I try to open a dialogue, and provide a place for supporters of both candidates for SCDP Chair, and I get scorn and derision, especially in places I never expected.
Let me remind everyone that I have not as yet chosen sides in this election. I agreed to allow Matt Brown run a piece that questioned how Van Turner could serve as a Party Chair that includes labor while working for a law firm that favors management. I then asked Turner supporters to send me a piece in support of their guy, but I have heard NOTHING, NADA, ZILCH from their side.
Then, I read my pal Ross, who is apparently their new spokesman, which is fine, who attacks Brown's piece and darkly hints that ye olde Cracker has been hijacked. On top of that, here comes Reginald Milton, to whom I link and introduced his blog right here, with this diatribe suggesting that Turner is above all these, well, lowlifes who dare challenge his candidacy.
What the hell?? Look, I don't have a dog in this hunt, I don't even get a vote, but I do, on second reading, think Brown has valid points.
Do either of YOU want to be the one to go to someone like Paul Shaffer of IBEW or Nate Jackson of the Teamsters, (two of the most loyal Democrats ANYWHERE) and ask if we can meet in their hall, even though the new Chair (if Turner wins) works for a firm that is prominently anti-labor? Better you than me, pal.
Some other things I have to get off my chest here. Look, I'm not thrilled that Jay Bailey has had problems in his past with the Bar Association. That troubles me. At least, however, he seems to be willing to put himself on the line for causes, which hasn't happened around here since the days of Gale Jones Carson.
The African-American community is troubled by the fact that Larry Godwin seems to have difficulty hiring people of color. Not only that, I might remind all of you that the citizens of this city passed a freaking referendum that REQUIRES police to reside inside the city limits. Jay Bailey put himself out there, like it or not, to force our city to abide by that.
Van Turner is a nice guy, by all accounts, and there's nothing wrong with that, in and of itself. Is he going to be too afraid, though, to piss people off as SCDP Chair? We've had nice guys for four years, and where the hell has it gotten us? And, Ross, YOU of all people know this, because we've talked about it.
Now then, once again, I invite Turner supporters to come here and provide a post in support of your guy. Convince me WHY he's better, other than just because he's not supported by David Upton and Sidney Chism. While I haven't taken sides, at the very least, the Bailey folks were considerate enough to TRY to convince me, and I appreciate that.
If you and your folks don't have the guts for that, how in the hell are you going to make the SCDP effective?
It's your turn, and I'm waiting.
2 comments:
There are a couple of things I would like to say about several people you mention, but I've been happily off the puter all weekend and prefer to catch up with my newsreader first. I'll be back but following anyone gutsy enough to comment on this.
I think both candidates are less than impressive, and the party will be a clusterfuck regardless. I've only skimmed the posts you mention, but it seems like he's trashing the candidate and his supporters not you. Before you guys blow up at each other at least pick a topic worth it. The SCDP isn't worth anyone fighting over.
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