Gotta lump some responses due to the post limit (mplscivicdiscuss doesnt have limits):
"Various groups are calling for FEDERAL mediation w/the police to improve relations towards struggling q/poverty & crime are the legacies of racism and white supremacy we STILL have not faced and resolved.We could use Truth & Reconcilliation Commissions 9like that in post-apartheud S Africa) all over the US--INCLUDING Minnesota. Lydia Howwell, South Minneapolis" Hey, Lydia, good input. I like that idea. Swear people in and get them to give testimony on what they directly saw and other evidence they could give. This would be TRUE "civilian review" because it would be outside the power structure and they couldnt use their many subtle measure to shut up whistle-blowers. I'm sure they WOULD try to smear the credibility of it, so some weighty names would have to align with it to prevent that. S Africa profited from having Nelson Mandela who is nearly a national saint to the indigenous local people. Joseph Barisonzi: "3. Does the involvement of a federal mediator who works for the Attorney General's office impact immigrant communities? How does the Somali or Mexican community feel about the use of Ashcroft's AG department?" Joseph: If they don't like the IDEAS of the mediator, they can simply give the media a thumbs down? But you do raise a valid point: "mediate" between which parties? I doubt anyone can speak for the residents of the neighborhood. They can give local input, things the police and politicians simply don't KNOW. But an "agreement"? At most the process could give the authorities some guidelines based on reasoned research. It could tone down the rhetoric so people could start to LISTEN to each other. Jim Macguire: "Another thing adding to traffic problems. People who drive down the bike lane on Hennepin IN CARS!" This is an argument for some routes that are BIKES ONLY. Rather than sharing on the Mall, I think maybe society should start thinking of segregating bike traffic. We have sidewalks to segregate pedestrians. Why not something to segregates bikes. And why not mandatory bike licenses to help fund it??? "I see where the Minneapolis Police Federation has endorsed Republican Tim Pawlenty for Governor. http://www.twincities.com/mld/twincities/news/local/4012065.htm?template=contentModules/printstory.jsp Does anyone recall any recent union endorsements for a Republican candidate for statewide office? Bill Dooley Kenny" I think some of these public unions have a history of endorsing Republicans. I suppose it comes from a feeling that they are "law 'n order" politicians, people who are slow to question any action by those in authority. "Each time we discuss and debate issues, especially the cost of local government, it is important to maintain perspective - we are serving the same number of people that we did 80 years ago. Vicky Heller" Any connection with Heller-Seagal of Slab City fame? Anyway, so yes we are doing that. So? There are forces that fight against increased density, even when it could lead to better economy. We've never bothered to really understand WHAT makes multi-unit housing prone to more crime. So, there just isnt any room for more population, especially when you have laws that say people have to be RELATED to share a dwelling. I wonder if the real estate lobby got that one in. ===== Jim Mork Longfellow Neighborhood ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Minneapolis Discussion (With No Daily Limits) FOR RESIDENTS ONLY At: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mplscivicdiscuss/?yguid=66524673 Subscribe Today! __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance - Get real-time stock quotes http://finance.yahoo.com _______________________________________ 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
