I was given a 30-year sentence and fined over $200,000 for nonviolent cannabis offenses. I was a young, white male, hauled off to prison to serve nearly 15 years before being released. I am currently at Stanford University, making use…
Editorial Page
Letter to the Editor | Pandemic Safety Measure: Request Ballot to Vote by Mail
by contributor • • Comments Off on Letter to the Editor | Pandemic Safety Measure: Request Ballot to Vote by Mail
To help voters prepare for the upcoming General Election, the League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria is encouraging all registered voters to request a vote by mail ballot for the Nov. 3 election. We fully agree with the words…
Editorial | Sincere Williams: A rising voice in Peoria’s justice community
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Editorial | Sincere Williams: A rising voice in Peoria’s justice community
Most of America and the world are appalled by the murder of George Floyd who died with his neck under the knee of a white Minneapolis police officer while other police officers passively looked on. If you don’t see this…
Letter to the Editor | Black man working alone in Peoria at night confronted by men armed with military assault weapon
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Letter to the Editor | Black man working alone in Peoria at night confronted by men armed with military assault weapon
Editor’s Note: At the end of this letter is information from the police incident report, Gannett Corp. and the Rev. Marvin Hightower, president of the local chapter of the NAACP. I am a 51-year-old African American man, and I have…
OpEd | Distancing Can Be Other Than Social
by contributor • • Comments Off on OpEd | Distancing Can Be Other Than Social
Although people of all ages can be victims of COVID-19, we share a common awareness that some folks are more vulnerable than others. This fact has promoted a mentality that makes us wonder when someone has died whether they were…
Editorial | When emotions clash with science-based public policy
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Editorial | When emotions clash with science-based public policy
There is something pathetic, ridiculous and depressing watching scores of people picketing the state capital in Michigan carrying assault weapons and protesting orders to stay home and wear a face mask in public. But even more depressing is listening to…
OpEd | Your shopping dollars can save a village
by contributor • • Comments Off on OpEd | Your shopping dollars can save a village
BY NANCY LONG Getting tired of wearing a mask? Your workplace is shut down? Waiting for Food Stamps? It’s serious, even if you or loved ones don’t get COVID-19. Consider the families at the other end of the supply chain.…
Editorial | Overt voter suppression fails in Wisconsin
by Clare Howard • • Comments Off on Editorial | Overt voter suppression fails in Wisconsin
A perfect storm of voter suppression in the middle of a global pandemic failed in Wisconsin last month. The Democratic governor tried to postpone the election to a later, safer date –– a move many states had already done. The…
Letter to the Editor | Change and Adapt: Building a new food system for a post COVID-19 world
by Community Word Staff • • Comments Off on Letter to the Editor | Change and Adapt: Building a new food system for a post COVID-19 world
Well, at least now we know what we fear most in a crisis. Fearing a shortage of eggs perhaps, or cheese filled hot dogs, or logically all of the ingredients needed to prepare your favorite healthy meal might have made…
Letter to the Editor | Victory for Standing Rock
by contributor • • Comments Off on Letter to the Editor | Victory for Standing Rock
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg has revoked the permits for the Dakota Access pipeline pending a full environmental review. DAPL has been an ongoing battle to protect tribal lands and tribal rights to hunt, fish and participate in traditional ceremonies.…