This blog is maintained for the sole purpose of allowing the people of Peru and those interested in the cities of the Illinois Valley to express their views.
“It doesn’t take a majority to win, just a tireless minority that will keep starting brush fires in the mind and hearts of their fellow men.” Samuel Adams
The gossip has always been around that Peru wanted to build a park once the ground is cleared. The question is should the city spend more money on a park located next to the working railroad tracks. When you mention park, it always seem to refer to a place for people to relax and children to play. I believe all the electrical grids will remain in place on one side, the tracks on the north side and the river across the road on the south is the Illinois River.
I suggest the city get somebody to actually take care of our parks, all of them. The Recreation Board picks and chooses what activities and parks they even want to think about, let alone actually get something done. The Public Property Committee of the city council has all the property in the city to deal with and really does not have the time to concentrate on our parks. So who does take care of them, the way people would like to have them taken care of?
There is an incredible amount of reporting that is missing in this story. Why is the city spending a dime if the insurance company was supposed to release the surety bond? What happened? What environmental problems caused the cost overruns, and what is the state of mercury contamination on that site now? How can a park be developed on a site that is possibly polluted?
Why did two separate firms pull out of the deal? Wasnt one of these firms one of the top coal fired plant demolition companies in the US? Were they contacted by the paper for their comments and if not why not? Was the insurance company contacted? Is litigation pending or has it been threatened? Something about this deal smells, and its not the dead carp in the river. The city cannot sell a piece of property for a few dollars and be absolved of environmental liability for the site and the operations and clean up on that site. Where are the test results from fill shipped off that site during demolition and where was that material taken? Who did the testing and where are the manifests for any special wastes sent off that property during it's demolition?
Why is that reporter not asking these questions? Why is he spinning this in a positive light of cost savings for Peru?
Lois you can't fix stupid. Veterans Park is so windy that a ice skating rink liner has to be held down by a city truck and pickel ball enthusiast gave it a immediate thumbs down. It is without easy access for most age groups who would use it and is of poor safety location. Also it is located to the complete north of the city. Now the next location of a city park has been made. This location is ridiculous. The beautiful riverfront of Peru. Is anyone ever been assured that the city lot only a block west which at one time was the location of a factory with chemical tanks has been envirnomentally cleaned up? This is the area which the Peru CSO uses for its 4th of July Beer Tent. I will not believe it is safe until written proof from out of town sources with high government classificatiion are produced. Thinking of it this is the site of a electric plant with mercury and everything else involved on which a city park is going to be placed. Are there going to be buses run up and down Brewery Hill all year as there has to be for the 4th of July? In full agreement with you two things that Peru does not need more of until they can maintain and enforce the ones they already have - parks and laws.
Peru cannot adequately take care of the parks it already has. There is no need to put a park on Water Street. They should clean that area up enough so that that space can be used for people to bring chairs who want to watch the fireworks and then leave it sit empty the rest of the year.
What is more logical? 1. A city park on the former site of a power plant with the possibilties of pollution, a electrical grid on one side, active railroad tracks on the other and a river with dangerous undercurrent across the street? This is a street which is used extensively for big heavy trucks and speedding cars also. Maybe the EPA should be consulted? 2. Replacing a much used tennis court in a neighborhood that has no other tennis court with a public nuisance that has upset the majority in the area to satisy a few? This replacement has continued on and has future possibilities of huge expenses to the local government. 3. Establishing a water park in the city for a large age group which lost its summer recreation when the swimming pool was closed? Centennial Park would make a great location for both a ice skating rink and water park. Since Washington Park is now a complex of ballfields Centennial is now Peru's family activity park and is a great location.
Harl closed the pool and now doesn't want a pool because of the expense of maintaining it. He doesn't care that the kids have no place to cool off in the summer, or he would have done something to bring either a pool or splash pad to Peru. He hasn't even set a plan in motion to maybe have one in 5 years. There's that short term thinking. He's only worried about being able to say for the upcoming election how much he has cut from the budget.
