READERS WRITE: Mayoral candidate responds to "MU terrorism" claim

A friend of mine forwarded your article. :)   You have so many interesting articles, I subscribed.   I wanted to clarify a few things.  

 

I did not call MU a terrorist organization (at least not intentionally). I called the Curators of the University of Missouri a terrorist organization.  I did want to point out to you that I'm not name calling.   I'm just pointing out the laws as they are written in Missouri Revised Statute 574.115 relating to terrorist activities.

 

In much the same way, you may or may not approve of the President of the United States (current or previous depending on your leanings) while still supporting and loving the United States.

 

While looking at several of your previous blogs, I have to ask if having a mayor who is willing to stand up to special interests, regardless of how large or powerful they are, would be a bad thing?   I see several articles about Bill Weitkemper, whose efforts could save the city millions of dollars by pointing out existing regulations that were not being enforced due to special interests.

 

I think we can all agree that Weitkemper's work on this is a good thing.  

 

Since crime is something I'm personally concerned with, I've looked at what police officers cost the city.   Based on the current budget, a sworn law enforcement officer, equipment, and supporting personel runs about $120,000 a year. 

 

$1.2 million in unpaid sewer bills a year is 10 more fully equipped and staffed police officers patrolling our city and reducing crime.

 

The terrorism allegation resulted from a large, politically powerful organization who deliberately chose to harm a citizen and brag about its ability to do so.   Tough for me maybe, but I still lead a good life.  I love my job.  I have more friends than time, and in just a few more years, I'll own my own home and be completely debt free.

 

You may sometimes be punished for something you didn't do.  However, if you calmly accept the punishment and refuse to declare it unjust, those who see you being punished may believe that you deserved it.

-- Paul Love, 2010 Candidate for Mayor, City of Columbia

 

Missouri Revised Statute 574.115

Making a terrorist threat

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C500-599/5740000115.HTM