PHOTO BY RON ROLLET
Retired legal professional John Banks-Brooks stated he was initially denied use of the restroom on the Springfield Amtrak station and later instructed he can be arrested for trespassing if he didn’t depart the premises.
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SAME TREATMENT
I learn with curiosity the Guestwork article written by legal professional John Banks-Brooks (“Studying whereas Black,” March 20). I instantly understood Mr. Banks-Brooks’ place as a result of as a lifetime resident of Springfield and native photographer, I’ve wandered into the Amtrak station on many events.
I used to be met, surprisingly sufficient, with the exact same remedy as Mr. Banks-Brooks. Nevertheless, I’m as white as they arrive, so I must conclude that race isn’t a difficulty right here. As I’m certain Mr. Banks-Brooks is aware of, the Amtrak station isn’t public property. I’ve been allowed to take a number of snapshots, however then understandably requested to go away, as I used to be not a traveler nor ready for a traveler. The Amtrak station is and has at all times been solely for the usage of Amtrak prospects and people accompanying these prospects.
If Mr. Banks-Brooks had regarded round, I am fairly sure he wouldn’t have seen any readers, knitters, checker gamers or different idlers within the station. It’s merely not allowed, no matter race. I’ve no need to query Mr. Banks-Brooks’ motives or actions, however being conscious of the loitering and trespassing insurance policies of native institutions appears fundamental to residency. I can record a number of extra companies within the space which have related insurance policies, some going as far as to strive prohibiting pictures (unlawful) and claiming metropolis sidewalks as their very own property.
I’d encourage Mr. Banks-Brooks to get a digital camera and see if he fares any higher. I do not see it as a racial difficulty, however I do see some company overreach in lots of situations and the train of rights and insurance policies by companies which merely don’t exist.
John Brodt
Springfield
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HAVE DIALOGUE
I first wish to thank Mr. Banks-Brooks and Illinois Instances for this text. These conditions are frequent, and there may be worth in bringing them right into a public discussion board for remark.
On this state of affairs there are not any winners or losers. The very best dialogues contain mutual respect, seeing either side and recognizing the place every particular person is coming from. Most guidelines have exceptions. What guides us in deciding these exceptions? What assumptions are we making concerning the different particular person?
There are alternatives in tough conditions to see a greater means. We people are, with out exception, works in progress. Every of us makes a distinction. We stay. We be taught. We forgive. We do higher.
Michael Leonard
Springfield
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MISGUIDED
The Springfield Amtrak tickets brokers are the best individuals on this planet. To an individual, they’re dedicated to the Amtrak firm mission to offer superior service to the touring public. In attaining that objective each day, every of them extends the warmest route and help to all, with out reservation.
The creator appears to be confused between “public” amenities and “touring public” amenities, in addition to an Amtrak coverage relating to that distinction. To clear up his misconceptions, I recommend he purchase a senior low cost ticket to the St. Louis, Missouri, Gateway Station. Then depart the premises, return at his comfort – guide in hand – and sit down with out a at the moment dated ticket. There can be no have to alarm any ticket agent, as a result of very quickly, one of many 24-hour, on-duty, totally armed safety guards will strategy and requested to see his go. Failing to supply this may end in abstract eviction from the premises. Lots of the safety personnel are African American, so the RWB rationalization most likely will not fly.
Their vigilance derives from the fixed makes an attempt by misguided individuals, resembling this creator, who try and invade the premises for their very own ends, in addition to Amtrak’s dedication to offering a safe, stress-free ready space for legitimate passengers.
The Springfield ticket agent handled the author very gently, out of order although he was, as she at all times has to everybody at her window.
Ronald E. Howell
Springfield
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NOT AN ACTIVIST
I recommend {that a} small-town Nebraska boy who targeted on company regulation to earn his juris doctorate, fortunately started his profession by serving a Republican congressman in fulfilling his Home appropriations duties then was a legislative staffer to a U.S. senator of the identical social gathering earlier than turning into a Securities and Change Fee legal professional with visions of Wall Avenue dancing in his head is hardly the prescription for pursuing a task as a leftist activist.
If I have been an activist, it strikes me that I’d haven’t solely introduced with me an oversize signal signifying my criticism however moreover, I’d have needed to have been arrested throughout a busy weekday for the speedy consideration.
Activism simply is not my factor. Neither is threatening people who earn their dwelling working for industrial, enterprise, authorities or nonprofit entities. What I do discover past the pale are those that use their authority to each denigrate and dismiss those that they cavalierly deem of lesser worth. My indignation of that sort of habits is not a matter of left or proper, however merely the best way my Bible-quoting grandma raised me. Consequently, I’ve no hesitation in talking towards such callous remedy of my fellow people, it doesn’t matter what their views. I ask the identical remedy for myself.
Nevertheless, in case you consider that contacting Amtrak headquarters and Illinois Instances is a matter of leftist activism, then I am responsible as charged.
John Banks-Brooks
Springfield
