THIS will turn everyone around...

What to do when a poll shows that over 70% people disagree with your point of view? Write an article for Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette that earns the headline:

City poll respondents uninformed

The headline is being kind. The opening salvo:

The article about downtown revitalization and the proposed stadium, "Poll backs downtown, not stadium/Ballpark called crucial to plans” (Jan. 21), was certainly interesting and thorough. But after reading it, I still had two very big questions: Who were these people that were polled and in what city do they live?

If the answer is some random cross-section of Fort Wayne residents, then I have another question: Under what rock have they been living?

Many of the responses were completely ignorant and some were down-right frightening. Here are a few about the proposed stadium:

“We already have a good stadium in a good location.” Not quite, says the owner of the Wizards. They want a new stadium. They want it downtown. They will help pay for not only the stadium, but also some additional development. Or they could move the team to a new city.

I haven't seen any comments by the Wizard wanting a new stadium. I have seen that they are willing to put up money if the downtown project moves forward. That is a little different that "Build this or we leave."

“There’s no interstate exits to downtown.” What?! You mean I can’t take a 10-lane noise-polluting Autobahn right into the ballgame? We should be glad that we can get anywhere in the city in a very timely fashion without having to get onto an interstate.

Monthly bus pass or Prius owner? Sarcasm works both ways.

There is more, but the toppers are in the last two paragraphs:

Thirty percent feel that improvement or “revitalization” of downtown Fort Wayne is not important. You folks need to pack up and leave right now. Do not pass “Go,” do not collect $200. If you choose to remain huddled in whatever cushy little corner of the city you call home, I implore you to talk to somebody who remembers what downtown used to be like. Their eyes light up. They get a huge smile on their face. And they begin to tell you the first of an endless number of fantastic stories.

Fort Wayne! Love it or leave it, hippie taxpayer!

If you have no interest in finding out what that feels like, then you have no business living here. For the rest of you, here’s the bottom line: Downtown can be great again. It’s going to take big, bold steps. It’s going to take risks. It’s going to take time. Grand Wayne Center was a good first step. The main library has just re-opened. Harrison Square is perfect to take things to the next level. Starting now we can make downtown the amazing destination it should be. Who knows? Maybe someday we’ll even host a Super Bowl.

Now that's just crazy enough to change some minds. I'm sure the next poll will have 70% or more people in favor of the project. Calling people ignorant and mocking their positions beats well-reasoned arguments every day of the week.