By: Diane Benjamin
Since the Normal Town Council meeting was shorter than usual, one ISU kid only had to wait about an hour to speak since he was off agenda. He brought 15-20 other kids with him that didn’t speak.
This guy is a freshman Political Science major at ISU. He’s worried about crossing College Ave around School Street and getting hit by a car.
He might be a future politician perfect for Illinois: Laws don’t matter.
Students are too busy to wait at the stop light for the WALK sign. They also don’t have the money to pay fines for jaywalking. Therefore, ticketing violators won’t solve the problem. Personal responsibly plays no part in the life of college kids.
He wants the 30,000+ permanent residents of Normal to build him and his buddies an overpass or underpass. He has a bright future in politics here!
Um, someone should have told him that the ISU Overpass is like a block away form that intersection.
You clearly have no idea what you’re talking about since students living in Hewett or Manchester still have to cross the same exact intersection he mentioned in the video.
you still have to cross the street to get to the overpass lol
THE HORROR!!! Boo freakin hoo. You have to watch traffic to cross the street. In other news, water is wet, the sky is blue. The world doesn’t revolve around you, cupcake.
Wonder how much afterwards pizza Koos had to spring for, for that group. Anyway, the kids would be much safer if 90% of them didn’t have their faces buried in their cell phones while while walking and crossing the streets
We actually went to Theo’s and bought our own. You are welcome to join us next time.
Add somebody who drives for Uber and goes through that area several times s day, it’s usually the students fault that they almost get hit. Basically he is saying that students are too busy to follow the law therefore the government has to do something about it. What an idiot.
Seriously? This is frightening to think he is the future of our political system.
I have an idea, leave for class thirty seconds earlier and wait for the walk signal before crossing.
Makes me wonder why 18 years old’s are allowed to vote!
Hey, he even has a mask to speak.
Obviously was never thought HOW to think, just what.
He is a Poly Sci major so he is being instructed by McLean Co. Democrat party Chair Erik Rankin. No doubt this speech was part of a class project.
I would not put it past Koos to have worked out something with ISU so non-student local residents will flip the bill for another under or overpass for ISU students. I bet something expensive will spawn from this.
He’s is no longer the party chair, and to my knowledge isn’t active with them any more. As for his teaching, if you didn’t know who he was, and most student in his class don’t, you wouldn’t know his politics. You know why? Because he’s an excellent instructor. Excellent instructors actually teach, not preach their political views.
I am an ISU student. I love this article. To the author, you encapsulate the passive aggressiveness I have to stifle everyday when dealing with these constant complainers that offer no viable solution. Thank you for this tonight. Needed a laugh.
It’s almost like none of you even watched the video. He pointed out correctly that the intersections around hewett and manchester are dangerous. The tall buildings and the curvature of the roads make it difficult to see. He didn’t say that laws don’t matter. College kids are and always will be irresponsible in many ways. The rational part of the human brain doesn’t fully develop until about age 25. Kids stupidly crossing without waiting is inevitable and some measure needs to be taken before more people are injured on campus. He pointed out an overpass or underpass would be in a perfect world. He did NOT state that was the solution, he simply stated that we need a solution.
Umm, why not just station a crossing guard there? Elementary, my dear Watson – an elementary solution for what is (quite obviously) an elementary problem…
That definitely could be a solution. I honestly think it would help to just lengthen the light times a bit giving pedestrians more time to walk. As it is right now, I cannot walk at a normal pace and make it across both the one way streets on the side where they connect back together. While I always wait, I have seen a lot of people jaywalk just because they think they can rush at the very end and make it.
Smart comment! Workable idea for once.
I’m shocked that the ISU students could put a coherent sentence together let alone a full comment.
The speaker did not mentioned what their preferred pronouns are.
Diane, your articles always make my day because they show me that no matter badly things are in my life, there will always be you holding down the fort here to make sure I’ll never slip into become as terrible as you: the absolute queen of unempathetic and pathetic articles.
Feel free to remove this comment though, I know you don’t appreciate free speech the way actual patriots do.
