Re: Proposal to discuss police conduct
In a message dated 11/24/00 10:26:26 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: squad car officers are trained to see something different than you who were also not there are seeing. That means that the city's population and the line officers--and hence all other police personnel (they come up through the ranks)--have two different (at minimum) logic bases from which we are trying to discuss the issue. If the line officer is trained thus: "it's winter, it's cold, this big guy has been driving erratically and he's in his underwear. When people go ballistic, the training says they are going to blow any second and they gain incredible adrenelin strength. Ergo, this guy is way dangerous." The scenario presented in Wizards post is alarming, even as police encounters evidence its truth. We are not discussing SOG's,SEAL's, or SFO's, we are discussing a civilian force (Peace officers?) licensed to protect the citizenry from the bad guys. The subject she describes may be partially dressed and driving erratically for any number of reasons, including physical assault which would produce the same characteristics in behaviour. According to her defense, this "victim" is then condemned to die, at the hands of those licensed to protect him/her. To wizards credit, this revelation seems appropriate to the police response in their latest killings. For the sake of all Minnesotans, I sincerely hope that Wizard over-spoke on this issue. However, a caveat: Ms. Marks statement shouyld not be written off as pure conjuncture-it may well be true. Assuming the latter, it is imperative that the mission of the police be re-defined in service to the public, and that training to respond to crisis be overhauled, upgraded, and honed to the extent that their logic base, whichever they react from, empowers them to properly judge when "extreme force" is necessary. Robert Anderson 8th Ward. p.s.: Holle, I regret your recent misfortune and hope that all is well with you.
Re: Proposal to discuss police conduct
In a message dated 11/23/00 9:03:26 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: yes, it is definitely about time that we start challenging our out-of-control - or perhaps too-much-in-control police department. i think the FIVE KILLINGS IN THE PAST YEAR is a further manifestation of a police department that is not held accountable to our elected civilian government. It is a priori that police in Minneapolis are not held accountable to civilian government, given the absence of oversight by legislators. It stands to reason that a congress that allows the trundleing of the most basic human rights would do absolutely nothing against an armed agency. It is even more astounding that a beguiled public will continuously hold onto the reins of malfeasance, even in the face of arrogant disdain for the safety and welfare of citizens exhibited by public officials to date. It may be the case that more wide spread attention should be generated to awaken the sensibilities of the general populace: atrocities are not reserved to specific incidence and so we are all subject. Nor is this indignation limited to the police, even though their acts are the more lethal. An earlier post mentions redress of police conduct via city council. I submit that their intervention would be minimal in scope and affect, even if they were inclined to act. Such an initiative requires strong leadership at the state level to mandate accountability through legislative effort, and due process that holds police accountable for the loss of life in its functioning. Contrary to some beliefs, this does not undermine the ability of the police to protect the rights and lives of the citizenry; rather it sets the tone for police response. I've experienced the anxiety of facing an eneny under fire therefore I know that proper training and experience teaches one to be more aware of the response to a threat. So, when I hear the number of rounds expended in a subject, I know it to be a rookie facing action for the first time, or the calous response of an insensitive force "sending a message". Admittedly, police forces face a formidable foe: well armed, and seemingly disposed to dispersing the obstacle. In and of itself, that does not give license for "termination with extreme prejudice". Any command that allows such action is not fit to serve. Robert Anderson 8th Ward
Re: Vouchers
Wizard, I apologize for Robb. Maybe my post set him/her wrong in your genderfication. Robert Anderson Minneapolis IP Candidate(?),House 61B
Re: Vouchers
In a message dated 11/4/00 6:53:14 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: With a voucher, she can't even come close to the amount it would take to not only go to the school she needs, but take part in that social life. She's also an African-American Muslim. We live on a fixed, very small income. What good is a voucher to my kid who needs not only good academics, but access? Thank you Mr. Marks for articulating my very thought. I hope Ms Juno receives this post and will give it serious consideration. There is a problem with the belief that association brings on assimilation. In the first place, it ignores exemplary situations such as pointed out in Mr. Marks post, alluding to a belief that excellence requires particular environs. History exposes the fallacy in this belief. This belief further negates consideration of improving the quality of education for all students by asserting that only certain types of schools, in certain environs, can provide the basis for qualitative growth of skill and acumen. Secondly, there is the waning monetary base of school A in losing the child to school B, further burdening school A's ability to provide quality education to the students left behind. Following this rationale, why not take all of the students from school A over to school B ?? Again as pointed out by Mr. Marks, much more is involved in sending the child to compete in the social environment prevalent in matters of this nature (read chronicles on the effect of busing programs during the 60's and 70's). Though the child is now in an environment that will stimulate academic excellence (maybe), the weight of the social stress acquired may out weigh the benefit of academic exchange. It is time to revamp our approach to funding education and, more importantly, addressing the "silent" issues surrounding urban schools. Vouchers add to the problem more than provide any solutions. Robert Anderson Minneapolis IP Candidate, House 61B
Re: mother/child reunion
