Wizard is correct about protocol in this situation. RT Rybak very clearly needs a "Native Liaison" to help him with public relations. Gordon Thayer attempted to give RT an easy and dignified way to ingratiate himself to the Native Community. He gave RT Rybak a chance to apologize on behalf of the City of Minneapolis for the Minneapolis Police Department's mistreatment of Indian people. Mr. Thayer offered the opportunity as a method of moving on and putting bad relations behind, so the Minneapolis Police and the Native Community could come together as one to face the future together. RT unfortunately did not sense the opportunity presented, so he passed it off as if he were being personally criticized. RT clearly needed some better political advice. Such a gesture would have cost nothing, would have admitted nothing, but would have opened the door to better relations. RT was politely coaxed a couple of times to seize the moment, but just could not comprehend it. Instead of seizing the opportunity to become the hero, RT made the incredible mistake of seeming to take personal offence. He probably did not, but that appearance, (even if justified) was not wise.
After that coaxing by well meaning people failed, Clyde Bellecourt came back with the admonition, "Anyone who has to be forced to apologize doesn't really mean it, so it does not matter". It reminded me of the old adage that someone's pride "snatched defeat from the jaws of success". Someone's lack of perception into traditional culture allowed an opportunity to pass. There is nothing sadder than watching a squandered opportunity as it passes out of sight down the road of what could have beens. Later in the meeting I came to the microphone and suggested that such a gesture was completely appropriate. The United States has urged the Japanese to do such an apology for years to better relations between them and the US service men and to the Chinese. They have also allowed arrogance and false pride keep them from it. How was this any different? Officials even admit that it historically happened. What could an apology for an admitted wrong hurt? I noted that while the Mayor's apology on behalf of Minneapolis would have been nice, the official action of Minneapolis required a resolution from the City Council. I asked Robert Lillegren to consider joining other of his colleges to offer such a resolution. Robert answered that he would indeed. He then stood and opening his upheld hands said that even though he was only new to the Council that he "Was sorry, so very sorry for the Historical abuse of Native people by Minneapolis Police". Robert Lillegren did the right thing. It is yet to be seen if the Council will follow his lead when he offers the resolution. I also suggested that the Franklin Safty Center would be the appropriate place to start an "Minneapolis Police Department Native Liason Office". Such an office would give native people from the community a chance to view the police as "their police force"; not as an occupying force. It would also allow police officers to form better relations with Indian people. By the way many police officers do have very good relations with many in the Native community. The Franklin Avenue Safty Center is the result of that relationship between Native, Community, and the Police Department. Sharon Lubinski, Kris Arneson, Shirley Stone, Gael Baez, and Jan Graham are responsible for the Safty Center in donated space from an American Indian Shopping Center. I can think of no better use of that space for a few hours a week or a more appropriate place for it. As for the presence of Chief Robert Olson, I believe he was indeed sick. Robert Olson has always been more than eager to meet even with small groups of community people. When Sharon Sales-Belton would not do so, Chief Olson was urging better communication with the community. If he were not indeed sick, nothing short of an order from the Mayor could have kept him from being there. Olson would have understood the failed opportunity. Inspector Sharon Lubinski was present at the meeting and Lt. Kris Arneson helped serve food. There were good relations being shared by many police officers and community people until the Mayor failed to seize the presented opportunity. Recently on the List someone attacked Inspector Lubinski and Robert Olson because they were responsible in some way for the "brutality" of police. These are clearly foolish comments. Robert Olson has had such bad relations with the Police Federation in part because he will not tolerate such actions, and is viewed by some police as not being supportive and protective enough when incidents of police misdeeds occur. Sharon Lubinski is possibly the most respected and beloved police official working in all of Minneapolis. Loved not only by the communities, but also respected by the police officers working for her. She is someone who DEMANDS professionalism from Third Precinct Officers. Lubinski is also the most personally "involved with the community" Inspector I can remember. The level of professionalism that she and Captain Mike Martin brought to what had previously been the worst precinct in Minneapolis is remarkable. From being the worst precinct in Minneapolis, where the worst police officers were assigned (against their will), the Third is now the place the "Good" police officers want and seek to work. I cannot imagine a better Chief than Inspector Lubinski or Captain Mike Martin, when RT replaces Olson, (which is clearly the plan unless the Council intervenes). Both are "Real" police officers that command and receive the highest respect from both Police Officers as well as from grateful communities and neighborhoods. Of course RT seems likely to attempt to appoint a political cronies, (possibly being presently prepared for the spot?), than to appoint a true "Professional". Possibly another failed opportunity? Jim Graham, Ventura Village >"If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in the other direction." 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
