In Defense Of The Smiles

I am choosing a vernacular avenue in an attempt to expiate myself concerning the "smiley face" allegations. Doing so will most certainly entice the tenacity of my litigious counterparts. However, rumors, disparity of facts, morals and need for closure have spawned this need to be heard.

To begin, any allegations of malicious destruction are biased statements without substance. Exactly the opposite effect was supposed to have transpired. To everyone's understanding, the concealed smiles were to uplift and bring positive reinforcement to the students, faculty, business people and the Marquette public in general. Instead the difficult-to-construct, unsolicited additions have become an abhorrence. I apologize for any inconvenience, lost revenue or any other negative consequences that have transpired due to any role I may have played.

The following is not a plea for help, whining for compensation, nor a fully detailed account of events. Hopefully, it becomes cathartic for all those either involved or concerned. Although some disparity may exist in the information, it does mirror the truth. And the following is my version of the story as best as I can recollect.

After being extracted from my position at the Seaborg Center, I was sent to Escanaba to lay stone on the new marina building at the end of Ludington Street. During that time, all but four employees (masonry trade only) were questioned one at a time by two of three owners of Closner Construction Co. On Friday of the same week, I was summoned back to the Seaborg Center to "work and pick up my check."

As I pulled my tools out to begin to work, an NMU Public Safety Officer approached me and asked, "Would you like to talk here or somewhere else?" I stated, "For what? How about somewhere else?" The officer had me follow him to his office, whereupon he read me my rights.

Next, I was asked to proffer a statement about the concealment of smiley faces constructed within the brick walls. The statement I gave read, "No statement, wish to gather information." I was handed an envelope, whereupon I opened it and read the following: "Greg, You are a suspect for Malicious Destruction of Property at the NMU Seaborg Center. As of 11/19/99 you are suspended without pay until NMU Public Safety Department's investigation is complete. We have been notified by our attorneys to hold any pay you have coming pending the outcome of this investigation. Both civil and criminal action is being pursued in this matter. We have been advised to have no personal contact with you until the investigation is complete."

Surprised, scared, bewildered, I looked up at the officer and asked, "Can I leave?"

He said, "Yes, good luck, and try to have a good day." I felt the NMU officer did a commendable job in minimizing the unpleasantness of the situation. (Editor's Note: Holy Cow! They're not all bad?) For that I say, "Thanks." Upon arriving home, the necessary unemployment forms were filled out. That weekend I secured a new job in Marinette, WI. Needless to say, my unemployment benefits were denied by the Closner Construction Co. anyway.

The following week (Nov. 20) another piece of correspondence was sent that vehemently stated that I was totally responsible for the smiley faces... yet others may be involved.

As far as I know, no one else was ever suspended, let alone fired. I am not asking for that to happen; however, the signal to me from Closner Construction Co. is crystal clear that I am to be held accountable for all smiley faces placed in the masonry work.

No personal contact has been made by any Closner representative to me concerning the current situation - that is, malice - tossing me out like a piece of garbage without any concern for my position, financial obligations and family obligations. In lieu of all the disparity, ambiguity and awry information, the assignation of guilt is evident.

It seems as I am the villain and orchestrater of the scandal. Therefore I will assume any and all responsibility for their construction and adverse effects for my "brothers" in the union. It is my understanding that criminal charges cannot be pursued, yet civil damages and proceedings are yet on the horizon.

I am a 40-year-old journeyman bricklayer helping to raise two teenage daughters and a two-and-a-half year old son. I have a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice and earned a spot on the national Dean's List two years in a row.

These few facts are introduced to assign someone to the concocted rumors and remarks proffered by others.

The real story lies not in the smiley faces themselves, but what inspired their arrival. I am no fool, yet I am sometimes foolish. But yet, are not we all at times?

The Mad Bricklayer

( Editor's Note: If you want to send a message to President Bailey in support of the Mad Bricklayer and the Smiley Faces, then we can help you... )