[Mpls] Why I can't support RT Civil Rights Director

[Jhpalmerjp at aol.com]

Booker,

Here''s the thing, you've made a lot of statements, but have not been able to 
back them up, and don't seem to have a clear understanding of even the 
accusations you've made.  You say she's too connected to the establishment, but you 
offer no proof or even examples.  You say she's an elitist and part of SEVERAL 
elitist organization, yet the only one you take umbrage with is the Links, 
Inc, a volunteer service and development organization for women of color, yet 
excuse your fraternity which is so similar as to be cited in the very source 
(sole source) that Doug mentioned.  The only difference is that I'm aware of the 
Links working to help the community here.  You're saying that the $600.00 you 
paid is a lot less, but again offered no proof.  What is the price tag on 
elitism?  At what dollar figure does it go from being reasonable to being elite?

The bottom line is that you are being prejudice under the pretense of 
"protecting" the Civil Rights department.  The irony is staggering.  You don't know 
this woman, you don't have any proof or support for your claims yet you will 
wantonly cast aspersions at her character without provocation.  And in my 
opinion, you're better than that.

This position isn't a watchdog, it's a visible leader and a proactive problem 
solver.  We don't need someone who's going to hunker down and watch in case 
things happen, that's reactive.  We need someone who will take the lead on 
managing the programs, identifying the problems and developing long term 
collaborative and sustainable solutions.  I believe Ms. Khalifa will take this charge 
head on, but it's not something that any one person could or should do alone.  
She should not have to shut you up, instead she should be able to count on you 
being there to lend your expertise, your knowledge and your activism to make 
certain that not only she succeeds, but the department does as well.  What 
better way to ensure that the needs of the community are met and the priorities 
that you think are important are focussed on?

We have too many people who claim to be "for the people" but when it comes 
down to it, all they do is complain, make accusations, pick fights and call 
themselves a leader.  They don't work on solution and they don't approach things 
collaboratively.  Why?  Why is the only tactic attack? No person in the City is 
pure, unadulterated evil, so why not help people succeed?  Why not work with 
people rather than being on them like "white on rice"?  This doesn't mean that 
you don't hold them accountable or don't demand what is fair and right, just 
that you don't have to hit someone upside the head in order to work on issues.

Give her a chance, a fair and honest one, because everyone deserves that.  
That's what civil rights is all about.

Jonathan Palmer
Victory

"My grandfather told me there are two kinds of people in this world: those 
who do the work, and those who take the credit.  He said to be in the first 
group because there was less competition."
 -Indira Gandhi

 In a message dated 5/1/2004 9:40:31 AM Central Standard Time, 
bookerhodges at hotmail.com writes:
Mr. JP

I just want to say one thing. I do not agree that my frat or any other Black 
Greek organization is elitist. I can assure that the $600 I paid to join 
Kappa is a lot less than what you would pay to be a part of the Links, Inc. 
Bottom line you, me, Doug and others will probably never agree on this woman 
being civil rights director. My t underlying argument is that is that she is 
to connected to the establishment that she is supposed to watchdog. Maybe 
the position should be an elected. I am done fighting this. I just hope that 
when she gets in that she does some good and shuts ME and other nay sayers 
up. But if she doesn't I will be on her like white on rice. This woman won't 
even be able to leave her office without thinking about me. I will praise 
her if she does well also.



Booker T Hodges
North side