9:05 Whether the City sold the power plant "temporarily" for one dollar or one hundred dollars, the tactic is bush league if they are trying to avoid environmental liability. Sales below market value to shell companies mean nothing as far as environmental liability. All the city did was subcontract its responsibility as the owner of the property to another company in exchange for the right to market what they find as a recyclable material. If they turned a blind eye to the environmental compliance, they have very little protection from enforcement actions or suits brought by citizens. Company have been trying to avoid clean ups for years using shell companies who later declare bankruptcy when fines are assessed. With this locations proximity to the river it is a high risk environmental site and hardly suitable to the proposed park usage. Contacting the IEPA may be a very moot point because they are underfunded and under political pressures by the states attorney. They are directed to act in enforcing the laws, with limited power. Whatever else you think about the current administration, they are in way over there heads on environmental issues and relying on political connections to protect them.
While reading your ramblings I can't help but be reminded of my childhood and "Poor old Aunt Shirley" as my mom always referred to her. Mom used to say, "Poor Shirley she opens her mouth and the wind blows right thru and out from under her dress". In other words, this great wealth of environmental and regulatory knowledge you're trying to impress us with,...it just aint workin'.
1:12 Let's here you put everyones mind at ease. Respond to some of the questions raised. Really put 12:13 in her place. Since you are not impressed, I would guess you are an environmental expert and can put everyones concerns to rest. I will check back anxiously to see how you skillfully respond to each concern. You can start by answering the questions from the 11:12 post. I'll get my popcorn and notepad ready to hear your reply.
To 1:31, Excellent. Sit real still and hold your breath until I explain all those things you don't understand. No cheating and no breathing until you hear back from me. OK, hear we go. Start now!
We lost the million dollar bond because we never got it set up. The city attorney never did his job to make sure it was set up. He came from the old corrupt system of running Peru where you put money in your pocket instead of Peru. He lied every time he was asked about it during council meeting because he never thought it was an issue. Now we are stuck paying for it and have no recourse on that contractor.why? Because noone is going to say anything to the city attorney or building inspector. And the same is going to happen to Westclox. D.S & F.T., stupid is as stupid does! ! Yet the both of them more than $150,000 a year from us taxpayers each. Crooks! !
Stupid area for a park! Waterstreet is a dump! Imagine the riff raft that will be hanging out if there was a park. Evidently anybody who has decision making power in Peru does not have there glasses on when on the riverfront. Most of the fisherman are out of towners and leave ALL their garbage on the banks as it is. You could place a million garbage cans and that's not gonna change! I've seen this hundreds of times in the warm weather months!! I can only imagine tents, grills being brought to a park and to put it bluntly alot of the out of towners have a problem speaking English. I've walked that area and it's 100% the truth. Nothing should go in that area-flooding!
2:03 I thought so. Just another one of the admin cronies who attack the posters as not being credible, but never post any factual replies because the poor citizens are just too dumb to understand. Popcorn is good. I won't hold my breath though. You will never say one thing of substance that sheds any light on the environmental issues.
And 3:36 There's no need to get racist. From the spelling and diction of many around here, not speaking English or making sense is not a matter of race or nationality.
3:36 You are right. Waterstreet is a hole and dump. When I look at it I am thinking skid row -- a bunch of druggies and alkies laying around. I am sick and tired of hearing about the beautiful waterfront! It is a river and a street with a BUNCH OF FLOODING PROBLEMS! --- OLD BUSINESSES THAT GET CLEANED UP WHEN THE STREET FLOODS! EXCELLENT PLACE FOR PICKLEBALL!!!
The Judge had an accident and was issued a citation which I believe she'll pay as she was probably at fault. I also believe that she was given a PBT test at her request and was at.00 so no alcohol in her system at the time. Big headache for local law enforcement but handled professionally and by the book. Of course some will scream and accuse of coverup and if I thought that was the case I'd stand behind your right to do so however, that appears not to be the case here. She just had an accident that was her fault.
I'm 3:36 and I'm not a racist. I stated true facts. And to tell you the truth I personally asked a group of people(fisherman) to take their garbage with them when I saw them leaving. However, I was speaking English to them and they pretended not to understand me. Peru should be embarrassed with waterstreet and it's condition and it's banks. A couple pots with dead flowers doesn't cut It. I apologize if my blog sounded racist. But I say like it is and if people don't like it, they can kiss my Fannie!
10:12 of course you aren't a racist. You formulated your well researched opinion on one interaction with some people who heard someone say they were doing something wrong, and they basically told you to kiss their Fannie.
I hate people who act like that, telling people to kiss their butt when they are clearly in the wrong. Don't you?
