‘Chicago’ people deserve their say

“Chicago” people is the politically correct descriptive some white Iowans use when addressing issues they have with blacks. The media has an obsession with giving forum for (white) Iowans' “concern” with any black who happens to now live in Iowa, yet none from “Chicago” people.

A recent guest column (“Weed out criminals in C.R. neighborhoods,” May 10) makes it seem as if there was no crime before “Chicago” people moved here. It states, without verification, that many “Chicago” people are on public assistance and proposes drug testing for future public assistance applicants. This is government overreach. Florida tried this: Results showed fewer drug users than in the general population. Would conservatives consider drug-testing those not receiving government assistance?

The writer also proposes landlords be held responsible for their tenants and urges city leaders to change redistricting so multifamily houses become single-family to keep “gangs” from infiltrating her neighborhood.

Stark difference from Iowa City. Neighborhoods where there are/will be multifamily, while not the best for some native Iowa citizens, are not the “gangs” issue she suggests in Cedar Rapids. Could it be that most University of Iowa students happen to be white?

Can anyone imagine what “Chicago” people must feel given all the negative media attention? All reports are viciously unfavorable with little room for counter arguments.

The so-called “liberal” media should make attempts to bridge people's differences rather than lowering dialogue to points from which it may be difficult to come back.

Try interviewing “Chicago” people.

Thomas Sass

Iowa City