There are clearly a number of different ways that persons may serve their community. I'm sure that everyone believes that their way is the best way. I think that we need to be respectful of everyone's attempts. But I also believe in the exposure of activities that are detrimental to our community. Thus I feel it necessary to respond to Mr. Palmer's e-mail.
JP says I've read a number of these pieces where Booker makes vague references to people and the horrible things that they've done such as Jayne Khalifa being an elitist and member of "several" elitist organizations which actually turned out to have no merit and be referring to one organization the Links, which like Booker's own fraternity has a membership fee and admission criteria. The one difference is that the links doesn't have any hazing and makes significant contributions to the community like the $20K they raised for African American family services. Z.M. Says; At the community meeting on Thursday, I was disturbed to find that Jayne Khalifa could not identify one civil right when I asked her to list a few. She was also unable to give the proper definition of the word "creed." I think that our community has every right to know what we are getting in with the appointment of the director of the Civil Rights Department. I'm now concerned that if she does not know what the civil rights are, how can she defend our right to their enforcement? As for proof of this fact JP, we have it on video tape. JP Says; And I'm really tired of people beating around the bush and talking behind your back and yet not really making any significant contribution other than to complain and lob unfounded accusations. ZM says; This statement is troubling. Maybe Mr. Palmer is just ignorant to Mr. Hodges activities. Booker T was vital to the historic Federal Mediation agreement between the community and the Police depart. His continued activity in the enforcement of the agreement is key to ensuring positive outcomes for the black community and Minneapolis as a whole. I have also seen Mr. Hodges at several locations where tragic events of shootings have taken place in our community. While at these sites Mr. Hodges assist the community, families of victims, the police department and the media. I have yet to see Mr. Palmer at any one location. Mr. Hodges is also fully engaged in the current Empowerment Zone activities being conducted in the African American community that is exposing a number of different concerning issues. Mr. Hodges recently organized and facilitated a forum on racism at the Minneapolis Urban League that was a great success and is currently planning more racism forums. Mr. Hodges was currently appointed to the highest position held by a black man in the independence party in the state and perhaps the country. Mr. Hodges currently serves as a board member of NRRC in north Minneapolis. These are all activities that I have witnessed Mr. Hodges engaged in in the past year that are outstanding contributions to our community on a volunteer bases! I also want to mention that Booker T. Hodges is a young black man that had the balls to run for Governor of the state of Minnesota, that says a lot. JP says; So I'm putting the challenge to Booker and anyone else out there to put there money where there mouth is. I've heard the same story about the preacher, so if you've got proof and investigated it, say it. ZM says; Mr. Palmer was at the event were the funds were collected. Mr. Hodges and others were looking out for the families best interest, thus they tracked the funds collected. Mr. Hodges has obviously utilized good judgment in not posting the involved parties names. This gives opportunity for the community to clear the subject up. But I think that it was important for Mr. Hodges to expose the situation of extortion of victims families and victims memories. Don't worry Mr. Palmer you are not the preacher mentioned. JP says; I watched with a mixture of annoyance and bemusement as you, Ron Edwards, Al Flowers and Zack Metoyer accused me of saying I wanted to fight you (physically) in those emails. ZM says; I have read the e-mail in question. I think that the statement "we can take it out back" is one of physical challenge. ZM also says; If you are annoyed by what you see on Black Economics, simply change the cannel. As the host and producer I can assure you that we will continue to exercise our right to freedom of speech. Zachary Metoyer 8th ward 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