Anon 10:12 and 10:32 It would be appreciated if you both would keep your personnel love life off the blog. Especially before noon, rather heavy stuff to start the day with for the normal person.
You couldn't spend one million on a park on that land and make waterstreet look any better. What type of tax revenue would Peru receive by putting a park there? NOTHING! People who may take advantage of a park there more than likely bring their soda, alcohol, and food with them. It seems unlikely they will spend money at the few drinking and eating establishments. The road on waterstreet should be of major importance before a park. Common sense people. Marketing 101. The leader of the Illinois Valley!
5:16 Getting a lobotomy and practicing racism would be required to have what you call an acceptable personality. And yes, it is all spelled correctly and using caps where appropriate. How do you get your knuckles off the ground enough to type?
The Knuckle dragging is a common reference to to mouth breathing Neanderthals ( knuckles dragging on the ground).
I believe the Practice Practice. Comment was an attempt at a snappy witty comeback, unless they meant they wanted to practice more racism? Caps guy just assumed 8:01 was a woman I guess.
"I can only imagine tents, grills being brought to a park and to put it bluntly alot of the out of towners have a problem speaking English."
Is this person for real? As a tax paying responsible Hispanic, I am outraged by this. It was pointed out to me and what is even more infuriating is that Racists claim that HE/SHE is NOT a racist but just tells it like it is! The ARROGANCE of assuming these litterbugs are purposefully PRETENDING not to understand him, and perhaps really did not understand him, is infuriating. How many teenagers ( or others) of all races have I seen littering in my town and thumbing their noses at anyone who tells them to pick something up? Plenty! I don't know much about this area or this blog, but I know enough to say I would never want to visit or live here. Only one person even called him/her on this. Deplorable.
Anon 7:33 I, as the huge majority of our community see and treat all with respect. I as many others of this area have had to depend on all representation of our society in crucial times and have been successful on account of this representation and my small way of paying those back is to treat theirs, no matter where they are from as equals and with respect. Yes we have a few and I hope it is only a few that are very backward in their social skills and are trying to live life in the pre Lincoln era. I will emphasize that the vast majority of us are living in the modern "Land of Lincoln". In conclusion I as many others have not answered this person because we feel that it will only feed their hunger for hate but we are acknowliging you. Hope you and yours are having a Very Merry Christmas.
I am in total agreement with you in your assessment and disgust with the person(s) spouting off in such a "narrow-minded" and "ignorant" fashion. It is unfortunate that the blog administrator continues to allow hate filled commentary as a means to vent her own frustrations with the current administration. These types of comments should never be posted. Unfair, hate-filled and blatantly false statements on this or any other blog should be screened "OUT" by the blog administrator immediately. That is not censorship, that is common decency in a civilized society. We are not a racist community here in the Illinois Valley. We do however have our share of hopelessly cynical and hateful individuals who participate in this blog in order to vent their own personal frustrations by sniping anonymously at anybody they dislike or disagree with. It's obvious to me that very few of the people who participate in this blog are truly active in local politics in any meaningful way. They do not understand that "blogging" does "not" qualify anyone as a political activist. It is not my place, nor that of any other anonymous blogger to apologize for the quasi-racist and hate filled comments posted on this blog. That apology remains as just one of the many responsibilities of the blog administrator. Anything short of that will only enable other malcontents to comment in a racist fashion.
8:42 Blatantly false, unfair and hate filled are pretty subjective judgements for a blog admin to make on a primarily political website. The main responsibility for correcting the false claims should be on the politicians or public officials, and they choose not to do it. Unfair or hate filled come with the territory in politics.
Racist commentary or attacks attacks on relatives of public figures remains easier to spot and I agree should be deleted immediately.
There is no need to make a mountain out of a mole hill! The blogger was just referring to all the garbage left on the water banks. What would have been a better way to say it? Don't responsible parents teach their children to pick up after themselves? And taking garbage with you when you leave an area after swimmining or fishing helps keep the water and ecosystem cleaner. Get over it bloggers and keep racism out of it. Alot of you read to much into the post. Grow up!!!!
Everything that racist post said , every point they made could have been made without the statement that "they don't understand English". It WAS racist, you just do not want to admit or deal with it. You tell me to grow up? I tell you to evolve.
