On Jan 3, 2005, at 2:05 PM, gemgram wrote:
Remember this same Basim Sabri is the person who bragged that he "Owned" public officials, that he was Minneapolis City Council Member's "retirement fund". He thought that he didn't have to worry about the law, he could buy law. According to some of the Somali business people who he exploited the Sabris threatened them with these political "friends". Remember that as little as a few months ago Sabri still claimed as "friends" and supporters several of the highest of City of Minneapolis' elected officials.
Sabri's boast that he "owned" public officials is not logically sufficient to prove that he did, in fact, "own" them. Sabri most likely exaggerated his influence at City Hall in order to intimidate his Somali tenants.
Occam's Razor - the simplest explanation is mostly likely the correct one. Sabri the braggart is a simpler explanation than Sabri, the mastermind who "owns" public officials.
gemgram:
Even though Sabri was under indictment, and the United States Supreme Court had ruled that there was sufficient evidence to try him for his criminal behavior, he continues receiving votes and "support" from his "friends".
The city is in a tough position in situations like this -- among other things, civil rights law and the equal protection clause make it hard for the city to discriminate among (and against) developer proposals, except on the merits of the proposal itself. Once a conviction is in hand, though, things are different.
The Republican-appointed US Attorney has no motive to pull his punches to protect the city. If there's more out there, it'll surface (as well it should).
Greg Abbott ------------------------------------
Sent from the computer of:
Greg Abbott Linden Hills 13th Ward
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