I think it's in very poor taste for the Gazette to publish Gerst's editorial on the 9/11 anniversary. It was a ill-advised decision by the Gazette to give him coverage earlier in the year, and it was completely unnecessary to publish his views today as many people around the country remember the tragic events of that day. Gerst is entitled to his opinions (as insane as he may be), but a daily newspaper is not the place for his rantings; let him find space in the National Enquirer, alongside "First Grader Gives Birth to Siamese Pigs" and "Elvis Seen Eating McNuggets at Memphis McDonald's" :)
It'd be interesting to see stats that show where the most illegal immigrants enter the U.S. If more illegals enter through, say, Arizona and California than any other area, then it seems to make sense that the Arizona border should be the main focus of enforcement. Let's say the roof of your house has two leaks: one is a minor drip, the other is a major gush. Which one do you fix first?
I do feel bad for Arizona Hispanics who are U.S. citizens/here legally. Skin color should not be a reason to pull someone over or question someone. I don't agree with that type of enforcement, but I do feel that we need a better system to stop people from entering illegally. Also, I doubt you'd see too many illegal caucasian European immigrants trying to sneak over the Arizona border, but if by some odd chance there were, yes, they need to be treated the same way as illegal Hispanic immigrants.
There's nothing "criminal" about wanting a better life for yourself and your family, as long as you don't break the law while doing it. Similarly, there's also nothing "criminal" about wanting to feed your family, but as soon as you steal a loaf of bread, then it does become "criminal."
There's nothing prejudiced about keeping out illegal immigrants. If a caucasian European enters the U.S. illegally, I would support his deportation just the same as a Hispanic or Asian or blue-skinned Smurf.
Those are great numbers and all, but it begs the question: can those numbers be achieved without closing 2nd Avenue? If the medical mall can bring in "$2,905,063 in additional taxes and charges every year" and "retain and create 657 jobs," and if it can do it without affecting 2nd Avenue, then why close 2nd Avenue? What Clancey failed to do is point out how the closing of a street is a factor in any of those statistics. Not to mention, calling the medical mall "economic development on steroids" doesn't exactly evoke a positive connotation :)
That's the first thing I thought, too - if they go out of business, that tattoo is worthless!
Also, I forgot to mention this: one winter, my wife and I got our car stuck in a rut of snow at the intersection of 7th Ave. and 31st St. Two squad cars pulled up within a matter of five minutes or so, and both officers got out and helped us push the car out of the snow. I really hope that your incident was an isolated one, but nonetheless, I'm still sorry to hear that the officer didn't help you, especially since you were pregnant.
I'm sorry to hear that the officer failed to lend you a hand when you were stuck; obviously, that behavior was uncalled for on his part since his job is to help citizens when they need help. However, are you basing your judgment of the entire Marion police department on this one incident with one officer? Wouldn't that be similar to, say, judging an entire race just because one person from that race happened to be a jerk?
I agree. I'm curious as to why several people are saying that the Marion Police are rude and need an attitude adjustment. Since Marion is one of the safest cities in the state (and also one of the safest for its size), then it seems that the police are doing their job. I remember a quote from Chief Daugherty where he said something to the effect of "we go after the small crimes to help prevent the big crimes." Seems to be working, and I've never met anyone who feels like they're being imprisoned in Marion because of the police presence.
If you don't mind me asking, has there been a particular incident where you yourself encountered the Marion Police being rude? If so many people on this site believe that the Marion Police are rude/impolite/not doing their jobs/etc., I'm just curious if everyone has had direct experiences that led them to this opinion.
Why don't you take me up on my challenge? Look through those 503 jobs and tell me how many YOU would be qualified for if you were unemployed. Just because Corridor Careers has a big number doesn't mean that there's a fantasy world of opportunity for everyone seeking a job.
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