The main point of the bloggers post was that area was not good for a park, the xenophobic comments that out of towers are litterbugs and can't speak English was WRONG. His/ her apology was half hearted, saying sorry if they offended but that was the FACTS. It was not fact, it was racist opinion. Deal with it.
Don't tell me to leave race out of it, tell him/her.
There was nothing wrong said. The only ones that are trying to make a big deal out of this are probably the same kind who want to sue a company for slipping on the ice while sneaking out of work to smoke a blunt. Hope you feel better Lois and keep up the good work! I also enjoy the fun comments and adjitation. In all seriousness keep up the good work and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
As a person of Polish decent, I find the blog administrators decision to post the meaningless comment/joke Polish people unnecessary and disappointing as well. People want the issue to stop but it is simply wrong and easily fixed. Delete racist comments. People can rephrase them.
Relax, I am also of Polish descent and have lived in the heart of the Polish neighborhood my entire life. Most Polish are kind and loving people and we have all learned to roll with the punches. During WWII when my sister was stationed in San Francisco, someone asked where she was from and she told them and their reply was "Oh, where the ducks what backward". referring to the many Polish people who still spoke the language. Some of the most beautiful hymns I have ever heard were those sung at Christmas in Polish. There are some things in life that are worth a battle but believe me this is not one of them.
I worked there in 2004 as a contractor welding the leaking pipes inside the boiler. I think I spent 3 or 4 days there times 8 hours a day and there was 2 of us.
48 comments:
The gossip has always been around that Peru wanted to build a park once the ground is cleared. The question is should the city spend more money on a park located next to the working railroad tracks. When you mention park, it always seem to refer to a place for people to relax and children to play. I believe all the electrical grids will remain in place on one side, the tracks on the north side and the river across the road on the south is the Illinois River.
I suggest the city get somebody to actually take care of our parks, all of them. The Recreation Board picks and chooses what activities and parks they even want to think about, let alone actually get something done. The Public Property Committee of the city council has all the property in the city to deal with and really does not have the time to concentrate on our parks.
So who does take care of them, the way people would like to have them taken care of?
There is an incredible amount of reporting that is missing in this story. Why is the city spending a dime if the insurance company was supposed to release the surety bond? What happened? What environmental problems caused the cost overruns, and what is the state of mercury contamination on that site now? How can a park be developed on a site that is possibly polluted?
Why did two separate firms pull out of the deal? Wasnt one of these firms one of the top coal fired plant demolition companies in the US? Were they contacted by the paper for their comments and if not why not? Was the insurance company contacted? Is litigation pending or has it been threatened?
Something about this deal smells, and its not the dead carp in the river. The city cannot sell a piece of property for a few dollars and be absolved of environmental liability for the site and the operations and clean up on that site. Where are the test results from fill shipped off that site during demolition and where was that material taken? Who did the testing and where are the manifests for any special wastes sent off that property during it's demolition?
Why is that reporter not asking these questions? Why is he spinning this in a positive light of cost savings for Peru?
Lois you can't fix stupid. Veterans Park is so windy that a ice skating rink liner has to be held down by a city truck and pickel ball enthusiast gave it a immediate thumbs down. It is without easy access for most age groups who would use it and is of poor safety location. Also it is located to the complete north of the city.
Now the next location of a city park has been made. This location is ridiculous. The beautiful riverfront of Peru. Is anyone ever been assured that the city lot only a block west which at one time was the location of a factory with chemical tanks has been envirnomentally cleaned up? This is the area which the Peru CSO uses for its 4th of July Beer Tent. I will not believe it is safe until written proof from out of town sources with high government classificatiion are produced. Thinking of it this is the site of a electric plant with mercury and everything else involved on which a city park is going to be placed. Are there going to be buses run up and down Brewery Hill all year as there has to be for the 4th of July?
In full agreement with you two things that Peru does not need more of until they can maintain and enforce the ones they already have - parks and laws.
Peru cannot adequately take care of the parks it already has. There is no need to put a park on Water Street. They should clean that area up enough so that that space can be used for people to bring chairs who want to watch the fireworks and then leave it sit empty the rest of the year.
Just what we need! More parks! More upkeep! More expense! Does anyone in this town think of other things than entertainment?
The article states that Peru paid the contractor $100 for the purchase of the power plant. Wasn't it $1? Could someone verify this?
What is more logical?
