|
*** UPDATED x1 *** Martin Luther King, Jr. statue knocked over
Monday, Sep 12, 2022 - Posted by Rich Miller * The Martin Luther King, Jr. statue near the Statehouse was “toppled over” last night, according to Beth Kaufman at the Secretary of State’s office. A person is in custody, but has not yet been formally charged. The statue is currently at a state warehouse being “assessed for damage,” Kaufman said. According to Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) there’s video of the alleged crime. Rep. Butler took this photo today of the empty pedestal…  I really hate people sometimes. *** UPDATE *** According to Ms. Kaufman, Fernando Garcia Martinez, 24, has been formally charged with criminal damage to state supported property, which is a felony. He’s currently at the Sangamon County Jail. …Adding… I’m told Martinez “has no address,” so it’s unknown at this time where he’s from. Bail will be determined tomorrow during a court hearing.
|
 |
|
|
- Amalia - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:47 pm:
I’m truly hoping this was just random stupid drunk. but I am not hopeful. terrible.
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:48 pm:
I hate to say it’s a sign of the times…
That makes two of us, Rich.
- Bob Meter - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:48 pm:
So terrible.
- Baloneymous - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:49 pm:
===I really hate people sometimes.===
I try to remain vigilante most days and see the good in people. But I’m disappointed pretty much every day. Even a church I used to attend has made some recent decisions that make me give up hope for most of the people who still attend.
- Thomas Paine - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 3:53 pm:
A South politician preaches to the poor white man
“You got more than the blacks, don’t complain
You’re better than them, you been born with white skin, ” they explain
And the Negro’s name
Is used, it is plain
For the politician’s gain
As he rises to fame
And the poor white remains
On the caboose of the train
But it ain’t him to blame
He’s only a pawn in their game
Dylan said it more plainly than anyone.
James Earl Ray
And the vandals today
Are all just a pawn in their game
- Pizza Man - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:03 pm:
While it’s horrible and deplorable to destroy public property, I believe SoS White was never a fan of the statue. “It did not give the true resemblance of Dr. King, he looked tired.” Hopefully, it can return soon and/or get a new one if need be.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:03 pm:
As others are so convinced that the Proft ad we are discussing today isn’t about race…
I’m waiting for those same folks “defending” the Proft ad as not about race.
- illini - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:14 pm:
The Southern Poverty Law Center has identified 733 groups nationally and 23 that are specific to Illinois that are considered hate groups and are either racially, social or anti-government in nature.
When we have ex-Presidents, several prominent local congresspeople and other elected officials who are openly supporting such groups it should come as no surprise that these acts of vandalism and hate are taking place. Candidates are currently running at many levels that also openly endorse principles of hate and who refuse to call out these groups and individuals for what they are.
Hate is apparently becoming an acceptable form of political speech and behavior.
- NoOneOfConsequence - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:19 pm:
I grew up in Springfield and remember back in 1989
when Channel 20 News showing the statue being installed. Made me feel pride as a youngster to see IL honoring Dr King. Looking at the empty pedestal makes me hang my head. The last 33 years have had their ups and downs but I thought we were better than this….
- Dotnonymous - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:21 pm:
Bob Dylan threw in the towel with Murder Most Foul…can’t say I blame him.
- Norseman - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:25 pm:
This was a sick act by a mind that has found too much affirmation from the MAGA GOP.
I want to see this replaced by a better depiction of Dr. King, not restored. My apologies to the sculptor but I’ve never found it aesthetically well done. While it was meant to symbolize him marching, I always thought it looked like he was stumbling around.
- 47th Ward - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:37 pm:
For now, I’m choosing to assume Mr. Martinez had too much to drink and was not making a statement about race relations.
For now.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:48 pm:
===He’s currently at the Sangamon County Jail.===
Good.
Innocent until proven guilty, let him has his day in court
- Flapdoodle - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 4:55 pm:
Do not ask how dumb people can be — some of them will see that as a challenge.
- H-W - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 5:03 pm:
I am with Amalia. I hope this is “stupid is as stupid does.” I really hope this wasn’t anger-related. I have studied and taught Dr. King’s works for a few decades. I am sure he would focus on restoration, and community service.
- Manchester - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 5:13 pm:
It’s a troubling sign of our times, terrible and so disrespectful of the memory of a leader with a fantastic message. I wonder if we really have any chance of fulfilling Dr. King’s dream.
- Leslie K - Monday, Sep 12, 22 @ 7:51 pm:
===I’m truly hoping this was just random stupid drunk. but I am not hopeful.===
My thoughts exactly, Amalia.
- Do Better - Tuesday, Sep 13, 22 @ 5:48 am:
the mood of the room sure changed with that update
- Arsenal - Tuesday, Sep 13, 22 @ 9:03 am:
==the mood of the room sure changed with that update ==
Not sure what you hope you’re implying, but it really didn’t.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Sep 13, 22 @ 9:10 am:
===the mood of the room sure changed===
Anyone jumping to conclusions should step back and take a breath, including those with the assumption that an apparently Latino man couldn’t have racist inclinations against Black people. Let it play out.
- Ron Burgundy - Tuesday, Sep 13, 22 @ 9:11 am:
-the mood of the room sure changed with that update-
You sure seem gleeful about this whole thing. Maybe Proft can get the footage and make an ad out of it?