SPAN program at MCC

A couple of comments on last night's program at MCC, which was sponsored by the Student Peace Action Network (SPAN).

The program needed to start on time. The announced start time was 7:00PM, and 60+ were seated in the audience and ready for the program to begin.

To respect those who arrived on time, the program should have started on time. If the leaders wanted to buy a little time to allow for late-comers, they could have made introductions and announcements regarding future meetings to fill the time.

If programs start on time, late-comers will learn to arrive on time; or they miss the beginning. About the only thing that happens on time is the start of a movie, but not even that is on time, because theaters fill the first 10-12 minutes with commercials. Jack Franks proposed a bill a while back to require movie theaters to start shows at the advertised time. While I agree with the idea, I don't think a law is needed. Public pressure could make that happen.

I took issue with the extra security at last night's meeting. The College is super cautious, thanks to rabble-rousers at one-two meetings of SPAN last year. But last night's small crowd was peaceful, quiet and respectful. Was it really necessary to have Crystal Lake Police presence?

In my opinion, it was not necessary to have police there. Crystal Lake Police are close enough to arrive in a hurry, if needed. There is campus security to handle small, non-violent problems. And don't forget audience members, who will spring to the aid of anyone being threatened.

So I say, for future meetings no police presence, please.