Back in May, the state of Louisiana expanded its hate crimes legislation to include attacks on police officers and first responders.
There is a bill in the Colorado Legislature to do the same thing, and it has been floated in the U.S. Congress as a possible federal law.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott supports the idea for the Lone Star State. So far there is no word from Arkansas, which is one of the few states that do not have hate crime laws.
Supporters say police, firefighters and other emergency personnel deserve extra protection, especially in the wake of recent attacks on police in baton Rouge and Dallas.
Critics say such laws go too far in extending such protections to one's choice of occupation, rather than race or sexual orientation, which they say is part of person's identity from birth.
We want to know what you think. Should attacks on police and other first responders be classified as hate crimes? Or are you against the idea?
Send your response (50 words maximum) to [email protected] by Wednesday, Aug. 24. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday's paper.
Last Week: Kress Building
Last week, the Texarkana, Texas, City Council voted to budget money to help with the renovation of the Kress Building on West Broad Street and contract with a Tyler firm for cleanup and construction work. Do you think it's important to preserve the Kress Building? Or do you believe any money spent would just be wasted?
The Kress building's 3-story commercial facade is the only one in our town and is worth saving if at all possible. Adjacent property owners must be protected. I support the city staff's work and the council's support to look at alternatives to keep Texarkana's history in place for future generations.-J.M.D., Texarkana, Texas
It would certainly be a good thing for downtown Texarkana if the old Kress building was renovated. However I don't think the city should spend almost a half-million to do it. I cannot see how it would be worth that. Normally a deal like that is thought to be productive moneywise to the city. In this case I cannot see it.-B.J., Texarkana, Texas
When I was 15 years old, I walked one mile to catch a bus to go to work at the Kress Building. I am now 83 years old. I had to work to buy my school clothes and supplies. I wouldn't trade those days for anything. Save Kress Building!-C.S., New Boston, Texas
From www.facebook.com/texarkanagazette
- It's pure stupid to invest in this building. What will they use it for? Another bail bond business? Another homeless shelter? Another building to stare at? That money could be put to way better use and it just disgusts me that the city is even considering it.
- To me, the building it too far gone and I can think of better uses for the money. If a business or private individuals want to save it, they should be allowed to raise the funds and do just that.
- Here it isthe reason for all the anger at elected officials. PC over common sense! Put this money towards helping with REAL problems and issues in Texarkana, please.
- Tear it down, clear and decontaminate the area, then find someone that will do something with the space.
- They need to be investing in an animal shelter for Texas side.