Nathan Hunstad wrote:
> I can't speak for all delegates, but I wholeheartedly reject the notion that
> school board members can only represent their constituents of the same race,
> or that constituents can only be represented by school board members of the
> same race. My criteria for endorsement was simple: who would do the best
> job. Not who would do the best job for one group or another, but simply who
> would do the best job. In my opinion, two candidates met the criteria, and
> that is who I supported. Race or gender had nothing to do with it, and I
> don't think it should. If we are in a position where it is argued that we
> have to take a candidate's race into account and change our criteria based
> on that, then we are not in the place we should be. We should be elected
> public officials based on competence.
Well I certainly agree with this position, but it is not in line with
the DFL's own Affirmative Action Statement:
AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT
The following Affirmative Action Statement is to be read at
precinct caucuses, party conventions, and other meetings where
elections occur:
"The goal of affirmative action is to recruit individuals for
political activity in the DFL and the Democratic process of our
government. The DFL is an active participant in the struggle to end
all forms of bigotry and discrimination. As part of our commitment
to ending discrimination, we seek to increase the participation of
members of those communities that have been traditionally shut out
of and/or underrepresented in the political process. As part of this
commitment, we will seek to elect members of these communities to
positions both within the DFL Party and in public office. These
efforts will be directed toward all underrepresented communities."
The difference between the semantics of this statement and the
pragmatics of the DFL's actions are so enormous as to be
laughable.
Mark Snyder wrote:
> For someone who doesn't necessarily believe in proportional
> representation by race, Michael sure seems to be focusing on
> it a great deal.
As a former Democrat, I share some of the Party's stated concern
for social justice and educational quality. I just have a difference
of opinion on how to achieve them. I don't believe that the
current actions of the DFL will advance these causes and
I believe that the Party's actions are hypocritical and
in conflict with its stated goals. I think that it's important
for the electorate to be aware of this.
> Here's my question: who says the DFL leadership didn't make a
> concerted effort to ensure that African American students were
> represented by someone of their own race? Because they did not
> succeed, does that necessarily mean they did not try?
I am willing to review evidence contrary to my observations.
So what has the Party done?
> Michael notes that he can think of several African Americans
> qualified to serve on the school board, in which case, I hope
> he would encourage one or more of them to run.
I am an individual not a political party. There's a certain
qualitative difference between my encouraging people to run
for school board and the DFL's encouragement.
> Perhaps that might help bring to light that the key words for finding
> candidates for any elected position isn't necessarily so much the
> "qualified" as the "and willing" - and given the mess the School Board
> currently has in front of it, it would not surprise me at all
> if it's the "and willing" part of the deal that has so far proved to be
> insurmountable.
If this is true then the Party should have endorsed Ms. Henry-Blythe,
she seems willing. Not to endorse any Black candidate, and leave open
the possibility that there will be a School Board without a Black member
in a district of 42% Black students, is an insult to the African American
community given the DFL's stated commitment to Affirmative Action.
Personally, I'd be mad as hell. But of course, I don't support
Affirmative Action so you can just classify me as astonished.
Michael Atherton
Prospect Park
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