Histrorically , I and other people who are not wealthy, not male , not
white, have not been able to count on their "representatives" to represent. 
andrea jenkins
Bryant 

-----Original Message-----
From: Walt Cygan [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2002 4:26 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: RE: [Mpls] (no subject)


Matthea Little Smith wrote:
> People with privilege tend to see things much differently
> than those that don't have the privilege.

Sure, Ms. Smith is absolutely right. But I see things much differently
because of my profession (computer-related) than an artist might. I see
things differently as a lapsed Catholic than a practicing Muslim would.
I see things differently as an Independent than a party activist of any
stripe would. I see things differently as a 46-year-old, married, father
than I did when I was a 25-year-old, single person with no children.   

Which of these things are more important than the others in formulating
my views on policy issues in Minneapolis? Even on the topic of privilege
someone might ask what it takes to be considered privileged. Is it an
income standard? Is it a lifestyle standard? Is it opportunity?

Mr. Greenwald's point about balkanization is a sound one. How many
people would have to be on the Redistricting Commission before all of
the crucial categories (geography, gender, sexual orientation, income,
marital status, [add your favorite]...) are appropriately represented? 

We live under a representative form of government, but that doesn't mean
that we are always perfectly represented. Statistically, sometimes the
makeup of bodies will be skewed when compared to the population. Let's
cut the Redistricting Commission a little slack and let them *do*
something before criticizing them for not doing it right.

Walt Cygan
Keewaydin


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