Such thefts did not occur in Park Forest and I resent the implication that they did.
For those of us not fortunate enough to have the resources to visit the fair town of Park Forest Illinois and partake in the thrilling permitted hunting, this is interesting to read about, considering I am always hearing about how dangerous Mexico is to travel in and whether it's true or not, I don't much like hearing it.
Without confronting the alledged racist content which is not my place to opine on your culture, of what was alledged to be an innocent cartoon, this got me thinking about politics in general. Is it true that Mike Farmer was blackmailed in Park Forest by the Village Manager and forced to give up something he honestly purchased in good faith? I don't find any of this humorous anymore, as I assume that this Village Manager person represents the interests of the Village of Park Forest as she uses the official email of Park Forest. I really am nort interested in the legality of all this, but just would like to make a point that the next time someone from north of the Border tells me about Mexico, check to see if all back home on the farm is as rosy as you think.
A little internet browsing on Park Forest turns up an African-American guy who was stopped for a traffic violation, denied his lawyer, then beaten and tortured by racist police officers (said officers convicted of racism) and given the death penalty for a murder he tried to deny but was hooded and nearly smothered by a typewriter cover, and denied food and bathroom for many hours until forced to sign a clearly coerced confession.
It also turns up another case of a young woman unloading the groceries from her car who was then butchered to death by a knife wielding 15 year old in Park Forest, who was not allowed a (parental and) lawyer visit in accordance with Miranda rights.
Interestingly, it also turns up a long essay by a person who seems to be respectful, complaining about the lack of funding for public school in Park Forest, as she complains that since the town of Park Forest was founded it has gone downhill as its mall was basically vacated in favor of other better situated places, leaving the town mall in unacceptable shape. The writer patriotically points out that the town sold some property to counteract the downward trend for a apparently fair $350,000 or so, but then sent them their tax bill assessment of basically the same amount, causing him to have to walk (sounds like Farmer's dilemma?). The author? Janet Murchnik.
Finally in its population of about 24,000 people, crime statistics are available...two murders a year, 20 rapes a year, 20 robberies a year, all about constant, but burglary (up 21% to 155), larceny (up 27% to 468) and assault (up 42% to 54) are very disturbing as they showed dramatic increases. (2002 / 2001) .
I would like to congratulate Park Forest for hiring two new police officers last week to combat this type of problem. But if this is a safe town as the tone of the Village suggests, and if Wichita Kansas is right up there with it....PF, a Pueblo of 24,000 souls ... that's smaller than most major university student bodies. That is a very very dangerous place by international standards. and it is considered safer than surrounding communities? (Actually, Olympia Fields seems much more safe per the statistics, so I am not sure about that).
Perhaps Mark will even consider taking down his cartoon, if he were treated with respect instead of the aggressive overtures of guilty before deliberation: as it is clear why PF is so sensitive to these issues, but in this case I don't understand why this type of polarization must come to the list. I do understand Mark's problem: he has been accused of something that is considered reason to be removed from the IMCA ... so he is forced to speak up as he feels he is innocent ... Why is he being walked into a corner? What ever happened to respect and friendliness to get things done? How wonderful the meteorite chose to make Park Forest special. I hope the town can make the best of it. A lot of the natives were probably pretty happy with the needed income they received from the meteorite hunters, publicity, and indirect income. Congratulations!
Saludos
Doug
Mexico