the mood at the Hall of Fame Dinner was positive, Springer took the opportunity to talk about the political climate of the country. Springer said there's a class war going on, and it's the very wealthy versus everybody else. He said we we saw a perfect example of that fact in the debate over the budget.
"When you're saying to the American people we have to deal with the deficit, which we do, but we're gonna cut Medicare, we're gonna cut Medicaid, we're gonna cut education, we're gonna make these cuts so that we can continue to give the top one to two percent in this county, in terms of income, another tax break, or to keep a tax break is just crazy," Springer said.
Springer said many people blame the cable news shows for playing a part in the political climate of the country, but he doesn't believe they really influence public opinion.
"These cable shows, even though they get a lot of publicity, truthfully, they're basically only watched by people that already agree with that point of view."
Springer also talked about Senate Bill 5 and collective bargaining, legislation that he describes as horrible and un-American.
"We cheer when we watch on television and see demonstrations on the street in the Middle East of people being able to organize for their own freedoms, for their lives. And here in America, we're willing to say to working people you don't have a right to organize to get the best benefits you can for your family," Springer said.
Dr. Rick Billak, Harry Meshel, the Rev. Lonnie Simon, Sr., and Judge Beth A. Smith were honored during the dinner for their "leadership, devotion and philosophy that has given the ... party the strength it has today," according to a release issued by the party.
Billak is CEO of the Community Corrections Association, while Meshel has served as state senator, chairman and vice chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party.
Smith was the first female elected as judge in Mahoning County.
And Simon has been "a pillar in the minority community for many years and continues to be a person our entire city seeks for input and guidance," according to the release.
Singer and Youngstown native Sarah Turner performed at the private reception at Mr. Anthony's in Boardman.
