----- Original Message -----
From: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
"I don't think John Delmonico owes anyone an apology. He is speaking the
truth as he sees it."
No, what he is doing is utilizing a tragedy that is fresh in the minds of
Minneapolitans to further Peter's campaign agenda. It is the type of
cheap
theatric and emotional slight of hand that has become the hallmark of
Peter's
campaign and it is disrespectful to those of us with friends and loved
ones in
New Orleans and along the Gulf Coast. It is preying upon people's fears
for
political gain is beneath anyone who is in position of public authority
or
representation. I am amazed that anyone would stoop so low as to exploit
this,
more amazed that anyone would attempt to defend it instead of merely
being
quiet and hoping that such a tawdry ploy would blow over.
No Jonathon, what Delmonico was doing was comparing the crime problem that
is fresh in the minds of those Minneapolis residents who do NOT live in
"Impacted Neighborhoods" to some of the tragedy that does occur in
Minneapolis. Possibly so they would get the point. Last month there were
10 rapes in the Phillips community. As reported on this "List" I have stood
armed guard every night for a week to protect a family with small children
from having their house shot up by a drug gang. That happened and continues
to happen in Minneapolis as well as New Orleans. Delmonico DID NOT ask for
support for McLaughlin, he asked voters to vote "Anyone but Rybak". A very
different thing!
A little paraphrasing?-------
I also think it is a cheap, theatric slight of hand for the Rybak employees
and supporters to attempt to attach Delmonico's statement to McLaughlin. I
believe it is disrespectful to US who have many friends, family, and loved
ones in New Orleans, Gulf Port, and Biloxi. This political slight of hand
for political gain is indeed beneath contempt.
What Jonathon has done is exactly what the Rybak campaign has attempted all
along. Take something out of context and attempt to attach it to
McLaughlin. It started with someone bringing up the police officers being
sent to New Orleans and then warning McLaughlin to not make this a campaign
issue. McLaughlin NEVER did, and probably never even thought of it. All
McLaughlin did was ask Minneapolis to help the disaster victims. But now
Jonathon and some other paid Rybak supporters attempt to say Peter has used
the tragedy for his benefit. Clearly it is the other way around. And as
Jonathan says, "I am amazed that anyone would stoop so low as to exploit
this, more amazed that anyone would attempt to defend it instead of merely
being quiet and hoping such a tawdry ploy would blow over."
"And while we are on the subject of cheap campaign ploys and
inconsistencies, why is it that" - Rybak employees and supporters will
criticize McLaughlin for something that they have created. Isn't that being
hypocritical? Especially when Rybak supporters are touting what Rybak is
doing when all he is doing is what is agreed to as part of Minneapolis'
responsibility. As to where it is posted, come on Jonathon you must know
that mostly supporters visit those websites. Peter is posting it where it
will have the most impact on people whom he has influence over. RT's posting
it on the City Web-site is meant to reach a much larger audience. Perhaps
the City would allow Peter to post his appeal on the City's website. Also
Rybak might consider posting his on HIS website. But I guess that is
something the Rybak camp just don't seem to get as they attempt to find
something for campaign fodder.
"It's time to stop the foolishness"
"Foolishness like the repeated ploy from" the Rybak camp that RT was
responsible for adding 70 new police officers, "when each of you who posts
that knows that it was the State and the work of a few State Legislators
that was responsible, not RT Rybak. Instead of giving the credit to those
who actually created them, why do each of you continue to talk about the
thousands of housing units that Rybak has created, when you know it is not
true? So I'll put it to you Jonathon and Mark and every other Rybak
supporter who keeps putting this out, why do you persist in putting this
into each one of your posts when you know it's not true? I dare any of you
to answer.
Better yet, when Rybak was the darling of the State Legislature, (even
Republicans) in his first weeks in office, why didn't he lobby for the
funding for more police officers, instead of the Stadium? I believe in his
campaign he touted his communication skills and ability to work with the
State for Minneapolis' needs. Why was he held in such disregard only a few
months later? And by the way the Sheriff has been very cooperative and
supportive of Minneapolis and its fight with crime. I believe RT should
talk a little more with Pat, he would find him very helpful and a creative
problem solver. Of course it does require asking for that help rather than
denying that there even is a problem.
I also hate that this is what the election has come down to, it shouldn't be
empty rhetoric and made up issues, but just the skills and resources each
candidate brings to the table. I liked and still like RT Rybak as a person.
I gave to his first campaign. When his campaign had written off the
inner-city I took a group of family members and friends and hit every car in
Phillips on the night before the primary and before the election. I talked
neighborhood activists around the City into believing that Rybak was earnest
and truthful in his promises to empower neighborhoods and communities. I am
one of those now sees that Minneapolis needs a real Mayor not empty
promises. Some might think it a joke but I am dead serious when I suggest
that RT Rybak would make a great anchorman for the news. It and the media
is RT Rybak's true calling, not doing the job as Mayor. We gave him his
boyhood dream of being Mayor, now it is time for him to move on to the real
media, and leave his Minneapolis toy to someone who will actually work at
the job rather than have a hobby. In my mind that is where RT should go,
where he is good at something, because neither he nor his supporters seem to
be able to do much more than snipe and create mythical accomplishments while
asking you to not pay attention to the "Smoke & Mayor" slight of hand to
take credit for something not there. This IS a serious time with serious
issues. Regardless of who you are supporting this kind of exploitation of
tragedy, should not be tolerated... by anyone. I wish we could talk about
the good things RT has done, but we must let his actual record stand instead
of false claims and broken promises. Minneapolis needs real accomplishments
not slight of hand. The people of Minneapolis need and deserve no less.
Jim Graham,
Ventura Village
"If you board the wrong train, it is no use running along the corridor in
the other direction" -- GET OFF!
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