Editorial: ACLU presence not appreciated

Friday, June 15, 2001 | 10:05 a.m.

I believe it's time the ACLU takes two steps backwards so it can get a good look at itself in the mirror. Every time the city fathers plan to clean up an area of the city from being a ghetto or getting rid of unbecoming paraphernalia, etc., the ACLU always seems to butt in, saying they're "violating people's rights."

I get tired of the continual crying about people's rights when we're trying to upgrade areas. The ACLU has proven its interest in protecting rights of minority groups that want to remain with their style of living instead of remaining silent and upholding what's good for our community. Would you stand behind all the issues you've defended if some involved your neighborhood?

Your organization may be a good thing and needed on occasion. But if you feel rights are being legitimately violated, let those involved request their need for a lawyer and fight it out in a court of law without having ACLU interference.

CHARLES A. HAGEN

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