I tried to tone down my response, but here is how I really feel. If CP Samuels had struck to his own declaration, and not ran in the 5th ward against, CP NJL, I would not have had the opportunity to know how he really feels about African-Americans. Finding out is an eye opening scary thing.
Many on this list refer to CP Samuels as an African American. I try to say that, but I come up short on my wording. What I usually say is, "We have to realize that redistricting caused the only two sitting minorities to be fighting for one seat." People have to remember that CP Samuels is Jamaican and, in his spoken words, he makes sure that his ancestry is clear. In an Insight article CP Samuels said he wanted to infuse some of his "immigrant" resiliency and entrepreneurial drive into the "Black" community. The article went on to say, "What we want to do is recreate artificially what the immigrant communities have naturally." As to the statement about "entrepreneurial drive" I will continue to say EMPOWERMENT ZONE FUNDING. I will continue to be appalled that $96,000.00 went to gang member, or "ex-gang members" if that is your choice of words, but our young high school kids travel to the suburbs for jobs. You give money to already existing business or recreational facilities, but how many jobs were added to those facilities for young people and single parents looking for jobs. You cannot create middle class families, without creating jobs. Since joining this forum, I have begun to read more and listen more and while the mudslinging does not bother me, because you have that in all elections, unfortunately its the American way. However, I encourage everyone to listen to the responses of the candidates. That's how you know if the candidate really knows what's going on and what we need to address the problems. While I do not get a vote in the 5th ward, since I have not moved, I have many friends and one son in that area and I will encourage them to vote for CP NJL because she has a true vision that includes ALL people, and it is clear in every word that she says. In this day and age I find it hard to believe that anyone, who has heard CP Samuels speak or have read statements that he has made, could overlook the obvious. I look forward to Nov 8th. Only then will I see if we have moved forward or if the views and stereotypes of African American remain the same. Michelle Hill Cleveland 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
