Latest news with #DavidPlazas
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thank you, David Plazas, for your civility, in your service to Tennessee conversations
David Plazas probably never dreamed when he took the editorial director job at The Tennessean, he would yet again drive further down south to Georgia. But alas, that is where he will plant his next stake with family in the deep Georgia marshes (amid bustling Atlanta) after 11 years leading editorial conversations throughout Middle Tennessee as director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee and 25-year career with Gannett. I'd like to think when he gets there, people will see the Southern charm he has acquired in Tennessee and quickly embrace him as a new local, the edges of his Chicago roots polished from his stay. Or maybe, his hospitality was always there anyway. Whether or not you agree with views expressed in his columns, I can assure that anyone who has ever met David in person has been immediately disarmed with a smile and a genuine ear for listening. He opens doors for others, looks you in the eye, has an intentional handshake and patiently waits for you to finish your sentence. The first year I was in the Tennessean newsroom in 2019, I watched him escort fellow opinion writer Alex Hubbard and his service dog to and from his workstation everyday. (I learned from experience not to leave food in my aisle trash can to avoid tempting canine Xana on her walk.) During his time at The Tennessean, David has dedicated his career to facilitating conversations, presenting differing opinions and introducing new ideas as founder of the Civility Tennessee initiative, Black and Latino Voices and led diversity initiatives. More: Thank you, Tennessee, for your hospitality. Now, it's time to move south. | Opinion David's leadership in public discourse has led to countless enlightening conversations through the Tennessee Voices podcast, election debates, initiating conversations with city and state leaders in the newsroom and, not to mention, his visits to communities across Middle Tennessee. Whether transportation, controversy, growth, politics or culture, David has always been on the forefront of issues affecting the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area. And he did not forget about rural surrounding communities in Middle Tennessee in the process. I was especially glad when he decided to trade his view of sky-high buildings in Nashville to kick up a little dust at Mule Day in Columbia —my neck of the woods— last year. From what I understand, he enjoyed the covered wagons drawn by mules and even had a ham and biscuit on a friendly porch, a Mule Day tradition. And, yes, in David Plazas-style, he opened up conversation with someone completely different from him, found common ground and, yes, wrote a column about it. From the nuances of Nashville to the backroads of Middle Tennessee, David captured the issues affecting Tennesseans and has a heart for underrepresented communities. He understands how issues affect the region from a 10,000-foot view to the tiniest nuances in his beloved city for over a decade. He thanked Tennesseans for their hospitality in his farewell column May 1, but thank you, David, for your civility. Let's continue the legacy and the conversations, Tennessee. Kerri Bartlett is Middle Tennessee Region Editor and a member of the Tennessean editorial board. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Farewell Nashville Tennessean's David Plazas, thank you for civility
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
I'm a conservative and believe in deporting criminals. Don't go after children.
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree, or click on this link to fill out the form. We welcome diverse viewpoints. Re: 'Immigration bills, deportations put young and old Americans in peril,' by David Plazas, April 10 (online) and April 13 (print). David Plazas wrote a fact filled column in April 13 Insight section of The Tennessean. I would like to add my opinion and perspective on the subject. The Biden administration's open border policy has wreaked havoc on our nation in many ways. The one that stands out the most to me is how it has divided our country politically. Federal, state and local governments are fighting each other and the media stokes the flames. Conservative and liberal media outlets are playing with people's lives. I fully support President Trump purging our nation of undocumented immigrants who have criminal records. The process has not been failsafe as of yet. Corrections are needed to the rounding up process and confirmation of criminal records before arrest are made. One mistake is too many, I agree! Let us not forget how we got in this predicament in the first place. Also, we should not attack an administration that is attempting to fix the problem Whatever side you are on politically should not involve children. All children in the United States deserve an education. They should not be used as pawns in a debate over immigration. It would be criminal to keep innocent children from being fed and provided with an education. No child whether they are here legally or not should be singled out and humiliated. Opinion: Tennessee lawmakers back immigration bill that creates a permanent underclass I pray that we can purge our country of criminals that are here form past failed policies. But I also pray that we look in the mirror when we intact laws that punish innocent children. Steve Jones, Nashville 37221 Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@ Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: TN lawmakers should not target children's right to education | Letters
USA Today
05-04-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Are we in a constitutional crisis? Most don't even know what the Constitution says.
