1. I know we are not "supposed" to take issue with list members attacking others on "List". 2. I know that public figures running for office are fair game for criticism far more harsh than is allowed for the general public.
Knowing these things, still I am compelled to take issue with the post by Wizard Marks concerning Eddie Felien. I have known Eddie Felien for the twenty years that Wizard says these rumors have been circulating, and I have never heard any such allegation. I have heard from people who did not like Eddie's approach to being a City Councilman, but never any word about the criminal allegations that have been published by Wizard. Such allegations are particularly bad and wrong because it puts Eddie in the position of having Eddie have to do the impossible, prove he is a honest man. Once defamed as such, an apology is simply not enough. Whether I support Eddie in the coming election or not, I am compelled to stand beside Eddie in such a fight. While Eddie may have shaded the law during the social protest era, (the Taxi Wars, civil rights, and all the other quasi -legal protest movement actions, etc.), Eddie has always been an honorable man to my knowledge. Many of us brag about such activities now, but these were a far cry from what Wizard accused Eddie of. Given my love for hot rumor I am sure I would have heard about anything that hinted of what Wizard accused Eddie of. I can assure all readers that none of this ever came to my ear during all of that time. With the contentiousness of the Jeff Sparks race I am sure such would have been used, if it in fact were even a rumor. BUT it never was even rumored. Public and quasi-public figures are at a disadvantage when it comes to legal action when slandered and defamed. I have certain knowledge of such, having checked with lawyers about postings on this very List. Lies and evil rumor can be posted that if said about a private person would create an actionable offence. Because it is a public figure the only punishment possible is probably the sanctions of public opinion. I believe this libelous attack on Eddie Felien deserves the harshest of such sanctions, because once done it cannot be undone. Since this attack was done to support Peter McLaughlin, no matter how miss-guided, I ask Peter to also respond to this. It simply is not enough to let this lay. IF Peter McLaughlin does not have certain knowledge that such allegations are true then it is inclement upon him to also say so publicly. No matter who I support in the coming election I have deep respect for Eddie Felien because he is always honorable enough to tell you what he thinks. Maybe not what you want to hear, but what he actually thinks. Eddie is a throwback to a different more honest time when people were willing to fight for what they believed in. Some may find this abrasive, but I find it refreshing. Eddie also is particularly galling to some politicians in that he has a mind, is willing to use it, and most perplexing, he is willing to publicly tell others about it. In fact Eddie is so willing to do so that if there were a rumor about his criminal activities, he would be talking about it. Eddie brings refreshing honesty and debate about political issues to the election. People may disagree with his stances on issues, and vote accordingly, but at least he brings honest debate and should be honored for that. Eddie is criticized for, and may be, a tilter of windmills, but I happen to think windmills need to be knocked on their "Can" occasionally, (Particularly the political windmills. Or is that windbags?) So Eddie even though I do not presently support you politically, I fully support you in fighting the injustice that has been done you in this matter. I hope the List members will also join in that support. Jim Graham, Ventura Village _______________________________________ 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
