Luke - call it what it is. It was and is racism. Until you stop avoiding the elephant in the room, you are in denial. I know what you have said. It can't get more unbiased than -- Parking / protest for 3 years if Black - regardless of ownership. No parking/white = no protest.
As to the washing hands - not all Whites like you put it however you ho ask those same Black "newcomers" if what I said isn't also their experience. Ask any Black person - it is a conversation that I have experienced on many occasions in group talk.
Do you think we are blind? Start looking for yourself and you will see.
I dont care what you or anyone else believe about ownership. Here is your perfect opportunity to call out "White Supremacy" - dont talk me to death like I am a beggar. When Caroline Petit of BNCA told me "at least we didn't vote against the cafe and I should be thankful - I told her a vote to not support is a vote against especially since none of them investigated the allegations the Padous took to them. They didnt because they knew that their friends the Padous are cruddy and full of ___________. THATS THEIR FRIEND AND BNCA KNOWS HOW THEY ARE.
And dont be nieve - $$$$ GREEN runs the politicians. I will get to the rest later.
Rob
Rob:
When someone made disparaging posts on this listerv saying that you "are the reason why Ward 5 cannot have nice things," I believe I was the first to call them out and defend you. I have never once denied that there is racism and prejudice in our community from some whites AND from some blacks. I have acknowledged repeatedly that African Americans have been cruelly marginalized and overlooked for centuries. I have insisted that our lack of voting representation in Congress is attributable to racism. I have been privileged to know many brilliant African Americans, people far more accomplished than I will ever be and can easily debunk white supremacist propaganda. . In my original post about the BCafe controversy, my first paragraph expresses my belief that the protesters' argument about the Cafe (parking and public nuisance) lacks merit. I have previously posted my support for the Cafe to operate unmolested and my appreciation for the mural that contributes to our community's public art. I am not out to get you or to to impose some hidden white agenda.
I read the ABRA transcript because I wanted as unbiased a source as possible for understanding the BCafe controversy. The issue of ownership was obviously very important to the commissioners and I am still surprised that you are not the owner of the BCafe. Again, I question the true veracity of that given many of the statements that you have made on this listserv and I can easily provide you with examples. That said, after three years the protestants should drop the protest. It should have been dropped after year one. The BCafe is obviously a well regarded establishment operating peacefully in a business district. I cannot be more unambiguous than that.
Rob, you have made some outrageous and offensive statements about white people that reflect your prejudice. Yesterday's comment that white people do not wash their hands after using the restroom because they feel inherently superior was blatantly racist. If a white person had made a similar comment about blacks, they would have been justifiably attacked by other posters. I am all for calling out white supremacy and prejudice, but let's not practice a double standard by engaging in bigoted statements about whites or cultivating Afro-supremacy. People are people and one race is not better or superior than another.
My contribution to the race discussion has been to caution against reading racial prejudice into every perceived slight or injustice. As others on this listerv have said, socioeconomic class, which often does overlap with race, plays a big role in wants and needs. The racial angle of socioeconomic class is stark in DC because there are so few poor whites in the District. We also have a large population of people of all races who lack solid interpersonal skills. Additionally, I ask black residents to reflect on who has wielded local power in this city. DC politics have been dominated for decades by black politicians and activists, so the lack of resources at schools and in neighborhoods cannot be exclusively laid at the feet of white residents.
--- In ward5@yahoogroups.com, Rob <indianrob@...> wrote:
>
> Luke,
>
> First of All, ABRA didn't require anythng of the sort. Don and Abigail
> (created all this - it wasn't Sunday or Feeley - who voted for the license
> in the first Vote) in their "Fear of N_______" hunt was the instigator of
> all this. Like I said, what about parking for Manomale and now the new
> restaurant/bar (White Owned - nice place and Real nice guy) on 12th between
> Monroe and Newton. Where is the parking???
>
> So you get it, ABRA had to pacify Don Padou and go through the Process to
> cover its ass - and they still got taken to court.
