Comment Archives: stories: News & Opinion: Tucson Salvage
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
What a great piece of writing. Thank you so much for writing about Arthur Conlee. For the last two years, I've passed him nearly daily standing -- leaning into traffic -- on Fifth Street between Swan and Columbus. I've always wondered what his story was and have often felt compelled to stop to see if he may need anything, but he seemed fine and as if he didn't want to be bothered. I also see him in a form of meditation when he's out there. He always seemed such a mystery and I thought I'd never know anything about him. I'm grateful for just the pinch of who he is and find it satisfying.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Thanks for the article! I live in Poet's Square and see him almost daily. On one particular occasion I got up the nerve to try and talk to him. It was in the evening and he was watching kids play soccer across the street at Rincon High School. As I walked toward him I noticed him looking at me out of the corner of his eye. I asked him, "Do you know who's winning?" He responded with a low, guttural, "No." I was too nervous to continue and didn't want to bother him so I told him to have a nice night and walked away. I too have developed a fascination with him and love that you took the time to give us a beautiful piece on a beautiful human being.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Thank you & God bless you for sharing this most heart-touching story about Arthur. I cannot but wish I could meet him. I think of something my mama would tell us. She would say "Always be nice to everyone, cause you never know if they are one of God's Angels on earth. Is Arthur one of God's Angels? God Bless & Take Care of Him...
Re: “Requiem For a Dream: An Artist and Migrant Trail Whisperer Erects Silent Monuments to Courage”
@ Vet-patriot1974: Perhaps you should take some time to read our Constitution. The 14th Amendment, particularly the Equal Protection Clause, grants equal rights to all citizens and non-citizens within the jurisdiction of the States.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
I am left feeling completely confused. I want to feel sorry for the man, yet he is happy. Changing him may make him miserable, but how hard will it be not to help him?
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
I'm so happy to know about Arthur's story, I too have seen him over the years. For about 4 or 5 years he lived near my neighborhood around Golf Links and Kolb and I would see him observing life. He disappeared and then a year later I saw him in his new neighborhood, it brought me happiness to see he was still safe.
Re: “Requiem For a Dream: An Artist and Migrant Trail Whisperer Erects Silent Monuments to Courage”
This article is about human compassion-not immigration. So many on the right have none-as evidenced by some of the comments here.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Another well written and very complex piece of Tucson culture.
There is quite a lot to ponder here, both positive and negative.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Finally a piece which neither condemns nor idolizes the VOP, rather humanizes them and, through nuance and careful consideration, helps raise the greater question - what do we do with the generations of veterans who are broken by serving our country?
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Good one.
Our culture often prides itself on personal, creative, individuality and identity...until the person next to us is different. Margie Bakker walks the walk of independent thinking, individuality, creative resourcefulness, intelligence and most importantly, universal love for all. Is she interested in running for president?
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Deedee,
I completely understand your outrage over the thought of Stolen Valor and/or erroneous reporting and Im happy to clarify that neither are true in this case.
Co-commander Powers states,I was too young for Nam- I wanted to go to Vietnam. I went in in 76...
He is admitting that he was too young to go into Vietnam and went into the Army in 1976, NOT that he fought over there.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
As a person who benefits from said "roaring economy," I am fully aware that it is only the wealthy who are amassing more wealth under current leadership.
I felt so much better everyday waking up with social progress at the forefront, under President Obama. If we do not privilege civil liberties and environmental issues, we as a nation are being every bit as mercinary and reductive as North Korea or any of our "enemies".
Supporters who believe that an ultra-rich narcissist will ever help out the hard-working little guy, are sadly naive. The Almighty Dollar is not a valid substitute for morality and ethics.
Re: “Requiem For a Dream: An Artist and Migrant Trail Whisperer Erects Silent Monuments to Courage”
Actually, Carlos, the deaths are caused by the border walls that are there and increased enforcement in usual and easy crossing areas which forced people into more remote and dangerous areas controlled by the cartels. The deaths are planned by the government which wants to curtail immigration and believe that the fear of death will stop the immigrants. They are not simply "unfortunate deaths", they were planned as part of an intentional strategy by someone to increase their political clout. I do agree that both parties are to blame. But it is not the fault of those who want to welcome immigrants.
Re: “Requiem For a Dream: An Artist and Migrant Trail Whisperer Erects Silent Monuments to Courage”
To those of you who believe that nationality and citizenship are at all relevant to this discussion, maybe you should refer to a higher power than the U.S. constitution. If you will remember, there is the International Declaration of Human Rights. If you would like to refer to a even higher power than the UN, ask yourself WWJD. If you would like to refer to another higher power, reference John Lennon: "I am he as you are he as you are me, and we are all together!"
HUMANITARIAN AID IS NEVER A CRIME.
NO BORDER WALL.
http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/index.html
Also, this is a well written article about some awesome artistic actions. Great work!
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
I live in the neighborhood and see Arthur everyday. On nightly walks, my husband and I have approached him and said, "hi," we never get too much response. It is amazing to read a piece on someone so many of us have wondered about.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Thank you for writing this story. I hope that it will help people be less uncomfortable around him and more generous. From an observational standpoint, I think that you missed talking about his military bearing during his long watch or the exotic nature of his phenotype. He looks like an Ethiopian prince or at least a palace guard. I rarely see as disheveled as he is portrayed but perhaps that is just my romantic view. In any case, I hope you will continue to maintain contact with the Seer of 5th St. You are his family now.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
I have always been curious about this man. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story about his life.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
Wow Brian. I loved reading this article. I feel a bit of jealously at his simple life. Could I live like that? Maybe? Anyways, thank you my friend.
Re: “Tucson Salvage”
This is a strong and very interesting and revealing piece of writing.
As revealing as it is, I am curious, but feel somewhat intrusive regarding Arthur's identity and privacy.
The story leaves me wanting more, but feeling somewhat embarrassed about my selfish curiosity.
Arthur seems like a sensitive man who by simply being himself, could teach us all something of significance and spirituality. He is comfortable in his own skin...how many of us can say the same?