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Re: “Indy's Westside: The new Indiana Ave?”
I don't understand your response... you are basically repeating many of the points I made but discounting my article because I'm white.
Contrary to your assumptions, every artist and entrepreneur I've ever spoken with on the Westside has been absolutely eager to share their work with the largest audience possible. I think every Latino, African or Asian artist I've ever interviewed would love to be on the 'national' map.
More importantly - I think many immigrant families would like a pathway to citizenship or at least some type of permit allowing them to live and work here without fear of arrest or sudden deportation... in order for that to happen that has to be a major shift in the current public opinion of immigrant culture... If U.S. citizens are only hearing negative reports of immigrant culture, attitudes will never change and progressive immigration reform has no chance. In my opinion exposure to music, food and other cultural expression is a great way to break down the walls of prejudice dividing us. That's the motivation behind this series of columns - to use music us a tool for education and social justice and to document artists who do the same.
You say the Mexican community is "flying nicely under mainstream radar" - tell that to undocumented students who dream of going to college, but can't afford the mandatory out of state tuition fees applied to immigrants. Tell that to an intelligent, highly educated parent who risks their life traveling here to provide a better future for their children, but will never obtain a good job with a living wage and are instead confined to menial hard labor. Tell that to honest, hardworking people who simply want a driving permit to go back & forth to work without the constant fear & anxiety of being pulled over by the cops... these are the stories of many of my friends & I promise you they are not happy being forced to live "under mainstream radar."
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
until I hear your reply... I'll just assume you're another heartless scumbag who aims threats at the weakest members of our society in order to puff up their already over-inflated egos...
Re: “Indy's Crime & Punishment, Part 1”
If you've done any research at all on the prohibition of alcohol in the United States - then I'm certain your next article will be advocating the legalization of marijuana and other currently illegal narcotics... as you must certainly realize that prohibition led to the rise of an uncontrollable criminal culture.
Re: “Panhandling Problems”
I'm still waiting on your reply???
Re: “In memoriam: Melvin Rhyne”
Hey David, that's great - when does your show air? I would love to check it out...
I've written about Uncle Funkenstein & the great Russel Webster in past articles...
IMO, there certainly is funding available for projects honoring the artistic legacy of Indiana Avenue - but it has never become a priority for those who control the $$$.
thanks
Re: “In memoriam: Melvin Rhyne”
Hey Gary, I did not forget Hubbard or Johnson & I've written about them both in prior articles.
It's amazing you saw Wes & Mel at the Missile Room - what a fantastic memory that must be!
Re: “A humorous approach to homelessness”
Great story!
Re: “Omelet Shoppe”
This is no ordinary Omelet Shoppe... half the menu is devoted to standard diner fare, but the other half includes a large selection of veg & non-veg Indian cuisine... AND on top of that the diner houses a full bar! Yes, you can order whiskey with your pancakes & curry!