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| D. McCoy photo |
But the voters weren't intimidated (Marines weren't armed). Two out of three of them voted to keep Ames a community school, in yesterday's referendum. Although the referendum is nonbinding, those opposed to the militarization of Ames said they hoped it will send another strong message to CPS, the School Board and politicians that the majority of nearby residents truly do not want to see the school become a military academy.
"This is what democracy looks like," said neighborhood activist Leticia Barrera. Probably needs a question mark after like.
I highly doubt the Marines were "pushing" voters. They were doing exactly what other people do when they support a new school opening. This, to the Marines, is not an "Us or them" thing. They were simply supporting a new military school. I don't believe that my brothers and sisters in uniform would try to intimidate someone into voting for a new school. I may be reading your post wrong, but it sounds like you're accusing them of this. Semper Fi Marines!
ReplyDeleteSemper Fi my ass. In this country we don't have people in uniform politicking at polling places or going door-to-door "asking" people to vote their way. It's downright un-American.
ReplyDeleteDear First Anon,
ReplyDeleteI am not "accusing" them of anything. But you did read my post right. I am against the mayor and his team contracting with the Marines to run a public school, especially against the expressed wishes of the overwhelming majority of community residents, parents and students.
This opposition to the militarization of Ames was expressed for the umpteenth time in yesterday's election. While uniformed members of the military by law have the right to participate in elections and vote as private citizens, they are not allowed to influence or interfere with the outcome of an election..
Uniformed Marines have no business hanging around polling places during an election -- unless we're under martial law. Are we?
If not, back to the barracks. E Pluribus Unim
Mike,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that I filed a comp[lain with the DoD Inspector General asking that they investigate what happened on election day with those folks in uniform. I presume you have more information that I do, so I wanted to encourage you to get in touch with the Inspector General as well. If these were in fact real Marines at a polling place, that's a serious issue and it needs to be dealt with at the agency level.
http://www.dodig.mil/HOTLINE/hotlinecomplaint.html
Thanks,
Kevin