In a message dated 11/3/00 2:17:34 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: umping in and grabbing them is not the solution. You have to go upstream and find out who is throwing the babies in the river. Who you find upstream will be the immature, unsocialized, sociopathic parents who shouldn't be allowed to have babies." Harsh realities abound. Sexuality, like drugs, know no boundaries and affect each community whether it is acknowledged or not. I have no doubt that you knew children as young as 11 and 12 having sex for it is a fact of life. The truth is, it has been for some time. When sex occurs, the probability of impregnation looms extremely high, especially if education, compassion, and common sense are lacking. The solution however is not determining who should or should not have babies, therefore such a notion is null and should be voided. I do agree that existing institutions should rally around educating society generally about the reality of sexuality. I strongly disagree that all who fall prey to pregnancy are immature, unsocialized, sociopaths whose right to choose should be arrested. Case histories exist of America's finest and brightest being trapped in the very same phenomenon. If you look a little farther up river you will find that the old "double standard" in American ethics stands behind this phenomenon. We sell, rate, and persuade everything by sexual connotation, and age is not a deterrent. Then after convincing all that sex, or its appeal is the very essence of existence, we balk at education, birth control, or any matter encompassing the notion of responsible sexual nature. This reality is just as harsh. So harsh in fact that many want to ignore its truth. If we would save our children (parents and offspring alike), we must embrace the truth and arm them with it. When they fall (prey), every effort to heal the rift with as natural a setting as is possible is the better solution. If not, we move into phase II: throwing more and more finance into a failed solution and compalining even more. Robert Anderson Minneapolis IP Candidate, House 61B
Re: MPD: State Economic Affairs
In a message dated 11/2/00 11:19:39 AM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My name is Lyno Sullivan and I am the Independence Party State Senate candidate in District 56. Over 10 years ago I worked as a consultant to Minnesota government and recommended that the State consider Zeos, Lyno, it should be obvious to the voting public that 3rd party candidates, particularly those of the Independence Party, are concerned with the economic well being of our state, enough to view policy as a viable means to foster its growth. It should also be obvious that it is time to elect persons who have the best interest of the people, and industries, at heart. Good luck in your campaign. I look forward to working with you in the St. Paul. Robert Anderson Minneapolis http://www.egroups.com/group/anderson4rep
Re: mother-child reunion
In a message dated 11/2/00 6:21:22 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We now have open courtrooms in juvenile cases, yet this treatment of kids in chaotic settings gets little media coverage. There is no constituency for reform of a system that desperately needs it. No one talking about intervening in families that are dangerous to kids I have not read the Strib report and so my response may seem a bit awkward. I am not even certain which mother-child is referred to. However, the question raises quite a stir. The gist of the post is seemingly indicating a reunion of the "family" here, a fact that begs another question: what would be more appropriate? As I understand it, a child gave birth to a child and, in panic, fear, confusion, or God only knows what ever state of mind, attempts to hide the fact. I will quickly add that I am not trying to trivialize the matter; it is a grave circumstance to me, the father of six, with 19 grandchildren, and myself being sibling to a family of 34 (22 boys and 12 girls), childbirth is serious and sacred. So, let us skull out the options. A. The court could punish the mother with confinement for the "crime" and place the baby in another setting. The net effect being 2 persons in care of the state with uncertain outcomes for each. B. The court could remove the mother from her parents, recognizing the trauma, provide the mother with counseling and training for childcare, eventually allowing the 2 a reunion to grow up together, with the same outcome-2persons in care of the state with uncertain outcomes. C. The court could provide couseling for the entire family (grandparents, parent, and child), allowing for reality to settle in and providing a nurturing environ for both children with minimal financial assistance and a chance at a healthy, normal life. Of the options mentioned, which has the most desirous outcome? Where is King Solomons wisdom when you really need it? More importantly, what set of facts do we tackle first in presenting resolution to problems of this magnitude? Constituency of this nature is encumbent on society generally (is there a village capable of raising a child) however, hard questions must be answered first. What leads to teen sexuality in the first place? We know that to be the source of STD, un-wanted pregnancies, shattered lives, and abandonment, but how do we dis-mantle the machinery that gives rise to it in the first place?? These are hard questions, and cannot be answered without involving all factions (families, communities, schools and other institutions, adolescents). Likewise, we must bring to the table marketing, entertainment, social values, morality, and employment, even before we can begin to address effectively this phenomenon. It can be done but, in today's world, it requires strong, committed leadership and across the board discussion with intent and actions. Robert Anderson Minneapolis IP Candidate, House 61B
Re: MCDA
My apologies. The survey was being sent to groups who received the original post after the survey was knocked off. This posting was in error. The survey is intended to collect information on services rendered by MCDA, and determine it effectiveness as an agency. Since MCDA is established to address housing and development issues in Minneapolis (?), information should be garnered about it perception in the eyes of those served. Since I am running for State Rep, I am concerned about the role of agencies designed to administer the needs of my constituents and other Minnesotans. As a citizen, I have experienced their service and must say that their effectiveness is rather questionable. This is my personal opinion, however, and it does not have merit until either the role of that organization in fulfilling its mission is examined, or until weighed against (public) opinion. I will send the survey to any one requesting it: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or, it will be available on the web sites: http://www.andersonforhouse.com, and at the other: http://www.egroups.com/group/anderson4rep. Interested?? Robert Anderson Minneapolis
Re: Ramp meters sucking the life out of Mpls?
