Hello List, Yes, it's the woman in Tampa again. I support the Anti-War Resolution. While people keep remarking on the fact that the mayor and council members were not elected to get involved in national politics, they were, however, IMHO, expected to make decisions and partnerships with officials much higher up than themselves, which will work to benefit us all in the long run. And, every local politician is a national one in the making, whether they see themselves in that light or not. Sometimes fate intervenes and puts them in the position to lead, while others, depending on the circumstances, may stumble and fall.
No, this is not a post to expound on the idea of using ones public trust for political and social gain. It is, however, to show how nothing works in isolation. The City of Minneapolis is a vital contributor to the nation as a whole. The thoughts, actions, and livelihoods of the citizenry there are intertwined in this seemingly unrelenting march toward war. Some may see a reason for it war, and for every reason given for it, I believe, as do others, that there exists a million reasons against it. My brother-in-law, Herbert Thompson, is in the Air Force here in Florida. He grew up in south Minneapolis, Central neighborhood to be exact. He is a homegrown son of excellent character. He is the loving and devoted husband of my sister Robin, and the loving and responsible father to my nephews, Marcus, Ryan and Anthony. He dedicated the majority of his adult life to the military, and protecting his country, flying in the F-16's. He did his time, and is due to retire now. However, with this WAR upon us, he is being retained. I do not believe this should be happening. My sister and his children have spent a majority of their lives being brave and praying for his safe return form his missions. His son's are now all in college, and he was looking forward to spending time with my sister and growing old gracefully. They recently bought a home, and were looking forward to a life OUTSIDE the military. He looked forward to spending time with both sides of the family, who do reside in Minneapolis. Going to war at this time in his life was the last thing any of us would have foreseen. He has survived this long; he has earned the right to his freedom. I do not believe even the military has the right to deny him his civilian life now. Is this a case of me saying, "not in my backyard?" The answer is an unequivocal YES!!!! If something should happen to him President Bush should thank his lucky stars that I believe in GOD because that would be his only saving grace from me. He is a valued member of our world and his presence would be sorely missed. I have three brothers who are veterans of the armed services. I thank God that they survived it. I do not believe in this war. I believe that there is outpouring enough in the city, albeit, the nation, to warrant public officials speaking out, even if it comes down to nothing more than taking that public stance. I believe that reaching out to save another human being is always correct. All it takes sometimes is the power of one. And then so on and so on and so on...and suddenly you have a coalition. Many voices. One action. A thought: Hitler became a dictator by the margin of just one vote. In the final analysis, every voice and action counts for something. "When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall - think of it, always." ~ Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948), Agitator Thank you, Eric, for the quote, and the thoughtful message which preceded it. And, I applaud council members Zimmerman and Zerby for being unafraid of standing up and being counted. Respectfully, Pamela Taylor (Tampa) TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Send all posts in plain-text format. 2. Cut as much of the post you're responding to as possible. ________________________________ 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
