Tom, I'm afraid this is the way it is when one publicly questions the reasonableness/appropriateness of any form of supportive housing proposed in our neighborhood. Discussion and debate about the merits of the proposal are silenced in one or both of the following ways:
* if you oppose the proposal or even raise questions you are labeled a classist, elitist, racist or god forbid---a "white homeowner". . * if you oppose the proposal or even raise questions you must be selfish, self-centered, and against helping those in need. Therefore, relevant and critical questions are dismissed as nothing but a smoke screen for you "real" intent. I have witnessed this phenomenon many times at neighborhood and city meetings. It is a way of shaming and guilting the opposition without having to discuss the real issues. The NIMBY term is stitched to you using scarlet letters. Very convenient, very popular, and unfortunately very effective so far. If you ain't for 'em, your against 'em. Terry Erickson Whittier ----- Original Message ----- From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Friday, April 19, 2002 4:53 PM Subject: [Mpls] Heroes, dead-beats and 1/4 mile spacing of supportive housing > Ms. Miles > > Once again you respond to arguments that I have not made, and now you go on > to quote passages I have not written. This is worse than obfuscation. It is > inflammatory and not at all helpful. Can I once again urge you to stick to > the subjects in my posting. > > Many of us may or may not have strong sympathies for a given project or > facility, but that is not the basis for sound public policy. > > One of your digressions is worth note because it is inaccurate. Plymouth > Congregational Church and its Foundation are being sued because they are > breaking the laws of the City of Minneapolis. The law they are breaking > (Chapter 536) regulates the spacing of NEW supportive housing facilities, > and was sponsored by Councilman Jim Niland, a person with a thorough > understanding of housing issues, and an impeccable record of support for > citizens in need. > > > Tom Berthiaume > Loring, Navarre, Stevens Square, Whittier > > > _______________________________________ > 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 > _______________________________________ 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
