My email was not intended to start a debate or choose a side. It is because of outside influence that Hodges and Samuels will have a problem getting together.
Since you felt the need to point out what you believe is a great accomplishment of Council Person Don Samuels, here is how I will respond: I have no doubts that Mr. Samuels negotiated 300K for a certain group of "leaders" in the community, but what about the "little people." As you may already know, several people in the African-American community applied for empowerment zone funds, which was issued to our city council from the federal government with the use of data on impoverished African-American and other minority groups, but primarily African-Americans. I attended some of the meetings at the Urban League. According to figures given at the Insight Forum, there was over 28 million dollars given to MPLS in Empowerment Zone funding. Council Person Don Samuel met with several people with Business proposal at the UL. Even after giving letters of recommendation, Mr. Samuels voted not to approve. Did finding that out anger me? No. Because I hold out on expectations. I've lived over North long enough to know better. However, If you really want to change the conditions of North Minneapolis, and reduce the crime rate, why would you not approve constituents who want to generate incomes in an impoverished community. Redistricting caused the loss of revenues from downtown into North Minneapolis. Empowerment Zone monies could have helped ease some of the burden. I disagree with any council person not taking the opportunity to fight hard to get those funds into the community he/she represents. But you will agree to take a police presence from other communities to bring it into North Minneapolis. Thereby short changing all other communities. Just for the record, I for one believe "STOP" is a political ploy by Mayor Rybak, to garner the black vote, but again that's just my opinion. By the way, I was at the Democratic Convention and I, at no time, saw an assault on Council Person Don Samuels, as you stated in your letter. That is a false statement to put out there. As to Mr. Hodges apology, a person can apologies for causing stress and not for his/her own opinions/beliefs. I agree that the words "nigga" and "n*****" should not be used in any format. But neither should the term "house Negro" Either one has a negative impact, no matter who says it. Being one-sided on the subject will help no one. Therefore, for everything you point out good in a person, I or others can show something negative about them. My point is still the same, people are entitled to their own opinions and can speak those opinions in any forum they chose. The great thing about this nation is that we can choose to listen......or not. Don Samuels is a council person, who has the ability to talk to Mr. Hodges without interference from those who would like to keep them apart. I hope he takes that step towards healing. Michelle Hill Cleveland Neighborhood-North Minneapolis REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact 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 Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
