Comments on: three locations on the globe

By: Richard M.

Richard M. — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 03:28:24 +0000

Mr. Singh illegally trafficked in human beings for his financial benefit, and evidentlly kept people in his employ in unsafe conditions. The fact that a lawyer as skilled as Mr. Irigonegaray was able to get charges of coercion, abuse and threats dismissed doesn’t mean the acts did not in fact occur. Also, I find it hard to believe that his wife and the rest of his family were blissfully unaware of his method of acquiring and retaining the people they worked with in the restaurant. I’m surprised they weren’t charged as accessories or co-conspirators. This story reads more like a pitch for a local business than a real piece of journalism.

The man Mr. Singh helped to shorten the life of was a nice man, a considerate person, always ready with a kind word and a smile, and one of the reasons we enjoyed eating at the Globe so much. Now that smile is gone forever, and you seemed to be too busy kissing up to Mrs. Singh to take more than passing note of that fact. Did you think to contact his family and see how they are doing now that they are deprived of their relative, not for a few months, but forever?

This article reflects poorly on your magazine. Fortunately, with reading local stories as well as eating at the Globe, I have other options available that won’t leave a bad taste in my mouth when I’m done.

By: Kris H.

Kris H. — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:20:03 +0000

As long as Singh still owns it, I won’t eat there. I go to Lawrence now when I want Indian food.

By: Melissa

Melissa — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 21:55:02 +0000

I really like the writing in this story but I do have to agree that the bias leans too heavily on the taste of the food and the plight of the family and not enough on the other side of the story: the fact this person was accused, and later convicted, of some pretty unconscionable activity.

Regardless of whether he is innocent or guilty, I think some other important aspects to have included in the story that would make it a bit more fair and balanced are what those in the city who are choosing not to go to the Globe because of its new-found reputation have to say, what city officials are thinking, what the family or friends of this worker who died of pneumonia have to say about the allegations. Though I sympathize with the struggling family trying to make ends meet at the Globe, I imagine the family of the worker is suffering equally as much, if not more, and would be interested to know whether or not they think Singh is responsible for their loved one’s death.

And what about the other undocumented workers that were working at the time? What are their thoughts on the working conditions at the Globe?

It’s quite possible the family members left running the Globe aren’t the only victims here i.e. there might be a lot more to follow up on than just their point of view.

By: Karl

Karl — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 18:21:53 +0000

I appreciate the added coverage. Beautiful photos, as well. I’m happy to see the allegations of abuse and coercion were dropped.

However, this article still pulls more on the heartstrings than the facts. I think the answer remains unclear: Was Singh providing an opportunity for these workers (whose options are obviously limited) – or was he taking advantage of them?

I tried, to no avail, to find the court opinion online.