Pride or Prejudice?

IRONWOOD, MI - Saturday, October 17, 2009 - EDITORIAL - by Steve Frank - About 1:30 this afternoon I observed a large amount of litter by the ore car across from Hiawatha. It was obvious that someone had dumped it out of a car. I was unable to stop but promptly dialed 911 and reported it. At that time I stated that it might be possible to find receipts and track down the individual responsible. I checked again at 5:30 and nothing had changed! Did an officer even bother to drive by? They certainly didn't pick it up. And considering that there were two lighters, several cigarette packs, several receipts, a photograph, and a piece of paper with a phone number on it I don't think anyone can argue that they picked up other, more important evidence. I spent more time washing my hands than it took to pick up the garbage and deposit it in the can across the street.

I know some will argue that it really isn't the IPSD's job to pick up litter, but I disagree. If no attempt is made to enforce a law is it any surprise when that law is routinely broken? And after evidence is collected is it really asking that much for a public servant to spend all of two minutes cleaning up the mess? But don't worry I went ahead and took care of it. You know, that guy who hates Ironwood, and is so bad for the area.

As I stated at the last City Commission meeting it all comes back to pride. And judging by the "good enough" mentality that is so pervasive this is something that is sadly lacking. There is cause for hope, however. While I was picking up the garbage three young girls had walked up to the pavilion. One of them walked over to me and asked if I needed any help. You see, it's not that hard to set a good example. Unfortunately most of our leaders seem to go out of their way to set the wrong one.