Booker, Here''s the thing, you've made a lot of statements, but have not been able to back them up, and don't seem to have a clear understanding of even the accusations you've made. You say she's too connected to the establishment, but you offer no proof or even examples. You say she's an elitist and part of SEVERAL elitist organization, yet the only one you take umbrage with is the Links, Inc, a volunteer service and development organization for women of color, yet excuse your fraternity which is so similar as to be cited in the very source (sole source) that Doug mentioned. The only difference is that I'm aware of the Links working to help the community here. You're saying that the $600.00 you paid is a lot less, but again offered no proof. What is the price tag on elitism? At what dollar figure does it go from being reasonable to being elite?
The bottom line is that you are being prejudice under the pretense of "protecting" the Civil Rights department. The irony is staggering. You don't know this woman, you don't have any proof or support for your claims yet you will wantonly cast aspersions at her character without provocation. And in my opinion, you're better than that. This position isn't a watchdog, it's a visible leader and a proactive problem solver. We don't need someone who's going to hunker down and watch in case things happen, that's reactive. We need someone who will take the lead on managing the programs, identifying the problems and developing long term collaborative and sustainable solutions. I believe Ms. Khalifa will take this charge head on, but it's not something that any one person could or should do alone. She should not have to shut you up, instead she should be able to count on you being there to lend your expertise, your knowledge and your activism to make certain that not only she succeeds, but the department does as well. What better way to ensure that the needs of the community are met and the priorities that you think are important are focussed on? We have too many people who claim to be "for the people" but when it comes down to it, all they do is complain, make accusations, pick fights and call themselves a leader. They don't work on solution and they don't approach things collaboratively. Why? Why is the only tactic attack? No person in the City is pure, unadulterated evil, so why not help people succeed? Why not work with people rather than being on them like "white on rice"? This doesn't mean that you don't hold them accountable or don't demand what is fair and right, just that you don't have to hit someone upside the head in order to work on issues. Give her a chance, a fair and honest one, because everyone deserves that. That's what civil rights is all about. Jonathan Palmer Victory "My grandfather told me there are two kinds of people in this world: those who do the work, and those who take the credit. He said to be in the first group because there was less competition." -Indira Gandhi In a message dated 5/1/2004 9:40:31 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Mr. JP I just want to say one thing. I do not agree that my frat or any other Black Greek organization is elitist. I can assure that the $600 I paid to join Kappa is a lot less than what you would pay to be a part of the Links, Inc. Bottom line you, me, Doug and others will probably never agree on this woman being civil rights director. My t underlying argument is that is that she is to connected to the establishment that she is supposed to watchdog. Maybe the position should be an elected. I am done fighting this. I just hope that when she gets in that she does some good and shuts ME and other nay sayers up. But if she doesn't I will be on her like white on rice. This woman won't even be able to leave her office without thinking about me. I will praise her if she does well also. Booker T Hodges North side REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
