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Politics & Action
The Politics of Nuance and of Competing Constituencies
If the above title sounds like political double-speak to you, then you have a lot to learn.
There exists in circulation an old expression: You get more with sugar than you do with salt. And like all such proverbs and aphorisms, there probably exists one that expresses an equal and opposite wisdom. But one that comes to my mind at this time is of Irish origin: Don’t say everything you want to say, lest you hear something you don’t want to hear.
I applaud the activism evident in our community and in our organization as evident in the discussion on this website about getting a more appropriate mural in Billy Taylor Park, one that reflects more truly the rich diversity of our neighborhood and one that also reflects more positive family values. This activism brings to my mind the expression, Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it!
There are many ways of asking for what one wants. You can demand, you can beg, you can ask politely, you can give ultimatums. Considering your position is crucial in deciding how to ask for what you want. Your position will determine the effectiveness of your means of negotiating.
I counsel nuance and political savvy in asking the City for better services, in helping us improve the quality of life for all Mt. Hopeans. We should feel no rush. We have all the time in the world to iron out the intricacies of how, why, and when.
I also counsel against any and all forms of vigilantism. I believe it would serve no purpose but to give our organization a bad name, and it will preclude any cooperation from City Hall. I counsel against any one painting over the mural without City permission. I think it would set our cause back.
I have long counseled new members and new residents to learn as much as they can about the history of Mt. Hope and the history of GCCC and to ask the deep questions about why things are the way they are in Mt. Hope and to seek a deep understanding of each issue: for instance, Who was Billy Taylor, and why was a park named after him; who painted that mural and why, what does it mean?
Of course I’m just a lonely voice crying out of the wilderness, albeit, a voice of 8 years experience doing community action in Mt. Hope.
I know many of our members and residents feel fed up with the way things are in Mt. Hope. It can be an emotional roller-coaster between negative and positive feelings depending on the level of crime and vandalism and nuisances in and around you at any given time. But change takes time and is a gradual thing. We have the time.
I’m impressed and thrilled that members are stepping up and taking initiative to ask the City for change. But let’s get all on the same page, dot all of our i’s, cross all of our t’s, and look for the political nuances and think of the competing constituencies at work in Mt. Hope. Let us form a plan of action and then forge ahead. Cohesively.
John Twomey
Posted at May 24, 2005 10:11 PM
In case any one missed my point, here it is: I propose proceeding aggressively in pursuing all the items on our agenda, but in being politically savvy in our approach, avoiding mistakes, and using all the experience at our disposal.
Posted by: John at May 25, 2005 02:14 PM
Here are some other sayings “Nice guys finish last” and “The squeaky wheel gets the grease”. Now I do agree with you but my mind set is if we take three items and make ourselves a nuisance to those departments they may help us out. Last saying “The pen is mightier then the sword”.
Posted by: Uri at May 25, 2005 08:47 AM