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Alcatraz torn down to make way for peace center?
If you still haven't made it to San Francisco's second-most-popular attraction (the first is cable cars), you might want to start planning that vacation before long. It's possible that Alcatraz, that formidable white structure hunkered out in San Francisco Bay, might be converted into an international peace center, if voters so choose.Reuters reports that a proposition (on ballots Tuesday) comes from the director of the California-based Global Peace Foundation, who gives his name as "Da Vid." Da Vid and his supporters would like to tear the prison down and in its place erect "a medicine wheel, a labyrinth and a conference center for non-violent conflict resolution."
Although the idea sounds pretty far-fetched, Da Vid and volunteers were able to collect the 10,350 signatures needed to put the proposition on the ballot.
Gallery: San Francisco
| Get rid of it | |
|---|---|
| No way | |
| Who cares? | |
| I'm hungry |
Filed under: North America, United States, News
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 6)
Christine Feb 6th 2008 9:01PM
I would like to add that it is irresponsible journalism for Gadling to report this silly hippie rumor as if it were actually happening (ZOMG! Alcatraz is getting torn down TOMORROW!), and for AOL to link to this article the day AFTER the proposition was defeated by voters.
However, all of you are equally dumb and gullible for believing a blog instead of the real news. And for those who think SF is SOOO stupid (Nick Hawkins and sweettxreb), then please don’t come here.
Malissa Feb 6th 2008 9:03PM
I'm glad it was defeated. It was stupid to start with. The only reason "Da Vid"(or whatever his real name was before he changed it) had a "vision". He needs to take his "vision" and ...well, find another piece of land!
DAN BRINKLEY Feb 6th 2008 9:13PM
IT BELONGS TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. NOW THE INDIANS GET IT BACK. INDIAN TREAT STAYS ANY FEDERAL LANDS THAT THE GOVERNMENT NO LONGER WANT BECOMES INDIAN PROPERTY. JUST LIKE IN 1969 ALCATRAZ.
John Feb 6th 2008 9:13PM
This is a response to "Facts are your friend", maybe it slipped my mind that Alcatraz HAS landmark status. It's so nice to see that you are so understanding and are sucha likable person. In the words of Steve Martin, " Excuuuuuuuse meeeeeee!!!!!!"
FACTS ARE YOUR FRIENDS Feb 6th 2008 9:25PM
I'd rather be unlikeable than uninformed.
Tracy Wood Feb 6th 2008 9:15PM
"With all ballots counted, 72 percent of San Francisco voters opposed the measure, while 28 percent supported it."
Don't worry, SanFrancisco's most popular attraction will be there for years to come. Besides, it brings visitors & major $ for the city. It's a fascinating place to visit! I hope to go there again some day.
P.K.Darnall Feb 6th 2008 9:27PM
Make Alcatraz into a zoo to warehouse California gangbanger convicts, with protected walk-throughs for paying tourists to gawk at the tatooed miscreants dragging their balls and chains.
D Feb 6th 2008 9:38PM
I just don't know why we can't revitalize it and turn it into something more useful, something of the following:
Youth Boot Camp
Sex Offender Rehabilitation Center
Drug & Alcohal Detox & Rehabilitation Center
Anyway, just a thought.
tiffany rose Feb 6th 2008 10:07PM
that is a great idea. I really love the first two ideas.
zxxshelxx Feb 7th 2008 8:56AM
You know that may not be the greatest idea do to all of the paranormal activity in that area.
Waldo Feb 6th 2008 9:50PM
Only on the "Left Coast" could this happen!!
tiffany rose Feb 6th 2008 10:01PM
don't they think that it might to haunted? I mean, the spirits go with the ground
John S Canada Feb 6th 2008 10:08PM
I'm sure the city has a lot to offer, but, my main reason for visiting two years ago was to see Alcatraz and feel the history of the rock. I'm happy Da Vid was voted down on it's decision to tear down the prison. I would cross the continent again, in a flash, to support the preservation of this institute. Once a monument is gone, it's gone forever.
David Feb 6th 2008 10:09PM
This property should be used as a military facility (Active) to increase awareness of possible terriost employment and to "act" if we should be attacked again in the future. We should also use another facility near the Mexican boarder where we all know terriost intrests exsist. In the begining the facility was a Fort to fight the battle of the San Francisco Bay which never came, instead it has seen several different uses in our history.
Defend our cities, protect Americans and remove all of our dead weights.
Drew Feb 7th 2008 9:45AM
Wow, great idea. Da Vid is Stu Pid.
Malissa Feb 6th 2008 10:19PM
Feb 6th 2008 @ 9:25PM
FACTS ARE YOUR FRIENDS said...
I'd rather be unlikeable than uninformed.
_______________________________
Well you DON'T know your facts and you ARE uninformed. Alcatraz was given National Historic status in 1986.
Greg Wheaton Feb 6th 2008 10:21PM
Alcatraz is eventually going to completely crumble due to rust and entropy. I propose a fabulous nature center devoted to marine and terran life in the Bay area and in the oceans outside of the Bay coupled with a library and research center along with a nifty and classy night life concept including restaurants and maybe a casino. The prison is an eyesore in the middle of such beauty. Come on San Fransisco, for one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a tourist attraction featuring a rusty prison is hardly a symbol for your city to be proud of.
BC Feb 6th 2008 10:25PM
Methinks da Vid is Stu Pid.
tootsie Feb 6th 2008 10:27PM
If memory serves, it is part of the US Park Service and therefore not the property of the city of SF. Anyone else remember when the group of American natives tried to take over the place? I think that the idea of a peace center out there in the middle of the bay, rough water at that, is ludicrious and another product of a nuts brain.......BTW, I used to live in SF and loved it when I was there...........
AP Feb 6th 2008 10:31PM
Might be a great place to keep Californias illegals as they capture them, before sending them wherever. Are 5 or 6 million people too many for Alcatrez?