>
> ABRA didn't file paperwork against themselves TWICE in the Court of
> Appeals. That was DON and ABIGAIL PADOU's doing. Or you going to read some
> more and Say ABRA Filed against themselves.
>
> Now that we are clear on that. Try and follow. Ask most Men - Just like
> having a heated discussion/argument with their wife/spouse - once we have
> proven our case and supported our argument, then often times the woman
> usually switch to something irrevelant issue to the topic on hand to have
> something to leverage. Maybe this is the same/similar situation in a Gay
> Male relationship and that is why there is a "male" and "female" identifier
> because the personalities fit even if it is two men.
>
> I hope you get that. So, just like a woman - you switched your argument.
> Now for the rest of your nonsense. So as to not want to call people out for
> being Racist and Prejudice and making these White Protestors Wrong
> Publically, you are willing to go re-read documents just to not say WHAT IT
> OBVIOUSLY IS TO EVERY BLACK AND MOST WHITES OUT HERE!! Invite me over and
> let's have this discussion about the Cafe with your Black "newcomers" and
> see their response. Sooooooooooooo
>
> 1. It arises because it is a perfect example to resonate that this was a
> very racist and prejudice set of acts for over 3 years that only a few
> Whites stood up for who are not even vocal on any of the other issues. At
> what point do you talkative Whites step forth and call out Racism and
> Prejudice when it is obviously so BLATANT!!
>
> 2. I didn't demand an answer. I just frequently asked because there is no
> answer other than the obvious and once again, you are trying to avoid the
> only answer.
>
> 3. You don't need to go to the "independent source". USE YOUR EYEBALLS -
> The Cafe has Parking. The NOW 2 WHITE establishments have
> NO/NONE/ZERO/ZILCHO Parking. THAT SHOULD BE INDEPENDANT ENOUGH -- TWICE
> OVER since God gave you two Eyeballs!!!
>
> 4. You should go research the language and show me where I claim to be the
> owner or even infer to it. Please Show Me.
>
> 5. Most people don't give a rat's ass who owns the place - they just want
> good establishments in their community that they can enjoy. The rest can
> Conclude what they want - they are the ones missing out on some awesome
> food!! You too as you probably have not been there!!
>
> 6. My response is to continue to EXPOSE the you's. You see, it took over a
> year to get you to fully come out and be seen. Not once over the time that
> I have been on this Listserv have you been DECENT enough to come forth with
> "Rob - thanks for the correction - Rob, you have a point, - Rob, maybe
> this is a racist protest. Not once, as intelligent as your and supposedly
> "Fair", sufferer of "Civil Rights" from a Gay perspective have you ever
> come out and identify with what I have had to deal with with the Tom's and
> Tiffany's of this community. At what point do you grow some ___________.
>
> You should really go check what Cognitive dissonance is all about. As much
> as I have written on various subjects and linked so much to prejudice from
> a racist perspective, linked directly to racism, exposed definitions of
> words being wrongly thrown out there, you have said nothing.
>
> Do you think that Mr. WHITE PELOQUIN has some superior vision that only he
> can see what I and others have been talking about. I forgot, he did have
> some surgery on his eyes - maybe a Black doctor is out there on the loose
> fixing retinas to assist Whites to see Racism in other Whites. You should
> ask him for his Doctor's # and you and the rest can get your eyes worked on
> - OR just save yourself the money, time and pain and take my word - CAFE
> has PARKING, the other 2 spots have NO PARKING!!
>
> You see, I understand English language well and I understand how it
> interfaces with Mathematics. I get it and that pisses you and the rest off
> because I guide you into respective corners of your thoughts and where it
> originates in your mind and assist you to unlock the core. That's what is
> really dissonating in your head.
>
> Nice to know that that "Cognitive Dissonance" is on the tip of your tongue
> -- that means that it is working. Hope, Prayer, education and eventually
> the conversion of Whites as Blacks from all over the world through
> reproduction changes the face of "Minority" is all that Black Folks have
> when it comes to Racism.