1. A city park on the former site of a power plant with the possibilties of pollution, a electrical grid on one side, active railroad tracks on the other and a river with dangerous undercurrent across the street? This is a street which is used extensively for big heavy trucks and speedding cars also. Maybe the EPA should be consulted?
2. Replacing a much used tennis court in a neighborhood that has no other tennis court with a public nuisance that has upset the majority in the area to satisy a few? This replacement has continued on and has future possibilities of huge expenses to the local government.
3. Establishing a water park in the city for a large age group which lost its summer recreation when the swimming pool was closed? Centennial Park would make a great location for both a ice skating rink and water park. Since Washington Park is now a complex of ballfields Centennial is now Peru's family activity park and is a great location.
This is just part of the same problem that has plagued Peru for three years. No planning, no vision, and short term thinking.
Harl closed the pool and now doesn't want a pool because of the expense of maintaining it. He doesn't care that the kids have no place to cool off in the summer, or he would have done something to bring either a pool or splash pad to Peru. He hasn't even set a plan in motion to maybe have one in 5 years. There's that short term thinking. He's only worried about being able to say for the upcoming election how much he has cut from the budget.
9:05 Whether the City sold the power plant "temporarily" for one dollar or one hundred dollars, the tactic is bush league if they are trying to avoid environmental liability. Sales below market value to shell companies mean nothing as far as environmental liability.
All the city did was subcontract its responsibility as the owner of the property to another company in exchange for the right to market what they find as a recyclable material.
If they turned a blind eye to the environmental compliance, they have very little protection from enforcement actions or suits brought by citizens.
Company have been trying to avoid clean ups for years using shell companies who later declare bankruptcy when fines are assessed.
With this locations proximity to the river it is a high risk environmental site and hardly suitable to the proposed park usage. Contacting the IEPA may be a very moot point because they are underfunded and under political pressures by the states attorney. They are directed to act in enforcing the laws, with limited power.
Whatever else you think about the current administration, they are in way over there heads on environmental issues and relying on political connections to protect them.
Problem solved --- Asphalt, fence, pickleball stripes--- TA DAAAH!!!!
to 12:13 PM,
While reading your ramblings I can't help but be reminded of my childhood and "Poor old Aunt Shirley" as my mom always referred to her.
Mom used to say, "Poor Shirley she opens her mouth and the wind blows right thru and out from under her dress".
In other words, this great wealth of environmental and regulatory knowledge you're trying to impress us with,...it just aint workin'.
1:12
Let's here you put everyones mind at ease. Respond to some of the questions raised. Really put 12:13 in her place. Since you are not impressed, I would guess you are an environmental expert and can put everyones concerns to rest.
I will check back anxiously to see how you skillfully respond to each concern. You can start by answering the questions from the 11:12 post. I'll get my popcorn and notepad ready to hear your reply.
To 1:31,
Excellent. Sit real still and hold your breath until I explain all those things you don't understand.
No cheating and no breathing until you hear back from me.
OK, hear we go. Start now!
How do you know 12:13 is a she?
We lost the million dollar bond because we never got it set up. The city attorney never did his job to make sure it was set up. He came from the old corrupt system of running Peru where you put money in your pocket instead of Peru. He lied every time he was asked about it during council meeting because he never thought it was an issue. Now we are stuck paying for it and have no recourse on that contractor.why? Because noone is going to say anything to the city attorney or building inspector. And the same is going to happen to Westclox. D.S & F.T., stupid is as stupid does! !
Yet the both of them more than $150,000 a year from us taxpayers each. Crooks! !
Stupid area for a park! Waterstreet is a dump! Imagine the riff raft that will be hanging out if there was a park. Evidently anybody who has decision making power in Peru does not have there glasses on when on the riverfront. Most of the fisherman are out of towners and leave ALL their garbage on the banks as it is. You could place a million garbage cans and that's not gonna change! I've seen this hundreds of times in the warm weather months!! I can only imagine tents, grills being brought to a park and to put it bluntly alot of the out of towners have a problem speaking English. I've walked that area and it's 100% the truth. Nothing should go in that area-flooding!
2:03
I thought so. Just another one of the admin cronies who attack the posters as not being credible, but never post any factual replies because the poor citizens are just too dumb to understand.
Popcorn is good. I won't hold my breath though. You will never say one thing of substance that sheds any light on the environmental issues.
