Casey’s guards fill a gap in police protection

Mary Russell’s guest column of May 5 (“Armed guard at Iowa City convenience store sends the wrong message”) is remarkable for her enthusiastic ignorance. Government’s failure to protect private property always creates a vacuum that will be filled by individuals anxious to protect their homes and businesses. No business is eager to increase its costs by hiring guards, but one has no choice if the local government allows crime and violence to go unchecked in the streets. This hiring is the direct result of policies that it appears Russell favors and supports. The sad thing, is that while Russell has the leisure to attend committee meetings and get her name in the newspaper, those workers of more modest means have to pay more for necessities at stores like Casey’s

Daniel McGrail

Cedar Rapids