A victory for all Americans
A recent court decision against Glendale's anti-solicitation
ordinance is a victory for working-class individuals. It is not only
a victory for day laborers, but a resounding victory to all Americans
and the Constitution of the United States of America.
Federal Judge S. James Otero's preliminary injunction essentially
bars the city from enforcing the ordinance. And I would petition city
officials and attorneys to leave matters as they are. Time and time
again this issue has being taken to court and the judges rule in
favor of day laborers. Why? Because of the fundamental reasoning
which our forefather's wisdom embolden in the U.S. Constitution. The
basic right to free speech is protected in the First Amendment of the
United States Constitution. Whether it be for the President or a day
labor, freedom of speech is sanctimonious to our democracy.
If court judges can see this clearly then why do our city
officials and attorneys persist in amending the ordinance to pass
judicial review?
Just because the city operates a day laborer center does not
warrant an amended city soliciting code to clearly state that it does
not apply to side-walks. The issue is freedom of speech and abridging
that right. We have city laws against loitering and trespassing. Do
we need more? Or is it because the majority of day laborers are
Latino undocumented and once arrested for violating the city
ordinance can easily be deported? Is it?
MIKE GOMEZ
Glendale
Prayers go out for Metrolink tragedy
The magnitude of Wednesday morning's train wreck is
heart-wrenching. While one needn't be from Los Angeles to grieve for
those involved, as a former resident of Glendale, who had attended
both Wilson junior high and Glendale High School in the '70s, I
retain a love for the Glendale and greater Los Angeles communities.
Those affected by this tragedy remain in my thoughts and prayers.
MICHELLE ADAMS BURCHETT
Sutherland, Virginia
