gdp's Comments

GazetteOnline.com : Evidence contradicts 9/11 crimes

Sat, 11 Sep 2010 15:13:55 +0000

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" :)

GazetteOnline.com : Don't reward illegal immigrants

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 01:31:20 +0000

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.

GazetteOnline.com : Don't reward illegal immigrants

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 22:10:30 +0000

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.

GazetteOnline.com : Medical mall would be worth the inconveniences

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 21:37:42 +0000

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 :)

GazetteOnline.com : Is this tattoo worth free French fries for life?

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:46:13 +0000

That's the first thing I thought, too - if they go out of business, that tattoo is worthless!

GazetteOnline.com : Pick for Linn County prosecutor has job offer rescinded after traffic stop

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:46:06 +0000

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.

GazetteOnline.com : Pick for Linn County prosecutor has job offer rescinded after traffic stop

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:38:35 +0000

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?

GazetteOnline.com : Pick for Linn County prosecutor has job offer rescinded after traffic stop

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 02:02:37 +0000

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.

GazetteOnline.com : Pick for Linn County prosecutor has job offer rescinded after traffic stop

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:58:31 +0000

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.

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 01:16:12 +0000

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.

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 01:14:04 +0000

TwoCats, I know you and I have disagreed on other topics, but I think we're on the same page on this one.

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Thu, 1 Jul 2010 01:13:05 +0000

Did you ever stop to think that not everyone can just up and move? Some of us have multiple factors that are keeping us in this area. Nice try.

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:41:24 +0000

I wholeheartedly agree with your comments. And to strengthen your point about unemployment benefits even more, I've been unemployed for over two years and have not applied for or received one single penny in aid from the government. I've used a combination of cutting expenses and doing whatever I can (odd jobs/freelance/ebay) to make ends meet and keep my head above water. A will finds a way.

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:36:37 +0000

Thanks for the encouraging words - it's nice to see that someone can empathize. I posted my comments on here, fully expecting a few uninformed people to insinuate that I'm lazy. Quite the opposite - I hate being unemployed. My wife and I have had to cut expenses, we don't get to go on vacation, and we don't have any benefits.... and that doesn't even begin to address the frustration and "swallowing of pride" that I encounter also. But yeah, things do fall into place for a person if they keep trying hard enough, and you are definitely proof positive of that!

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:21:36 +0000

Ummm, buddy, look through those 503 listings and tell me how many jobs you wouldn't be considered for if you were job-seeking. I'm pretty sure my resume would get thrown away if I applied for a job in nursing, accounting, construction, engineering, etc. simply because I don't have the education and/or experience to even be considered. Have you ever been unemployed yourself, because it sounds like you have no compassion for others.

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:09:38 +0000

Completely agree. I've been unemployed for over two years, and believe me, I've been fighting tooth and nail trying to land something. The word "unemployed" carries a horrible connotation with it; many employed people don't understand that there are so many of us in the unemployed ranks who would give practically anything to have a job again. I've tried to do as many side projects as possible (freelance, ebay, etc.), but I'd rather be working full-time with benefits.... and with a purpose, too. CNN's site had a great article about how many companies won't hire unemployed people and will only consider applicants who have been at their current position for a certain length of time.... absolutely ludicrous and pretty discriminating towards the people who need those jobs in the first place! :)

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:06:19 +0000

Try telling that to people like myself and several of my friends, who are unemployed with college degrees. Wal-Mart and McDonald's don't hire you just because you apply, and we know that first-hand. They won't hire us because, as someone at Wal-Mart told my friend, "Why would we hire you when we feel that you're just going to bolt for a job in your field as soon as you get a chance?"

GazetteOnline.com : Survey finds long-term unemployment high in Iowa

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:04:15 +0000

Count me as one. I've applied for well over a hundred jobs and have had no luck so far.

GazetteOnline.com : Postal Service needs to make improvements

Mon, 28 Jun 2010 21:29:09 +0000

Anna, if the post office hired more employees to get your mail to you quicker, I'm sure you'd also be the first in line to complain when they had to raise postage rates to help pay for those new employees :)

GazetteOnline.com : Clarke College prof designed Big Ten logo to grow

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:34:04 +0000

This is the best one. CNNSI's Extra Mustard section linked to this one a few days ago: http://b16ten.org/