Re: [Mpls] A New Thread

[Maura Brown]

>All, >Are there any Raptors which could keep the squirrels from munching my bulbs? >Houw could we incentives them to, you know, increase their take? >Joseph Barisonzi >Lyndale, Ward 10 Well, assuming (which of course, we probably shouldn't) that there is some level of consensus in the community around the desirability of this objective, the key to increasing the capacity of Raptors to do what they do would seem to lie in maximizing their social capital.  Traditional models of focusing on the weaknesses in the Raptors' existing capacity to meet their (err....our) needs must be relinquished and replaced with a strong affirmation of the capacities, skills, and assets which they already possess.  Efforts and strategies to increase their efficacy must be based in an understanding of these strengths.  I mean clearly, we would have to look at the Raptors' existing communication networks and informal relationships and begin building from there.  Of course, we would first need to ascertain whether the Raptors themselves are committed to investing themselves and their resources in this effort.  We must appeal to the Raptors' self-interest in taking out more squirrels because ultimately, they cannot rely on outsiders - even those of us who, like Joe, have a defined self-interest of our own - for sustained assistance over the long haul.  [Since we are ultimately fickle and may be captivated by lawn sign questions again next week].    Sincerely, Maura Brown Harrison