>
> Allow me to close on this -- Just like Homosexuals want education to
> include Homosexuality in the Black Classrooms, Blacks would like to have
> classes on Racism and REAL African American History in White classrooms -
> and not just a gloss over of slavery.
>
> Rob Ramson
>
> On Sun, Sep 30, 2012 at 11:01 AM, dcluke@... <dcluke@...> wrote:
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Rob:
> >
> > The issue of the BCafe controversy arises nearly every week in your posts
> > on this listserv. You have DEMANDED that people attempt to explain why the
> > protests against the BCafe originated and continue. I go to an independent
> > source, in this case a publicly available government document containing
> > sworn testimony, to try to gain a better understanding of the situation and
> > in your eyes that makes me prejudiced and imperialistic. Talk about
> > cognitive dissonance!
> >
> > The ownership of the BCafe was an important enough issue for ABRA to
> > require a separate hearing to question it. And you do present yourself as
> > an owner of the Cafe on this listserv with the language that you use and
> > the claims of financial loss that you have personally suffered at the hands
> > of the protestants.
> >
> > Your response to my original post on the ownership question---overly
> > defensive, insulting, and irrational---is telling. I'll let the other
> > readers draw their own conclusions based upon the transcript and the posts
> > that you and I have written.
> >
> > --- In ward5@yahoogroups.com, Rob <indianrob@> wrote:
> > >
> > > And imagine how you will react tomorrow when i disect your China /india
> > > email. Amazing - just like everyone - like to talk and push your chest
> > out
> > > when you spout off, not knowing you cut off the logical aspectbof your
> > > brain. So you know, tonight I was hanging out with a White friend from
> > > Vir. Beach, a Amer. Blk. From Charlottesville Va., two Blacks from Guyana
> > > and a Mexican Jamaican -all former Marines and was greeted with love by a
> > > White Frat. Bro. from Phi Beta Sigma, Fraternity, Inc. (a Black
> > Fraternity)
> > > when I walked into the club on U St. at 1:30am. Luke my man, I am an
> > > international fltyoe dude!!
> > >
> > > Interesting -- You identified yourself to be Gay male who identifies with
> > > the civil rights era, but at the end of the day, you have proven yourself
> > > to simply be a spurned imperialistic White male who wants to remind me
> > who
> > > you are and who I am!! So you know - I don't give a rat's ass who you
> > > think you are and how you became so "priviledged" but when talking to me,
> > > know you got the wrong one. Like Doc Holiday said - "I'll be your
> > > hucaberry".
> > >
> > > Remember this day when you start singing about that "Gay Rights and
> > > "marriage equality" song. Maybe my ears will be filled with deafening wax
> > > so I can't hear your cries for equality because you are a ______________
> > > hypocrite. As my homosexual friends would say - sprung - your true colors
> > > came out tonight. What the ____________ does the Cafe's liq. License and
> > > ownership have to do with this conversation?? None!!!
> > >
> > > You have been Sprung and your true White Racist and imperial priviledged
> > > Colors have surfaced!!
> > >
> > > Rob RAMSON
> > > On Sep 30, 2012 2:53 AM, "Rob" <indianrob@> wrote:
> > >
> > > > I havr never representated myself as owner of the cafe. What is the
> > > > difference anyways. You should enjoy the food and the atmosphere. You
> > don't
> > > > have anyone in this community that has privided this to you.
> > > >
> > > > So, instead of being prejudiced, you should ask the padous why they
> > > > protested the cafe for 3 years and why SundayAbraham is still taking
> > > > pictures and tags up till two days ago under their name. Racism and
> > > > prejudice is all I can surmise
> > > >
> > > > In person I would have a few choice words for you -smile. However, You
> > > > have just been exposed. Smile. See it is like the white dude who told
> > me
> > > > about researching a Black commissioner's non profit reporting just
> > because
> > > > he didn't like her answer to his request.
> > > >
> > > > You should share what you just asked me with those Black newcomers in
> > your
> > > > new community and see if they talk to you again. They will now see you
> > for
> > > > who you are.