Are we in a constitutional crisis? Most don't even know what the Constitution says. | Opinion Readers from across the country shared their views on American politics in a recent survey about a 'constitutional crisis.' Some fear dictatorship while others say progressives are fueling it. Show Caption Hide Caption Constitutional crisis in US? Some experts say so, but others disagree. Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas wrote a column on the term "constitutional crisis" in America today. He discusses reader reaction. Ever since my column about the USA undergoing something worse than a "constitutional crisis" published, I have been corresponding daily with readers who have plenty to say. Some praised the column and agreed with the premise, but others argued the idea of a crisis is an exaggeration of Trump critics. One reader suggested I reflect on President Abraham Lincoln's suspension of habeas corpus during the Civil War for historical context, while another urged me to reread "The Federalist Papers" to get Founding Father Alexander Hamilton's view on the power of the judiciary compared with the executive branch. On the social media platform Reddit, a subreddit "r/law" shared the column, which drew more than 18,000 votes and 1,500 comments. In short, it's a topic people are talking about. Opinion: Trump is abusing his power. Is this a 'constitutional crisis' or something more? The Tennessean also published a survey and invited readers to share their thoughts. Below, find excerpts from a variety of comments for, against and unsure. One thing clear is that while Americans have widely different views on the state of politics in the United States, we are privileged to offer a platform for readers to consider multiple perspectives. That is important to maintaining a pluralistic democratic republic. What does the term 'constitutional crisis' mean to readers? Among those who think we are in one: "Disregarding the rules, norms, and structure that are outlined in the U.S. Constitution, putting institutional power in fewer hands." — Minerva Waxwing, Maryville, Tennessee "The constructs are not definitive. Loosely it could be argued that the precepts on which the Constitution was written are being compromised and disregarded." — Hannah McNeil, Nashville, Tennessee Share your opinion: Democrats disappointing you? How should they handle Trump? Tell us. | Opinion Forum Among those who do not think we are in one: "An effort by either of the three branches of government to subvert the authority of the other two. We've been dealing with liberal activist judges for decades, and we still are." — Robert Hand, Pleasant View, Tennessee "I see it as a gaslighting term when the minority party, most often Progressives, want to change the Constitution to get something they want that is outside of the Constitution." — Loretta Gilmore, Ontario, California Among those unsure: "To me it means that we are not following the laws set out by our Constitution. I don't think we are quite there yet. As of now, I agree with you. The Executive branch needs its feathers clipped. Does anyone in our government have the courage to do so? I am unsure." — Suzanne Yazell, Hermitage, Tennessee Are we veering toward dictatorship or is it all fearmongering? "When a judge issues an opinion the executive branch can't just do as they want. They should abide by the ruling and appeal. We are looking more and more like a dictatorship." — John Bench, Clarksville, Tennessee "'Constitutional crisis,' as used in the contemporary media, is a linguistic charlatan steeped in hypocrisy, clothed in all things foreboding, engineered to instill fear and uncertainty, of what, we are not certain, but surely it can't be good. Most Americans, born in this country, have no idea what the Constitution proclaims." — Ben Gentry, Cary, North Carolina "Legally speaking, I have no credentials or experience that make me qualified to say whether we're in a constitutional crisis. However, when a sitting president and his Cabinet hint and tease at saying they won't follow the Constitution (and don't say they aren't, I refuse to be gaslit over this) if it gets in their way … that is perhaps more concerning than even the security leaks over the Yemen strikes. At least adding the wrong person to a group chat speaks only of incompetence, but this supposed constitutional crisis speaks of malice." — Benjamin Browning, Tullahoma, Tennessee David Plazas is the director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee, where this column originally appeared. He is an editorial board member of The Tennessean. Email him at dplazas@ or find him on X at @davidplazas or BlueSky at
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Nashville council should allow police access to private surveillance footage
Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to the bottom to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree. We welcome diverse viewpoints. Re: 'Nashville violent crime might be dropping, but many citizens don't feel safer,' by David Plazas, Feb. 26 (online) and March 2 (print). David Plazas published a very informative column. Mr. Plazas researched crime rate offenses in Nashville. In short his research supports that violent crime is down but property crime is up in Nashville. Offenses not reported – whether violent or property related – cannot be captured and analyzed. This column concerns how the Nashville Metro Council may vote in the near future for a second time on Fusus. FUSUS allows Metro Nashville Police Department to access cameras of private citizens to help apprehend criminals faster. Private citizens willingly offer MNPD to use their videos. Theses citizens are saying to the City that "I want to help and be part of the solution in making Nashville safe again.' The video feeds from private citizens should convince the doubters that no bias, profiling or politics were involved to capture feeds. There are some that believe that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will have access to the captured information. This has been confirmed a 100 different times, and the answer is no. There are many who want to put limitations and restrictions on the private citizen feeds. Will it be so watered down that it is useless? That is not what I want. I want a fair and non-biased tool to reduce crime rates. Opinion: Nashville must postpone surveillance program because there are too many concerns Keeps politics away and support the use of this technology. This is like adding more boots on the ground for MNPD. The Metro Council's next meeting is Tuesday night and my hope is that the Council has come to its senses and has started to listen to the every-day citizens. Maybe that will convince Mayor Freddie O'Connell to stop sitting on his hands and roll out the use of previously voted and approved License Plate readers . Private citizens are willing to help, listen to them! Should the Council vote no, we are left to defend for ourselves. To quote Mr. Plazas " Show citizens council is working to make them feel safer." Steve Jones, Nashville 37221 Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@ Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville police should get access to camera owners' footage | Letters
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Should Nashville police have access to private surveillance cameras? Tell us.
Nashville-Davidson County's Metro Council is soon scheduled to vote on a second of third reading of a bill that would expand police access to surveillance cameras. The "community camera safety network" would allow willing private entities (i.e., property owners or business owners) to let Metro Nashville Police Department tap into cameras for the purpose of solving crimes. The council in December rejected, by one vote, a bill to enter into contract with law enforcement surveillance company Fusus to allow MNPD to use private cameras of willing participants. Backers of this latest proposal say it creates guardrails to address critics' concerns. Opponents say more surveillance invites violation of privacy and intimidates marginalized communities, including Black residents, the LGBTQ community and immigrants. A new aggressive federal deportation effort adds fuel to their arguments. Proponents, however, say the system will help prevent crime and allow MNPD to solve crimes better. While violent crime has dropped over the last two years, property crime is up. Moreover, citizens have expressed alarm over mass vehicle break-ins and antisemitic incidents. Opinion: Nashville violent crime might be dropping, but many citizens don't feel safer The first vote of the community camera legislation took place on Jan. 21 and the second reading is scheduled for the council's March 4 meeting. If it passes, it will move on to a third and final vote. Tell us what you think about crime and safety in Nashville. Take our poll below. This is an unscientific survey for the purpose of gauging reader sentiment. If you have any trouble viewing the poll below, click on this link for the survey. Direct any questions to Opinion and Engagement Director David Plazas at dplazas@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville debates police surveillance. Do you feel safe? | Opinion
