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Last week in theSan Manuel Miner, there was an article written by an alleged reporter by the name of J. Hernandez. In this not so accurate nor credible depiction of events described, and his attempt to denigrate many of the Oracle residents’ ‘concerns for the safety of their community, he appears to have violated the credo of what a true reporter is supposed to represent. An attempt to report the truth as seen from all sides, without opinion nor bias. In this misrepresentation of not only events but of the true intent of a reporter’s writing is indicative of a flawed character and lack of true work ethic. Not to mention Integrity.
The first thing that stood out in the article was that it was on the same page as another article by Pinal County Supervisor Rios, attacking Sheriff Babeu on his handling of a report by the Sheriff’s Office of a series of assaults at the Sycamore Canyon Academy. I won’t attempt to give any credence to the supervisor’s allegations as I’m sure that the honorable sheriff will be more than happy to do so himself, but of the appearance that this Mr. Hernandez’s report, along with the title ‘Sheriff, Leave Those Kids Alone’ alludes to an attempt to try and pile on so to speak, and seemingly, crude and unprofessional.
Another incorrect assumption on the part of this illustrious individual is his implication that the sheriff had some kind of agenda in his report on the SCA and the introduction of the new ICE Black Box program, making it sound like Oracle was an exclusive recipient of said program.
So as to not correct Mr. “Dry Heat” Hernandez but to make him correct, the IBB prog. is county wide due to the National Sheriff’s Assoc. handpicking just three law enforcement agencies throughout the country, to test the new program, of which Sheriff Babeu’s Department was selected because of its outstanding performance in criminal deterrence and detection.
Another incorrect statement made in this article was that Ron Thompson decided to organize a Neighborhood Watch program because of the issue with the illegal Central Americans that were headed for SCA. The truth is that there were four residents from Oracle that were involved in the formation of said group, of which the primary concern at the time, was in fact, concern for those residents living nearest to the SCA (especially the older ones who are less able to protect themselves) and the possibility of escapes. But as discussion amongst the original four continued, other criminal events like the assault/rape of one of Oracle’s own that had occurred just a couple of months earlier. And then there’s the constant abuse of drugs that unfortunately, occur on our streets. Thus, the Neighborhood Watch was born.
And one more degrading comment was made by the author in reference to the rumor of the MS-13 gang members being in the shelter, to which he never really disputed but alluded to the likelihood of it’s veracity. Probably the only thing that can be stated in this regard, is that if Mr. Hernandez was really a reporter, he would have ascertained and reported on it himself.
And then, we have this same “reporter”, stating that he isn’t against having a neighborhood watch but then goes on to impugn the possible agenda as being political in nature and that there really isn’t much of a need for said entity to even exist.
Well, I suppose that this individual must not live in Oracle or he would know that almost every afternoon around 4 pm., at the Circle K at the SW entrance to Oracle on American Ave., one can, if he/she watches for awhile, observe some kind of drug transaction taking place. I know, because we have done just that.
He might also want to talk to the young lady who was kidnapped, raped repeatedly, beaten and then left for dead just last summer. And then about a week later, these same vermin tried a home invasion in effort to re-assault that same victim. ALL OF WHICH OCCURRED IN ORACLE!
I would like to recommend to Mr. Hernandez that maybe he has been out in the “Dry Heat” a little too much and maybe should cool off somewhere. Like maybe taking courses in journalism and ethics at CAC.
And finally, allow me to recite the mission statement for Mr. Hernandez’s edification: The ONW program will endeavor to assist law enforcement and other emergency services, acting as eyes and ears of the community, utilizing technology, time proven procedures and working with our neighbors (regardless of their political, cultural and religious affiliations), to make our neighborhoods a safe environment for our families and friends in the event of domestic, social and/or criminal activities.
Anyone who would like to know more about the NW program is welcome to come out to our monthly meetings at the Oracle courthouse on the first Monday of each month. There will be no meeting in December due to the holidays, so our next meeting will be on the 5th of Jan., 2015.
/s/ Ron Thompson
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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