> > > >
> > > > In closing, along with the cafe's rights, my rights, i still stand for
> > > > your gay rights. I see you are in your "feelings". Education is
> > something
> > > > isn't it? YOU SHOULD HAVE JUST SAID NOTHING AND DIGESTED WHAT IBJUST
> > > > TAUGHT YOU!!
> > > >
> > > > Looking forward to meeting you - my father told me to "give a dog a
> > long
> > > > enough rope and he will eventually choke himself"
> > > >
> > > > Consider yourself choked because I took the time to teach you something
> > > > tonight and your White pride couldn't handle it.
> > > >
> > > > ROB RAMSON
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Sep 30, 2012 12:40 AM, "dcluke@" <dcluke@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > >> **
> >
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >> Rob:
> > > >>
> > > >> I read the ABRA transcript online regarding the Brookland Cafe
> > > >> controversy. The transcript was from a 2010 hearing where both the
> > > >> protestants and the defendants testified under oath. I noted that the
> > > >> commissioners made a point of stating that the BCafe had operated
> > without
> > > >> disturbance to the community for several months. The testimony from
> > the
> > > >> protestants regarding noise and parking concerns seemed flimsy at
> > best and
> > > >> one of the protestants in particular seemed a bit "off."
> > > >>
> > > >> I was shocked, however, when the defendants testified under close
> > > >> questioning that you are not the owner of the BCafe and have no
> > financial
> > > >> interest in the operation other than collection of a monthly lease
> > payment
> > > >> for use of the premises. This line of questioning occupied a
> > substantial
> > > >> part of the hearing and the questions about your role in the
> > ownership of
> > > >> the BCafe came not only from Mr. Padou but also the commissioners
> > > >> themselves. Under oath, Mr. Lumukanda repeatedly testified that he is
> > the
> > > >> sole owner of the BCafe and that the only business relationship that
> > exists
> > > >> between you is one of tenant-landlord.
> > > >>
> > > >> Given your vociferous defense of the BCafe, claims of personal
> > financial
> > > >> loss stemming from the liquor license protest and feelings of
> > persecution,
> > > >> I find it impossible to believe that you are not at least the partial
> > owner
> > > >> of the business. Until I read the hearing transcript last week, I
> > thought
> > > >> that you were the sole proprietor of the Cafe. On this listserv, you
> > are
> > > >> the public face of the BCafe and certainly represent yourself as the
> > owner.
> > > >>
> > > >> The transcript that I read was from a 2010 hearing, so it is entirely
> > > >> possible that ownership of the BCafe has changed since Mr. Lumukanda's
> > > >> sworn testimony to include you. If not, then this opaque and muddled
> > > >> question of ownership seems to be a likely contributor to the BCafe's
> > > >> hostile reception from some residents.
> > > >>
> > > >> For your reference, the transcript I am referring to can be found at
> > > >>
> > https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:yD3eth7FdJoJ:abra.dc.gov/DC/ABRA/Publication%2520Files/Transcripts/Transcripts-2010/May%25202010/BrooklandCafe%2520-%2520May%25205.pdf+&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESgvLHjakZdQ54PlPPJAQ0KoK1SyuYGREDGjIz5AQPrpZLq2xe9safsXGUSu5D6R_o96MUUjKEGmGrF7U_70x14-SABx24lIuJ8HSegIC0G9E-Alj7gkHtEwffMn8hGKHk7XQX3a&sig=AHIEtbQVx14eaRXuFFpqqI4ojhHR_TK_dA
> > > >>
> > > >> --- In ward5@yahoogroups.com, Rob <indianrob@> wrote:
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Good Evening Ward 5,
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Finally had time to Troll on this one.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Luke - Really dude. Thanks for thinking my eyes are closed and not
> > > >> knowing
> > > >> > who the "newcomers" are.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Speaking from a GENERAL PERSPECTIVE - let me clue you in. When we
> > as a
> > > >> > Black Community talk about newcomers, we are not really talking
> > about
> > > >> > Blacks moving in. For the longest time, Blacks have been the
> > > >> core/majority
> > > >> > of the City so we just look at them as returning home. And before
> > you
> > > >> say
> > > >> > that some of the Black Newcomers didn't live here before, allow me
> > to
> > > >> teach
> > > >> > you - being Black is being part of a huge Family - kind of like a
