Think, don't talk

If his frequent spoutings weren't so irrelevant, Lima Councilman Derry Glenn might have caused quite a stir with his most recent outburst. Forget for the moment about businesses marketing legal products as they see fit, the silliness of asking for jobs but then griping about the businesses providing them, or even the differences among Asian people (an Arab versus an Indian, for example). That all might be over Glenn's head. But, a man as quick as Glenn is to accuse others of racism shouldn't be so quick with nativist sentiments.
Glenn last week held a "news conference" about pipes and other possible drug paraphernalia at gas stations and convenience stores. At Glenn's request, Lima Law Director Tony Geiger is researching the legality of banning or restricting the items. At the very least, Glenn said, he would ask City Council to pass a resolution asking store owners to restrict access to the products. (Do you think Glenn himself has spoken to any of the owners?)
Some shops require customers to be 18, but gas stations and convenience stores are frequent stops for children, Glenn said. "I'm not trying to tell people what to sell or trying to stop their business. I'm not trying to tell adults what to do," Glenn said. "I want them to give our kids some respect."
He wants a ban, but he isn't trying to tell people what to sell? Respect for kids? How about suggesting parents take responsibility for their children?
Glenn is sounding like TV sitcom racist Archie Bunker, suggesting the problem is "foreign people" running the stores. Well, per Glenn, there goes the neighborhood. But one would think someone who fancies himself as Lima's No. 1 cheerleader would celebrate that the city is attracting new people.
Glenn would have to use his head a lot more - and his mouth a lot less - in order to make that connection.