And 3:36 There's no need to get racist. From the spelling and diction of many around here, not speaking English or making sense is not a matter of race or nationality.
Anyone know the story regarding Judge Cynthia's stop by the police?
3:36 You are right. Waterstreet is a hole and dump. When I look at it I am thinking skid row -- a bunch of druggies and alkies laying around. I am sick and tired of hearing about the beautiful waterfront! It is a river and a street with a BUNCH OF FLOODING PROBLEMS! --- OLD BUSINESSES THAT GET CLEANED UP WHEN THE STREET FLOODS! EXCELLENT PLACE FOR PICKLEBALL!!!
6:14 Was it a recent stop or years ago that you are referring to?
It was on WlPO
The Judge had an accident and was issued a citation which I believe she'll pay as she was probably at fault. I also believe that she was given a PBT test at her request and was at.00 so no alcohol in her system at the time. Big headache for local law enforcement but handled professionally and by the book. Of course some will scream and accuse of coverup and if I thought that was the case I'd stand behind your right to do so however, that appears not to be the case here. She just had an accident that was her fault.
I'm 3:36 and I'm not a racist. I stated true facts. And to tell you the truth I personally asked a group of people(fisherman) to take their garbage with them when I saw them leaving. However, I was speaking English to them and they pretended not to understand me. Peru should be embarrassed with waterstreet and it's condition and it's banks. A couple pots with dead flowers doesn't cut
It. I apologize if my blog sounded racist. But I say like it is and if people don't like it, they can kiss my Fannie!
10:12 of course you aren't a racist. You formulated your well researched opinion on one interaction with some people who heard someone say they were doing something wrong, and they basically told you to kiss their Fannie.
I hate people who act like that, telling people to kiss their butt when they are clearly in the wrong. Don't you?
Anon 10:12 and 10:32 It would be appreciated if you both would keep your personnel love life off the blog. Especially before noon, rather heavy stuff to start the day with for the normal person.
You couldn't spend one million on a park on that land and make waterstreet look any better. What type of tax revenue would Peru receive by putting a park there? NOTHING! People who may take advantage of a park there more than likely bring their soda, alcohol, and food with them. It seems unlikely they will spend money at the few drinking and eating establishments. The road on waterstreet should be of major importance before a park. Common sense people. Marketing 101. The leader of the Illinois Valley!
11:10 Isn't sarcasm supposed to be relevant, coherent and funny? Remember the joke isn't only supposed to be funny to all those voices in your head.
2:10 ---- GET, FIND, OR BUY A PERSONALITY!!! AND YES!! IT'S IN CAPS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5:16 Getting a lobotomy and practicing racism would be required to have what you call an acceptable personality. And yes, it is all spelled correctly and using caps where appropriate. How do you get your knuckles off the ground enough to type?
PRACTICE - PRACTICE - PRACTICE - MY DEAR LADY!
How do you get your knuckles off the ground enough to type?
PRACTICE-PRACTICE-PRACTICE-MY DEAR LADY!
Would someone who understands the above please offer a explanation to the rest of us who don't. Thank you.
The Knuckle dragging is a common reference to to mouth breathing Neanderthals ( knuckles dragging on the ground).
I believe the Practice Practice. Comment was an attempt at a snappy witty comeback, unless they meant they wanted to practice more racism? Caps guy just assumed 8:01 was a woman I guess.
It's hard to follow the Caps guy.
P.M.S.?????
9:11 You may be on to something with CAPS guy. PMS or
Puerile Mental State is truly a tragedy.
Good to see not only racism, but sexism is a part of your personality profile.
"I can only imagine tents, grills being brought to a park and to put it bluntly alot of the out of towners have a problem speaking English."
Is this person for real? As a tax paying responsible Hispanic, I am outraged by this. It was pointed out to me and what is even more infuriating is that Racists claim that HE/SHE is NOT a racist but just tells it like it is! The ARROGANCE of assuming these litterbugs are purposefully PRETENDING not to understand him, and perhaps really did not understand him, is infuriating. How many teenagers ( or others) of all races have I seen littering in my town and thumbing their noses at anyone who tells them to pick something up? Plenty!
I don't know much about this area or this blog, but I know enough to say I would never want to visit or live here. Only one person even called him/her on this. Deplorable.
I thought they where talking about the Polish from the East End of LaSalle.