> > > >> > Fraternity and Sorority - Black folks want to see other Black folks
> > > >> moving
> > > >> > into the city.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Now, because Black Folks are much more welcoming than whites (in my
> > > >> > perspective), Black folks welcome Whites as their neighbors and
> > family
> > > >> > members much easier than Whites accept Blacks. The difference is
> > that if
> > > >> > the situation is reversed, White folks tend to not welcome Blacks
> > into
> > > >> > their community. We almost get a suspicious, maybe even a
> > > >> > criminal scrutiny while we don't scrutinize you other for when you
> > > >> start to
> > > >> > want to form new groups over existing ones, without even trying to
> > be
> > > >> part
> > > >> > of the existing ones - then comes the WHY??.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > The word Gentrification - while Blacks know that Gentrification is
> > an
> > > >> > inclusive term based on economics, we realize that the ratio of
> > Whites
> > > >> to
> > > >> > Blacks as part of the "gentrification Movement" is WAY MUCH HIGHER
> > - and
> > > >> > also Includes Gays - and that then goes into a different stratus as
> > far
> > > >> as
> > > >> > the likelihood of having higher pay and even the likelyhood of
> > having
> > > >> more
> > > >> > disposable income for lack of having kids - another day and time for
> > > >> that.
> > > >> > *So, we have somewhat evolved the word without permission of Mr.
> > > >> Webster.*
> > > >> >
> > > >> > It is like when we say "White" but not mean "all" Whites but the
> > %%% is
> > > >> so
> > > >> > high of Whites who range from low to high in "imperial/racial
> > > >> > prejudicial/entitled/racist thinking that we feel comfortable in
> > using
> > > >> the
> > > >> > word in a general sense - yet we know that there are some Whites out
> > > >> here
> > > >> > like a Mr. Peloquin (Jerry), an Eric (indc) as well as a Jeff(inDC)
> > and
> > > >> > others.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Now for the word Newcomers. To Whites, this means all new
> > residents. To
> > > >> > Blacks, this means Whites (for the truly most most part). The
> > reason for
> > > >> > this is because when Blacks move in, they fit hand in glove into our
> > > >> > already existing Culture and community - like they have been here
> > > >> forever
> > > >> > or just returning ---- it is the extension of the Black Family due
> > to a
> > > >> > common denominator - a similar struggle when it comes to Whites and
> > the
> > > >> > treatment received - except Mrs. KPW.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > When Whites move in, it is like a fish out of water especially when
> > it
> > > >> > comes to understanding the needs of our community vs. their wants.
> > This
> > > >> is
> > > >> > further proven by so many who spout off on this list serv with the
> > > >> things
> > > >> > that I and others have pointed out and the fact that so many new
> > groups
> > > >> pop
> > > >> > up like we don't have existing groups that White folks could join if
> > > >> they
> > > >> > really wanted to be part of this "Diverse" community. IE. PCDC and
> > > >> > FORIA. Now, Brookland Bridge, etc. I personally don't have an issue
> > with
> > > >> > any of the organization but to hear we only want to focus on the
> > > >> "positive
> > > >> > things" says the other important items aren't really their concerns
> > and
> > > >> > what affects us is really not their concern - like someone telling
> > me
> > > >> that
> > > >> > Rhode Island Ave is kind of far from 12th Street that's why they
> > didn't
> > > >> > speak up for the Cafe against the Padous; but personally, you (Rob)
> > and
> > > >> the
> > > >> > Cafe were treated unfairly. Really!! Like I said, not that
> > important to
> > > >> > them until one day it turns on them like Guy Brandenburg and his
> > Cries
> > > >> this
> > > >> > week.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > 1. Monroe Stree Market - No one really opposed the Monroe Street
> > Market
> > > >> > for anything else other than the Height. The original height was
> > way out
> > > >> > of proportion for Brookland and this is not DOWNTOWN. Also, you
> > didn't
> > > >> > live here before in a 100+ year old home across the street and so
> > that
> > > >> is
> > > >> > the original neighbors right to be concerned about the changes and
> > > >> height.