Glad I can help!
I’m an ISU graduate, I didn’t have to get instructions on how to safely cross a street.
I’m glad you graduated college, but I am a bit surprised that’s true considering your lack of comprehending this video. The young man who spoke didn’t say or even imply that fault here was on cars or the city. All he was stating was that despite the danger, people do, in fact, jaywalk. That is simply acknowldgement of a fact—not a judgement of whether it’s OK.
The idea here is one of pragmatism, it’s about what we can do as a community to improve things as they *are* even when they aren’t necessarily a they *should be.* Do you really think the price of jaywalking should be potential death even if jaywalkers are in the wrong legally? Do you actually wt’sant to build a society that says “we value the letter of the law more than the lives of human beings.” It’s called having grace, compassion, and caring about the safety of others even when they *gasp* break a minor and pragmatically unenforcable law. It sincerely amakes my heart heavy knowing you don’t see that Diane.
I don’t know how long it’s been since you’ve practiced empathy, but as someone who, like Jimmy, actually does care about my fellow citizens’ well-being, I implore you to try doing the same—imagine what you could do with your platform if you embodied love and compassion instead of slugging insults at freshman college students like a middle-school bully.
In all honesty, I don’t even know why I’m writing this considering how clear your articles make it that I won’t be able to get through to you. I’m aware that I’m just giving you attention here; I’m aware that that’s likely all you want; I’m sorry about whoever hurt you to lead you down this path of life; and yet I sincerely hope you read this comment and get at least something from it. I mean what kind of American could tear down her fellow citizens like this? Certainly, no true patriot ever could.
Hope your life gets better, Diane—God bless.
Government’s job isn’t to protect people who illegally cross a street. Life is full of risks, bubble-wrap your self. Don’t expect everybody else to pay for your stupidity.
Side Note: In the spirit of grave and understanding, I would like to thank you for not blocking my comments. It’s nice to see we have one commonality in terms of caring about free speech.
Sometimes it’s worth showing what someone a lot of people wouldn’t agree with thinks.
“Sometimes it’s worth showing what someone a lot of people wouldn’t agree with thinks. ”
This blog does make it clear you really adhere to that concept 🙂
No foul language and your chances are better. I get lots of those, nobody will see them.
Remember, kids, freedom of speech doesn’t mean freedom from consequences. Screw your empathy, bro, It’s not governments job to make sure morons don’t kill themselves trying to cross the street. Each person is responsible for his or her own safety, and asking the government to step in to save you is lame an pathetic. Grow a set and take responsibility for once.
Congratulations to Jimmy for caring enough about his fellow students/residents to bring forth and present a concern regarding a dangerous road/intersection to the Normal Town Council. This isn’t just some ISU “kid” who brought 15-20 other “kids” with him. He and they are students with a vested interest in campus safety for all residents, not just students.
BTW some individuals posted complaints that “students” have their faces buried in cell phones and are too busy to follow the law. Be honest. That’s everyone not just “students”.
He did not ask for, or propose, an exorbitant financial solution. He simply asked that the situation be looked into to improve safety . Something that could be inquired about in nearly every city in this country. I also do not recall him asking the residents of Normal to foot the bill for a new overpass, Diane, not sure how you missed that being an Editor.
I hope he does choose a path that leads to politics as he is demonstrating early on one of the key required characteristics to be successful in my opinion: concern for the safety and well being of the citizens of this country.
I will be proud to call Jimmy Holmes a fellow alum when he graduates.
John O’Neil Class of 83
First, No, not everyone has their face in their phone. I hate the damn things. Second, maybe we need a simple, easy to understand system of signals that will let someone know when it’s safe to cross the street. Oh, wait…see I just fixed their problem. No need for studies or expensive traffic solutions just for braindead young adults. In conclusion, it they get their heads out of their phones and watch out for cars, then maybe they stand a better chance of not getting hit.
Bro can you report on the best place to get a chili cheese dog instead? Frfr.
Yo Dawg, I know where, but I’m not telling you.
