This is no monster. Others have suggested, perhaps rightly, that there is
some serious journalistic jealousy at work here. And not a little
territorial envy as well, perhaps also not without justification.
Remember, Brauer's day job is that of editor of what some at the Strib may
consider competition - The Skyway News. Now, David doesn't have to cite
that. We have.
And why would Barb Johnson not use this same list to round up support for
her cause. Annie Young is not averse to it. Might even sponsor the change.
Of course, policymakers must be fair, must seek some consistency and balance
in their resource allocations. But it often is not fair in execution and the
squeaky wheel theory does indeed work.
This list is moderated by a King Field resident. Does that influence who
participates and who does not? Should it make a difference to anyone? To
policymakers?
Policies require perspective, but citizen participation is all about
pressure on the their makers, and it makes no sense in the absence of
perceived fairness or effective lobbying by others that this list or any
other organizing mechanisms be blamed for their successes.
David may or may not have had organizing citizens as a primary part of this
list's original mission, but if it has performed that function as an
outgrowth of its success in creating a forum for issues discussion, then so
be it and thank god for it.
Better Doug Grow ask Barb Johnson why she hasn't either sufficiently
participated here to round up the necessary forces for her cause or started
her own parochial list for boosting North Side influence on the processes
that affect them.
Andy Driscoll
Saint Paul
------
"I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied
corporations which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of
strength, and bid defiance to the laws of the country."
--- Thomas Jefferson,1816
> From: "List Manager" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2002 18:31:52 -0600
> To: "Mpls list" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Subject: [Mpls] Strib: Is Mpls-Issues too powerful?
>
> Doug Grow asks the question: does Minneapolis-Issues have elected
> officials wrapped around its virtual finger? A source for "e-mail
> demagoguery?"
>
> Barb Johnson provides ignition, DQ provides the fuel...who knows where
> it will land!
>
> I do think this is a watershed of sorts, and could prompt an interesting
> discussion of how influential the list really is, and whether that's a
> good thing...
>
> http://www.startribune.com/stories/462/1922367.html
>
> David Brauer
> List manager
> (I feel a little like Dr. Frankenstein right now!)
>
>
> _________________________________________________________
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> _______________________________________
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