> > > >> > But Mr. Peloquin can speak more on this
> > > >> >
> > > >> > 2. a. So if you don't know the term gentrification, the word might
> > not
> > > >> be
> > > >> > "pushed out" but encouraged out and promised out may be better -
> > like
> > > >> > moving folks from a rental place, promising them return but that
> > never
> > > >> > occurring or building places with 10% "affordable" housing but
> > > >> affordable
> > > >> > to Who??, and like the all the Building with Jobs going out of the
> > City
> > > >> --
> > > >> > it is all part of the Gentrification circle. So you know, the
> > majority
> > > >> of
> > > >> > people moving out are moving from homes that are being renovated and
> > > >> > upgraded. So gentrification is occurring based on the fact that the
> > last
> > > >> > 30 years happened and the current slick CM and Developers being in
> > bed
> > > >> > together, took and has and is taken its toll, depleted
> > Brains/education,
> > > >> > drugs, lack of jobs, contract awards etc. and some folks are not
> > > >> positioned
> > > >> > to stay
> > > >> >
> > > >> > b. No one is labelling folks who move out as "sell outs" or "Uncle
> > > >> Toms"!!
> > > >> > I think you need to find out what those things mean. Definitely
> > don't
> > > >> get
> > > >> > too comfortable with your tongue.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > 3. a. The lack of development cry in Ward 5 based on racial
> > > >> > descrimination was not for these Huge Developments. Let's get that
> > > >> > Straight. Our lack of Development was based on our Schools,
> > Groceries
> > > >> > Stores and Infrastructure. Things that areas that predominantly
> > Whites
> > > >> > got. Just look at the interior of the schools and even Rec. Centers
> > in
> > > >> > Wards 5,7,8 compared to others.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > b. The reality is that the land that the Catholic Church got and
> > paid no
> > > >> > taxes on for years is now being profited and while we get increase
> > in a
> > > >> Tax
> > > >> > Base, we don't have any level of partnership as far as negotiating
> > our
> > > >> > Buildable space.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > c. Had no one stood up, the development would have been truly
> > Double the
> > > >> > Size while this size or lower still got the needs of the
> > neighborhood
> > > >> met
> > > >> > and the University. --- Developers profit most!!
> > > >> >
> > > >> > d. We all support Monroe Street Market at a smart level and
> > recognizes
> > > >> > what you do - so What!!
> > > >> >
> > > >> > 4. a. Racism is branded about because we see it. You don't get
> > affected
> > > >> > by it but trust and believe if you were flamboyantly Gay, you would
> > be
> > > >> > targeted and maybe you could better relate.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > b. Probably not many of us know who anyone is however, we do get a
> > > >> really
> > > >> > good picture formed by the terms used, the mentality. Like I said,
> > there
> > > >> > are certain things that Blacks just don't say.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > c. I hope you got that her statement wasn't innocuous from reading
> > her
> > > >> > attempt at clarification.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > d. People are not called names initially. Take a look back at most
> > of
> > > >> the
> > > >> > conversations and you will see (for the most part) that there are
> > often
> > > >> > from the same perpetrator. Often times, we do try to inform/educate
> > but
> > > >> > that often comes up with resistance and others jumping in to lend
> > their
> > > >> > also warped thoughts. How often have I and others identified issues
> > and
> > > >> > there has been no "apologies". How many times are people going to
> > avoid
> > > >> > identifying the perpetrators? How many times do I have to expose the
> > > >> > Padous for what they are? Silence from Whites. Blacks already know.