When an article opens with an ad hominem attack — that is, calling these adult, tax-paying, small business supporting students “kids” because it tears them down and implies their ideas are inherently less than — you know you’re in for a doozy. It immediately calls into question if the author even has a journalism degree, since professionals, especially an editor, know better than to so blatantly come out mudslinging. It just gives up the whole game, giving “this is personal for me” and “I’m openly biased” vibes.
Ideally, should all people (student or not is irrelevant) wait for the walk sign? Of course. But, since we live in reality (where pragmatism rules, thankfully), action is sometimes appropriate. I remember my very first day of class I encountered the intersection in question. My very first thought was “Oh, why isn’t there an overpass here?” It was immediately clear that this intersection was terribly designed and not just for those walking.
Issue 1: When looking west to cross on foot, there is a big bushy tree next to the Felmley Science Annex. This is dangerous because, even with a walk symbol, you can’t even see oncoming traffic to even check to see if they’re going to stop at their red light. It’s a terrible situation since drivers can’t even see the light until they are up upon it. Sadly, cutting down the tree isn’t a full solution, since the building also obstructs the view, but it would sure help and is a good place to start efforts.
Issue 2: Due to no overpass, the buildup of walkers becomes so great, that those in cars turning left from School St onto College Ave often don’t even get to turn in an entire light cycle because of all of the people in the crosswalk.
Issue 3: These factors combine into the root problem, the grossly inefficient infrastructure at this crossing. An overpass (I agree that a tunnel would be an expensive nightmare, and is thus off the table) that diagonally crosses the entire intersection would yield most efficient travel for walkers AND drivers. Existing crosswalk infrastructure would be kept for those unable to use stairs for the overpass. Keep in mind also that construction projects like this aren’t a spending spree, but a jobs supporter.
Infrastructure, when designed sensibly, serves the purpose of creating economic value by increasing productivity. The quicker people can arrive to their destinations, the more time throughout their day is saved. This time is used for more work and consumption.
Jimmy is on his way to success in politics as long as he continues to fight for common sense safety of those around him. Polling shows that citizens are more receptive to Jimmy’s brand of empathetic politics versus Diane’s “too bad”individualistic politics. Jimmy has now also learned early the important lesson that there will be those in the media who obfuscate and tear people down based on their identity, often in Diane’s elitist, smug tone.
Good for Jimmy for engaging with the system and learning some valuable lessons on the way. Surely, he’s on his way to something better than mudslinging at young students trying to keep people safe.
Right, no journalism degree. Most of them have no credibility so i don’t want to be thought of as one. I majored in common sense and minored in personal responsibilty.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion and have the right to say that opinion. Unfortunately you suffer from the very serious affliction of being incorrect.
Laughable. The fact that you so outwardly exude “I am not a qualified journalist” that it can be called out and then confirmed, but that’s hardly the problem here (bonus points for honesty, though). The problem is with the substance.
Did you read the entire comment? Do you think the issues I brought up don’t exist? Don’t matter? Any comments of substance?
Any commentary on the politics of it or how the bad-faith media (you, in this case) are hurting the people?
Your parents should have taught you how to cross a street. Don’t expect taxpayers to make your life easier, they don’t want more of their money spent on amenities for other people.
Jimmy said that students are too busy to bother waiting for the light and that they can’t afford J walking tickets. So in essence he is saying that students don’t really care about the law. And while that intersection is not the greatest in the world, a little bit of common sense goes a long way.
Here is an idea, post somebody there to give students to cross against the light tickets. Who cares if they can’t pay it. That doesn’t stop the town of normal from giving kids underage drinking tickets. Just because somebody can afford something doesn’t mean we shouldn’t enforce the law
I hear ISU bills them again for those Town of Normal tickets!