In a message dated 10/23/00 3:17:47 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Subj: Re: Ramp meters sucking the life out of Mpls? Date: 10/23/00 3:17:47 PM Central Daylight Time From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (John Rocker) Sender:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To:[EMAIL PROTECTED] (Multiple recipients of list) It's not the meters that encourage sprawl and subsidize exurban developmen John, You have stated a factual truth (redundant?). We have had many years trying the same old approaches and spouting the same old rhetoric, and many failed ventures which should be screaming for new vision. They are complex issues indeed. However, better solutions are available, but require new approaches in how we think of those issues, and especially how, or what, we will do to provide equitable relief. On that note, it is prudent to say that "leaders" must adopt the thinking process that is more aligned with our new view of "stakeholders", and abandon the practice (Keynesian?) of legislating in the purview of monied interest. Philosophically, when ever process immobilizes or alienates factors of production, it adversely affects distributive yield: it occurs randomly within the realm but never on , or beyond the curve. Simply stated, it is a win-loss scenario for all. There are better ways to address "affordable housing", sprawl (all), tax reform, more accountable government, better education, healthcare, etc., but it requires a shift in legislative priorities and actions to accomplish. Robert Anderson Minneapolis http://www.egroups.com/group/anderson4rep
Re: MCDA Survey
Jim, my apologies. After this error was brought to my attention, I posted a correction. Hopefully all have received it. To all: In response to a request to send a copy of the survey regarding MCDA, I did not reference the source or context, and inadvertently sent it to the full list. My apologies to all. If you like, the survey is available at: http://www.egroups.com/group/anderson4rep Robert Anderson Minneapolis
Police Brutality
I attended the October 22nd rally monday evening, and the rally and march staged last night at the City Center. Although a number of people attended, and despite the fact that the mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis, along with city council members were invited, none were brave enough to attend. As I viewed the pictures and heard statements about brutality and murder of citizens by police, I could not help wondering about the fear that kept politicians at bay. Was it the fear of being identified and subsequently subjected to harassment, or abuse by (???) officials or police?? If so, all the more reason for the rally. Was it the fear of associating with person concerned over incidents of brutality and murder??? Even so, all the more reason to stage a rally. I intended to address the crowd, but qas forced to leave because of previously arranged events: presentations were much more than had been planned and time simply ran over the estimate. It was, and is frightening to hear of the occurences of brutality against women and children particularly. With the training, equipment, and authority embodied in police, who can justify the brute force directed against women and children? It is a travesty for police to adopt this attitude against men, especially since it is aimed primarily at men of color, but damned unfathomable to carry it over to women and children. What, or whom is protected or served in this instance? If the evidence did not exist (tragically) all over the nation and, more particularly, right under our very nose, maybe ignoring the plea for help from citizens would be more understandable. But it is real. It does exist. It is alive and well in Minneapolis. And the people who voted you (politicians) in office are concerned, hurting, dying, and asking for your help. You refused ! What (else) should they do ? The crowd even recognized that the rally and march last night could have resulted in arrest and brutality, even though it was well organized. And in a show of solidarity and concern, shared a number to be called in the event of arrest. What has happened to bring on this sad state of affairs ?? And the politicians sat silent. Safely away from the "TO" (targeted objective). Even during the atrocities and eminent danger in a war zone some politicians dared show up, if for no other reason than to impress constituents at home. Was the gathering too small, unworthy of your attention ? The quesion you should be concerned with is "how many people will be touched by this cry for help, this plea to change fear of contact with police into trust of their intent to serve and protect, how many will vote, and whether they will vote you out of office based on your fear, or inability or unwillingness to intervene on their behalf". Isn;t that a classic definition of what you (should) do ?? Robert Anderson Minneapolis IP Candidate, House 61B http://www.egroups.com/group/anderson4rep
Re: MCDA
Certainly. The survey was put together after hearing many accounts of MCDA's riding slipshod over the people who have had contact with them. Accounts range from unscrupulous deals with persons having an undue influence in MCDA affairs, all the way to ignoring complaints from persons who have used their services. On this level, my interest is in the effectiveness of the program. I am struggling to understand the relationship between MCDA and its commissioners (city council) and other agencies as it relates to projects involving all three. The use of public funds requires certain elements accompany each project in which they are involved: other agencies funded by tax dollars have a responsibility to the public but, in at least one instance, neglected to perform their task, putting individuals at monetary, and physical risk. The intent of the survey is to determine their services overall and the effectiveness of the agencies providing oversight. It will also give some idea of the number of persons affected. Robert Anderson Minneapolis IP Candidate, House 61B