> > > >> > That's why when Mr. Peloquin says things, the same exact things
> > that I
> > > >> am
> > > >> > and have been saying, you can't call him a Racist - but are quick to
> > > >> call
> > > >> > me one.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > LAST - WE ARE FOCUSED on the ISSUES. The core of the issue is
> > RACISM,
> > > >> > IMPERIALISM, ENTITLEDISM!!! It is the core of every single issue we
> > are
> > > >> > having. Putting one's wants over others needs. The question is WHY
> > DO
> > > >> YOU
> > > >> > AND OTHERS KEEP AVOIDING that RACISM IS THE ISSUE. If it is not,
> > then
> > > >> why
> > > >> > not let's have that discussion.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > I will address the other email later regarding the Racism in China
> > and
> > > >> > India, etc.
> > > >> >
> > > >> > Rob Ramson
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> >
> > > >> > On Sep 28, 2012 1:34 PM, "dcluke@" <dcluke@> wrote:
> > > >> >
> > > >> > > **
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > 1) Not all of these "newcomers" are white. I live in the EYA
> > > >> Chancellor's
> > > >> > > Row development (adjacent to St. Paul's) and there are many black
> > > >> families
> > > >> > > who live there. We also have white families with children and even
> > > >> white
> > > >> > > people who have moved into the affordable workforce homes. I've
> > > >> spoken to
> > > >> > > most of my Chancellor's Row neighbors and have yet to meet a
> > single
> > > >> one who
> > > >> > > is opposed to the Monroe Street Market.
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > 2) Many wealthy black professionals have opted to move into the
> > > >> suburbs
> > > >> > > rather than live in historically black neighborhoods in DC. There
> > are
> > > >> black
> > > >> > > homeowners who are selling their homes at a healthy profit and
> > > >> leaving for
> > > >> > > the quiet suburban life. Not everyone who is leaving DC is pushed
> > out
> > > >> by
> > > >> > > gentrification. Many people leaving the city are exercising their
> > > >> right to
> > > >> > > live in a community that they believe is most suitable for their
> > > >> families
> > > >> > > and they should be able to do so without being labeled "sellouts"
> > or
> > > >> "Uncle
> > > >> > > Toms."
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > 3) For years, the lack of development in Ward 5 was decried as a
> > form
> > > >> of
> > > >> > > racial discrimination. That development is finally here. When we
> > have
> > > >> mixed
> > > >> > > use developments, an arts district, a more diverse socio-economic
> > > >> mix, more
> > > >> > > shopping and dining, it will be harder to make Ward 5 the dumping
> > > >> ground
> > > >> > > for DC's undesirable or experimental projects, such as medical
> > > >> marijuana.
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > I support Monroe Street Market and believe that it will enhance
> > the
> > > >> > > quality of life for our neighborhood. Instead of the ugly concrete
> > > >> dorms
> > > >> > > and litter strewn vacant lots that existed before construction, we
> > > >> will
> > > >> > > have shopping, dining, and a vibrant arts community. I am hopeful
> > > >> that the
> > > >> > > enhanced lighting and public presence will serve to decrease
> > violent
> > > >> crimes
> > > >> > > in the area.
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > As for McMillan, the priority needs to be resolving the flooding
> > in
> > > >> > > Bloomingdale and making certain that the congestion on North
> > Capital
> > > >> is
> > > >> > > addressed.
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > 4) The "racism" label is bandied about much too freely by some in
> > our
> > > >> > > community. I have no idea who Allison Stewart is and what her
> > motive
> > > >> was in
> > > >> > > asking her question, which seemed innocuous enough. But I can tell
> > > >> you that
> > > >> > > some people are reluctant to even engage on this listserv because
> > > >> they will
> > > >> > > be harassed and harangued and called names. We will not be able to
> > > >> have a
> > > >> > > productive conversation when every slight, real or perceived, is
> > > >> taken as a
> > > >> > > sign of racism, crypto-racism, self-hatred or whatever. Let's pull
> > > >> back on
> > > >> > > the name calling and focus on the issues.