Lawl, I call my daughter kid all the time, and she’s almost 30. Your offense is freakin hilarious. I guess it wouldn’t be a proper liberal comment without a bit of whining about something stupid first. On topic, though, I would suggest that since you pointed out the flaws in a particular crossing that you exercise more caution at this particular intersection than you would at some others. If you’re already doing that, Great! You’ve succeeded in being responsible for yourself in at least one aspect of your life. Glad you could join the rest of us who take responsibility for our own safety. Congratulations, now stop insisting the government save you from yourself. That’s how we’ve lost most of our liberties. Thanks.
Saying “I’m ok with young students dying” without saying it is an unfortunate position. Too far down the rabbit hole, I fear. When you don’t defend your argument based on substance, you show it is indefensible. Maybe in the next life the substance of the post will be addressed.
Journalists major? They make up quotes too.
Making bullsh*t up is a sign of a weak position. But I think you already knew that. Please provide proof where anything like you’re suggesting was posted. I bet you can’t.
Hey kids: Here’s an idea. Why don’t you do a GoFundMe on your social accounts to get a little walkway overpass built over the problem area? That’s taking matters into your own hands! You could even name it after one of your woke idols. As it is, stop demanding other people fix (and pay for) the problems that you create.
I’m confused. Glad to meet you. These dorms have a path to the campus under Main street. The parking lot across College doesn’t. But anyway. Today I was driving on a 4 lane in Normal (left lane), an oncoming car veered into my lane and I had to abruptly swerve to the right. My point. There is more to this problem than oblivious walkers, and that would be oblivious drivers. Students should be intimately aware of the phenomenon called distracted driving. Especially in this location so close to campus.
Any student that blindly crosses a crosswalk without assuming the drivers approaching are looking down at their phone should stay home for their own safety or their parent should be there to take them to school. In the past survival of the fittest was a determining factor and it still is. I worry about what tomorrow bring.
If in fact the walkers can’t see oncoming cars from the East (I’m not sure about that) then a stop light must be installed in this location.
Both sides are arguing different things. Is this debate about Diane’s credibility or personal responsibility?
I thought the point of the was personal responsibility. I must have read it wrong because I don’t get what Diane’s credibility have to do with anything especially since the video was posted so you can watch firsthand what was said.
Deflecting is a tactic when they have no retort.
Most liberals wouldn’t ever have any points to argue if it wasn’t for personal attacks.
When I was 12 years old, I achieved the privilege of “being on patrol” which meant that I watched for cars and made sure traffic was safe for the younger children to cross the street. It was cool, I got to wear a bright orange chest belt and got out of school a little bit early to get to my assigned corner. Sounds like the ISU students could use the help of a 12 year old. Seriously, these ISU students need to quit their whining and pay better attention. If you can’t cross the street, what in the heck are you doing in college? BTW ISU Class of ’81. Peace.
EVERY moving vehicle such as an automobile or truck is dangerous if you as a human being walks out in front of it. Duh! The traffic lights, the crosswalks, the rules of the road are there FOR YOUR SAFTEY. Ignoring these saftey laws and/or making excuses for irresponsible behavior is on you.
Bottom Line: The move is on to make streets more “friendly” to bicycles & pedestrians. To think these students would just “randomly” show up to a Town Council Meeting is laughable. Step 1: Show up at town council meeting to complain (about an issue that has not been a problem for DECADES for all the college students who came before you). Step 2: Professional Staff will have to drop everything they’re doing & focus on this issue for temporary college students who do not pay our exorbitantly high property taxes. Step 3: Call union offices & tell them the plan worked perfectly & another unnecessary union project will soon be drawn up & completed at the expense of tax paying citizens. Step 4: Pat the college students on the head for showing up at the Town Council Meeting & “effecting real change” (even though they were just pawns in this decades long & predictable Leftist Progressive Marxist game of driving us further into debt. Honestly, we can see you coming a mile away. P.S. College Students, in the future, at least have the self respect to not allow yourselves to be used as pawns in this game. Koos & Reece hate the citizens of Normal. Their one & only objective is debt, upon debt, upon debt for taxpayers. The use you to advance their plans so it looks like they’re just trying to be helpful to college students so they can cross the street. They’re not benevolent at all, but they do like to use people.