Anon 7:33 I, as the huge majority of our community see and treat all with respect. I as many others of this area have had to depend on all representation of our society in crucial times and have been successful on account of this representation and my small way of paying those back is to treat theirs, no matter where they are from as equals and with respect.
Yes we have a few and I hope it is only a few that are very backward in their social skills and are trying to live life in the pre Lincoln era. I will emphasize that the vast majority of us are living in the modern "Land of Lincoln".
In conclusion I as many others have not answered this person because we feel that it will only feed their hunger for hate but we are acknowliging you. Hope you and yours are having a Very Merry Christmas.
To 7:33 pm,
I am in total agreement with you in your assessment and disgust with the person(s) spouting off in such a "narrow-minded" and "ignorant" fashion.
It is unfortunate that the blog administrator continues to allow hate filled commentary as a means to vent her own frustrations with the current administration. These types of comments should never be posted.
Unfair, hate-filled and blatantly false statements on this or any other blog should be screened "OUT" by the blog administrator immediately. That is not censorship, that is common decency in a civilized society.
We are not a racist community here in the Illinois Valley. We do however have our share of hopelessly cynical and hateful individuals who participate in this blog in order to vent their own personal frustrations by sniping anonymously at anybody they dislike or disagree with.
It's obvious to me that very few of the people who participate in this blog are truly active in local politics in any meaningful way.
They do not understand that "blogging" does "not" qualify anyone as a political activist.
It is not my place, nor that of any other anonymous blogger to apologize for the quasi-racist and hate filled comments posted on this blog.
That apology remains as just one of the many responsibilities of the blog administrator. Anything short of that will only enable other malcontents to comment in a racist fashion.
8:42 Blatantly false, unfair and hate filled are pretty subjective judgements for a blog admin to make on a primarily political website. The main responsibility for correcting the false claims should be on the politicians or public officials, and they choose not to do it. Unfair or hate filled come with the territory in politics.
Racist commentary or attacks attacks on relatives of public figures remains easier to spot and I agree should be deleted immediately.
There is no need to make a mountain out of a mole hill! The blogger was just referring to all the garbage left on the water banks. What would have been a better way to
say it? Don't responsible parents teach their children to pick up after themselves? And taking garbage with you when you leave an area after swimmining or
fishing helps keep the water and ecosystem cleaner. Get over it bloggers and keep racism out of it. Alot of you read
to much into the post. Grow up!!!!
Unfortunately I have the same "bug" going around that many of you have also. I will answer the complaint when I feel a little better.
12:17
Everything that racist post said , every point they made could have been made without the statement that "they don't understand English". It WAS racist, you just do not want to admit or deal with it. You tell me to grow up? I tell you to evolve.
The main point of the bloggers post was that area was not good for a park, the xenophobic comments that out of towers are litterbugs and can't speak English was WRONG. His/ her apology was half hearted, saying sorry if they offended but that was the FACTS. It was not fact, it was racist opinion. Deal with it.
Don't tell me to leave race out of it, tell him/her.
There was nothing wrong said. The only ones that are trying to make a big deal out of this are probably the same kind who want to sue a company for slipping on the ice while sneaking out of work to smoke a blunt. Hope you feel better Lois and keep up the good work! I also enjoy the fun comments and adjitation. In all seriousness keep up the good work and HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Anon 12:06 12/31/12's comment was very good and professionally finalized the issue. To go on and on is only belaboring the controversy.
As a person of Polish decent, I find the blog administrators decision to post the meaningless comment/joke Polish people unnecessary and disappointing as well.
People want the issue to stop but it is simply wrong and easily fixed. Delete racist comments. People can rephrase them.
11:16 AM
Relax, I am also of Polish descent and have lived in the heart of the Polish neighborhood my entire life. Most Polish are kind and loving people and we have all learned to roll with the punches. During WWII when my sister was stationed in San Francisco, someone asked where she was from and she told them and their reply was "Oh, where the ducks what backward". referring to the many Polish people who still spoke the language. Some of the most beautiful hymns I have ever heard were those sung at Christmas in Polish. There are some things in life that are worth a battle but believe me this is not one of them.
I worked there in 2004 as a contractor welding the leaking pipes inside the boiler. I think I spent 3 or 4 days there times 8 hours a day and there was 2 of us.
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