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > > --- In ward5@yahoogroups.com, jeromepeloquin@ wrote:
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > Citizen's of Ward Five
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > It is my belief that this Yahoo Group needs to perform a deep
> > and
> > > >> > > > comprehensive examination of conscience (A uniquely Catholic
> > > >> concept).
> > > >> > > > We should look into our collective hearts and ask ourselves,
> > are we
> > > >> > > > part of the solution or part of the problem? We need to
> > consider the
> > > >> > > > entire Ward 5 community and not just Edgewood, or Brookland or,
> > > >> > > > whatever! We need to realize accept and yes, celebrate the
> > cultural
> > > >> > > > and social differences that are the basis of a plural culture
> > such
> > > >> as
> > > >> > > > we are blessed to have here in Washington DC. We need to come
> > > >> together
> > > >> > > > ... not pull apart. People in Brookland need to be concerned
> > about
> > > >> > > > the people in close proximity to McMillan and the McMillan folks
> > > >> need
> > > >> > > > to care for what happens to the resident adjacent to 901 Monroe.
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > The last few years have been fraught with strife and conflict.
> > Many
> > > >> of
> > > >> > > > us opted for development at any cost. Anyone who used the term,
> > > >> "Smart
> > > >> > > > Development," was branded a reactionary. As a result the
> > developers
> > > >> > > > and the large land owners (CUA, The Paulists) have been able to
> > > >> > > > abrogate almost every agreement made in their one-sided,
> > takeover of
> > > >> > > > the center of Brookland. CUA was allowed to "warehouse," and
> > tear
> > > >> down
> > > >> > > > decent housing and sit on it for years waiting for this moment
> > to
> > > >> "cash
> > > >> > > > in." All of the religious orders who were given property here in
> > > >> > > > Brookland are now getting ready to follow their lead. The result
> > > >> will
> > > >> > > > most likely be devastating to this community.
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > The divide between the long time largely African American
> > community
> > > >> and
> > > >> > > > the new, largely white, upward mobile young marrieds and others
> > is
> > > >> > > > growing and becoming very uncomfortable. This is especially
> > evident
> > > >> in
> > > >> > > > some of the rhetoric used on this List serve here in Ward 5. I
> > am
> > > >> > > > speaking specifially about the comments made about the nascent
> > > >> farmer's
> > > >> > > > market being developed. Hazel Thoma is working diligently to
> > create
> > > >> a
> > > >> > > > farmers market, This is not an easy task. It took the Brookland
> > > >> > > > Market a long time to get it together. I know because I used to
> > play
> > > >> > > > drums there when it was at Col Brooks Mansion. Only in the last
> > year
> > > >> > > > or so has it really taken off. Persistence is a key and Hazel
> > has
> > > >> that
> > > >> > > > for sure. Instead of supporting her, Allison Stewart asked a
> > > >> > > > rhetorical and pointedly snide question, implying that Hazel's
> > new
> > > >> > > > farmers' market was too small and lacking resources!
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > I don't know about you folks but I think that is an obvious
> > insult
> > > >> to
> > > >> > > > Hazel and to this community in general ... there will no doubt
> > be
> > > >> loud
> > > >> > > > cries of ... Oh, no, I just wanted to know who would be there
> > this
> > > >> > > > week! Ms. Stewart's comment is an obvious and obnoxious attempt
> > at
> > > >> > > > sarcasm, an attempt to belittle the efforts a long time
> > community
> > > >> > > > activist and exemplary citizen who is trying to improve the
> > quality
> > > >> of
> > > >> > > > life in this community! AND ...it ain't right!
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > I'm signing off for now, but I'm not done!
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > I'll be back!
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > > > Jerry in Indignation
> > > >> > > >
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > >
> > > >> > >
> > > >> >
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >>
> > > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
> --
> R. Ramson
> 3744 12th Street, N.E.,
> Washington D.C., 20017
> 202-438-5988
>
> "We must become the change we want to see" - Mohandas Gandhi-
> (Together, for a Brighter Tomorrow)
>
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