Mexico is safe if you use sense
- Allan Turnipseed
Having just returned to Dallas in September 2010, after living almost three years in México City, I read with strong interest David Webb’s column, “A cautionary tale for LGBT travelers” (Dallas Voice, Feb. 4, 2011).
At first I took the commentary as cautionary; one needs to be vigilant whereever we live. Well, I took it that way until I got to the ending: “But hopefully it will be a strong reminder to all Americans that caution is more critical than ever when undertaking travel south of the border.”
With all the negative treatment México is getting in the U.S. press because of the drug wars, my only thought was, “Here is another negative murder story, one that doesn’t relate to the current problem.”
The whole time I lived in the largest city of the Americas, México City, I never felt danger when walking home late at night. I would often stroll along México City’s Paseo de la Refoma Avenue alone without ever any hesitation.
But I was always cautious. One has to be in any large mega city.
When returning to Dallas, I moved to Oak Lawn, three blocks behind where the old Tom Thumb used to be. Even before signing my lease I couldn’t help but remember when a young man was robbed and killed after having used an ATM machine on the corner of Throckmorton and Cedar Springs in 2007.
I also remembered I was moving close to the area where not too long ago a gentleman was shot and almost killed as he walked to his neighborhood bar.
So when I read, “that caution is more critical that ever when undertaking travel south of the border,” I just had to write and say not only “south of the border” but in Dallas, too. We have to be vigilant everywhere.
When I was living in México City, a city with 25 million people, I felt safe. But now that I am in Dallas, living in Oak Lawn, I don’t dare walk the three blocks to Kroger after dark.
I have deep sympathy for Allan Turnipseed, the former Dallas resident killed last month in Lake Chapala, and for his partner.
But from my perspective, Mr. Turnipseed didn’t just get too comfortable living in Lake Chapala, as columnist David Webb described it. Mr. Turnipseed also let his guard down.
He let two homeless teenagers into his surroundings — something I would never do in Dallas or in México.
Homeless and teenage males sound like a dangerous combination anywhere — especially in México, where poverty is so widespread.
But is México safe? Yes, if one uses caution and common sense.
Jesus Chairez, Dallas
Supporting James Nowlin for City Council
- James Nowlin
I was so pleased to see your online article saying that James Nowlin is “in it to win it” in the Dallas City Council District 14 race (Instant Tea, Wednesday, Feb. 9).
Having a member of the LGBT community on our City Council who is qualified to serve is critical, and I’m excited that we have a candidate we can all get behind. As a community, the opportunity has come (once again) for us to support someone who knows our particular issues as well as the common concerns that all of the residents of District 14 have, regardless of sexual orientation.
These opportunities do not come frequently, and we don’t always win at the ballot box when they do. That is why it is crucial to make sure we do what we can to have a place at the table.
During her time on the council, Angela Hunt shifted her focus from representing District 14 to running a city-wide campaign. She made a name for herself (and polarized the district and the city) by taking controversial positions on the Trinity River toll road and the convention center hotel. Then, she cast the swing vote to raise property taxes.
Now, due to an obvious lack of preparation, she has decided not to run for mayor and to settle for holding on to the District 14 seat. I think the residents of District 14 deserve better than that.
I may be biased, but I believe Dallas has the most vital, diverse and strong LGBT community in the country, as evidenced by all that I have witnessed and participated in over more than 30 years living here.
It is very exciting news that James is following through on his commitment to service in District 14.
Craig McCartney, Dallas
Thank you so much for your article regarding James Nowlin and his intention to continue his ongoing efforts to win the Dallas City Council District 14 seat in May — despite the recent announcement by Councilwoman Angela Hunt that she will run for re-election to that seat.
I believe that James Nowlin will be an excellent representative for District 14 on the City Council. His commitment to the community has already been demonstrated by his considerable volunteer work with various organizations. James also demonstrated his leadership when he announced his intention to run for the City Council seat while Councilwoman Hunt vacillated between running to retain the District 14 seat, running for mayor or (ostensibly) pursuing some other career choice.
As a resident of District 14, I want my city councilperson to be someone who truly possesses a desire to serve the district — not an individual who looks at the seat as a “consolation prize” when her desire to be mayor was thwarted by individuals better prepared to run for the mayor’s seat than she.
I wholeheartedly support James Nowlin in his bid for this seat, and I encourage every reader of this newspaper to find out more about James and his hopes for District 14 and for the city of Dallas.
Eric D. Johnson, Dallas
If you are rebelling against stereotypes, why do you perpetuate them in your conclusion? I work with homeless teenagers, male and female, and believe that, while there are dangerous members of any population, many of the kids I work with did nothing to deserve the fear of the people they pass on the street. In some cities, 40% of the homeless kids are LBGT, thrown out soon after coming out to their families. They could benefit from compassion more than from misconceptions. We’re less likely to help people we’re afraid of, and few people need more help than someone who is young and thrown away.
I believe there is a possible tie between Turnipseed’s murder and the drug violence in Mexico. The two teenagers reportedly lived on the fringe, associated with a street gang that was involved in criminal activity and used illegal drugs. In my opinion, the massive number of drug-related murders in the country makes human life seem less valuable to young people who are at odds with society. It’s a violence begets more violence situation.
Last year, a U.S. citizen who had lived in Mexico City and returned told me they did so because they were afraid of being kidnapped. The person had a modest income by U.S. standards, but it was viewed as wealth by Mexican citizens. I’m guessing the person became uncomfortable with his surroundings because of that fear.
When people are comfortable with their surroundings, they sometimes let their guard down. That can happen anywhere, but it’s especially easy to do when someone is on vacation and having a good time. Retirement in an exotic location could seem like an ongoing vacation and might cause someone to be a little less careful than is prudent.
It’s true that Dallas is one of the most dangerous cities in the nation, and I would have never walked on the streets of Oak Lawn the way I did in Puerto Vallarta before I was robbed. I learned a lesson to be more careful when I travel, no matter where I am.
Google “monterrey mexico kidnapping” or “mexico kidnapping” and see what you get. I know of two recent kidnapping that like most, go unreported to authorities. Kidnapping is quite prevalent in Mexico, travel there knowing the risk involved.
Here is an interesting article on kidnapping in Monterrey Mexico, where it is claimed that 90% of kidnappings go unreported. Also an explanation on the different types of kidnappings. I know of 2 recent kidnappings where the people were not wealthy just regular people and their families had to give everything they own, literally everything, to get back they family member. https://exiledonline.com/dispatch-how-my-buddy-was-kidnapped-and-pistol-whipped-for-22-daysand-other-mexican-kidnapping-stories/
I’m a resident of district 14 as well, I have no love for the Angela Hunt, She only supports the LGBT community when it’s election time. As for Nowlin, What commitment? I understand he just moved to Dallas from New Jersey a few years ago and is a Hunt campaign contributor and a Hunt police review board appointee.
Nowlin first announced saying he would not run if Angela did. He touted his admiration and dedication to Angela Hunt and all the she is and ever was. So, was all that he said just being dishonest or Is he now a ringer just staying in the race on her behalf to assure the gay vote in district 14 is split enough to guarantee Angela gets re-elected?
Lets hope the rest of the LGBT community is not so easily duped.
Could there be a bias going on here? Why are there so few articles about the other candidates? Are these paid bloggers forgetting to give the appropriate legally required notice at he end of their articles? “This article post paid for” By?