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Deaf EarsBy: Diana Treviño Translated by: Maria Coronado The United States has taught me much. I have learned about its diversity, its tolerance and the concept of democracy which is practiced as part of daily life. I understand that part of its political success lies in the culture of consensus and obedience to the law. The United States is known as the country of freedom, but I doubt very much that what is happening in Waukegan is true freedom. Political officials do not appear to understand that people exist with sufficient intellect that are not in agreement with their form of brain washing, no matter how much they may wave their flag of "Service and Public Safety". It appears that they do not understand the profile they are giving citizens with regards to their personalities and intelligence. To begin with Mr. Politicians and Public Officials, let me tell you that we citizens are not looking for politicians that are perfect or ideal human beings or fictional heroes who do not make mistakes. We understand perfectly how politics works. We citizens of Waukegan do not need public officials to assume the role of untouchable beings, with enlightened visions, nor with the attitudes of mystics or altruists, who apparently are not justly acknowledged by anyone. We want, myself included, beings made of flesh and bone, honest, transparent, dignified, who will say what they think, what worries them, what they plan to do and the true intentions of their actions. We need people who will take on the responsibilities they face, who will consider the rights of each person and who will treat them with the worth and respect that each individual deserves. This includes a congruent relationship and a basic conduct aimed at the benefit of the community. We citizens and common people are not bothered by the fact that as political leaders you may make mistakes. What makes us indignant is when you lie, falsify and omit your intentions and the fact. If offends us that once caught and confronted, you assume a posture of being misunderstood and being victims of social mistreatment. A recent example was a conversation I had with the Director of Waukegan Building Department, Charles Perkey during which I asked him why, if the new inspection ordinance had been passed and approved since May, 2002 and did not begin enforcement until January of 2003, they had not developed an educational campaign to help prevent or avoid such arbitrary acts as home invasions, violating the rights of people to be secure in their own homes, as addressed in the 4th Amendment of the Constitution. He replied: "Well, at this time we have finished about half of an educational video which is not yet finished. Which is definitely my fault because I have delayed finishing the English version so that afterwards Susana Figueroa (Community Liaison for the City of Waukegan) can translate it to Spanish and we'll have two versions of the same (video). "Possibly" this video will be finished by May 1st before I leave office", concluded Perkey. In other words, the City had 8 months to develop an educational campaign aimed at both the renter and the owner of rental buildings. In the end, this Waukegan Official decided that even though it was not finished, and "possibly" might not be finished, it would be better to act first and educate later. What about the Constitution? And the Fourth Amendment? And Human Rights? And Political Correctness? This past May 6th, 2002, at a regular meeting of the Waukegan City Council, Aldermen Larry TenPas, Pat Needham, Richard Hyde, Sam Cunningham, John Balen, John Rickerd and TONY FIGUEROA voted, approved and publicly announced Ordinance #02-037. They argue that this new ordinance watches out for the public safety and betters the quality of life of the citizens of Waukegan and that it will bring many positive things and that the Hispanic community will be the most benefited by it. Excuse Me?! Here I am, in front of my computer with the best disposition in the world, intent on writing not one, but many lists of nothing but the good things, the positive things, the constructive things that this new ordinance can bring to our community...I am convinced that this ordinance in itself breeds security. What truly floors me is the form in which the corresponding authorities are applying it. Mr. Politicians and Public Officials, Cicero already said it, "A bad peace is better than a good war". Dear Reader: If you have any doubts about this report, the following questions and answers were heard at the Department of Housing Meeting this past Wednesday, January 22nd at City Hall. Question: "Do you know that the manner which you employ in invading homes can be traumatic for the renters?" Answer: "I don't believe it's traumatic." Question: "Do you know that what you are doing can cost you a lot of money if someone decides to sue the city?" Answer: "They can sue the City as many times as they want. Experience tells us that these types of lawsuits don't go anywhere." Question: "Do you know that this procedure is discriminatory since you are only going after the renter? Does it not bother you to invade the privacy of your citizens?" Answer: "This entire procedure is only to better the quality of life of our citizens." Question: "Are there other ways of educating Hispanics?" Answer: "We have tried different educational methods in the past, but public safety is an urgent matter." Vision News - Friday, January 24, 2003 |
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