In a message dated 12/20/2002 2:37:58 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
>Do you need any further explanation of why a DFL disident such as myself has been won >over by Olin Moore?<< No but I'd like an explanation of what you mean when you say: "Sorry to disappoint you, but Olin isn't much for the theatrics. If you want a stirring sermon, hire Shane or Don Price." To my knowledge there isn't a Don Price that would in anyway be relevant to the discussion. I hope it's not another example of confusing the Black candidates such as Amy Dawson and Kari Dziedzic did of me for Keith Ellison, because frankly we're getting a little tired of the "all you Black people look alike" move. And is the implication here that the Black candidates are about theatrics? Mark raised the concern that Olin didn't seem like he wanted to be there and that he wasn't offering anything new or exciting for solving the problems of the third ward. That's not theatrics, that's policy and interest and connection with the community. Something which both Don SAMUELS and Shane and any good councilmember has. If you're going to call that theatrics, perhaps we're working under different definitions of the word. And since you weren't able to be there for either of the forums and you obviously haven't spent anytime taking a serious look at Don SAMUELS, allow me to enlighten you on a few points that you're in error over. First, had you been at any of these forums, read his lit, or even talked with someone since the convention, you would know that Don SAMUELS has been speaking on other issues specifically economic and community development, affordable housing, and family issues (specifically youth development). In fact, had you been at the latest forum you would have notice that only comment that got loud cheers and claps, was Don's response to the question (and I'm paraphrasing question and answer here) of whether he supported the Cub development and destruction of small business and buildings, to which Don replied that he would want all of the ward's input before making a final decision, but that he was predisposed to supporting small business and community development partially because he couldn't see anyone saying, "Hey you're visiting Minneapolis, well be sure to check out the Riverfront it's very nice, and wait 'til you see Central Avenue, they have a really beautiful Cub over there. Mark didn't say and nor has Don been avoiding other issues, but rather meeting them head on. Which you might have seen had you been in attendance. You think Olin's the best candidate, fine, but how about explaining what he brings rather than slighting the other candidates with unfounded and unsubstantiated assertions. Campaigns should be about identifying what everyone brings to the table and advocating for who one thinks has the best qualities, not spinning half truths and baseless comments. Races should be fought and won honorably, especially if you're going to claim to have the best candidate. What I found interesting is Don SAMUELS has been represented as an Authentic Community Voice from the start of his campaign. Olin is now telling people he wants to be their neighborhood voice....I think it says a lot about the positions in the race when you try to co-opt the competition's message. Finally, again I have to take issue with you're analysis of the 3rd ward convention. I don't know how Olin can be perceived as the underdog when Mike Erlandson is hosting fundraisers for him and his wife is chair of the Congressional District. He led on every ballot, but not because he "united the disparate voices" but because as often happens, people get tired, they want to leave or they don't like the opposing candidate. Don was the underdog and still had a larger group of support (though not among the delegates) of 3rd ward residents than Olin or Kari had there. A base which has only grown since then. We'll see in the end who walks out of it, but if Olin does end up representing the 3rd ward, I hope he can do a better job of telling Black people apart than his supporters are. Jonathan Palmer Really tired of the same old thing in Victory _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
