Is it ever too late to do the right thing? There's a lot of talk going around about cost, and which leader said this or supports who, and who heard nothing bad said in the community about Olson, and while all of these current comments have made me look in my closet for Rod Serling, it has also strayed away from the issue to some extent.
There is a problem that exists between community members and police and inappropriate action being done by SOME police officers. The bottom line is that something has to be done. Right now, there's an option on the table for a buyout of Olson's contract, if you think it's the right thing to do, then you need to call or email your Councilmember and the Mayor NOW. Don't wait, because I believe this is coming up for consideration on Friday (now today). No this won't solve all of the problems that exist, but it's a start and it's action. A journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step, and the solution to the problems of police-community relations/racial profiling/abuse of power, etc., begins with this one. It begins with this one because the chief has either condoned and protected the actions taking place or he has been ineffective in curtailing and reforming them. Either way, the job of leadership is not being done. The needs of the people are not being met. Action must take place. I wish I could say I'm surprised at some of the Councilmember's support of Olson or evasive ways of avoiding the question, but there are some people who have been comfortable for a long time and don't have the integrity to step out and do the right thing. Pick a side, don't sit on the fence. That's what leadership is about. If you're not prepared to do that, you're in the wrong profession. And while you're considering the cost of the buyout and whether it's worth it, why not ask Abu Jeilani's family how much his life was worth. How many other lives, injuries and incidents of racism and degradation are enough to make it feasible to take this step? What price is right for the sanctity of life and liberty? And while we're on the subject of integrity, our Mayor has it and he is at least trying to do something about the situation. How about as citizens either getting behind him, working with him to develop a different agenda if necessary, or get the hell out of the way. Politics is not about getting your way or the highway, it is about bringing together different perspectives and trying to find the midground that will either support everyone or at least be the best compromise you can come up with. No one ever completely gets their way, and unless you understand this and approach it from this view, you will be continually dissatisfied with the political sphere. Whether you voted for or supported him or not, he is the Mayor, and this is OUR city, which means working together to get the job done, not simply complaining because you don't like how the job is done. Now is the time for action, not just complaints. There's an opportunity on the table right now to take a step, and rest assured that Olson's supporters are wasting no time in voicing their support, if you want to see change you have to give more than words. Pick up the phone or send the email. If you don't think this is the right thing, come up with a plan, develop it, and present it...now. (Which incidentally some people have done on this list, but don't just complain and leave it at that) How many more times must we fight amongst ourselves and over semantics and who gets credit before it sinks in that action must happen, and it can't happen in a vacuum? Is it ever too late to do the right thing? No. And I urge all of the members of the Council and of the City in general to get behind the Mayor and support this step in this thousand mile journey. Jonathan Palmer Stevens Square-Loring Heights (Still Ward 6 for now) _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
