Wow, indeed…
Sometimes I sure can be stupid. I tried to have an intelligent discussion about the International Peoples Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) with Norwood, but he didn’t want a dialogue. He preferred to lecture me, spout tired (and useless) rhetoric and suggest that I’m a racist. It’s my fault, of course. He baited me, and I jumped right in with both feet. And although he published my entire email, he still managed to take statements out of context. But even more frustrating, he put words in my mouth and made some ghastly assumptions about me, which led to the racist insinuations.
What’s really irritating is that this subject is so important, and I’m so damn stubborn (stupid?), that I’m actually thinking about responding to him again, knowing full well it is a futile cause. Perhaps I’ll just make my thoughts more clear right here – I feel I should at least defend myself, lest a “no response” leads some to believe his suppositions are correct (as has been the case elsewhere recently).
For the record:
I’m not convinced drug laws are racist, but I’m not certain they are not. I’d be willing to listen to any arguments on either side. I am certain that non-violent crimes such as these should not result in prison time. If I were to come to the conclusion that those laws are racist, I couldn’t (and I don’t) simply “shrug my shoulders.” The point I tried (and miserably failed) to make is that until we get those laws changed, the cops will keep arresting and imprisoning.
I accused InPDUM of being segregationist. Norwood took this to mean “anti-white.” I resent that implication, and stand by my comments that in this community in which we all share, any kind of segregation would be a step backwards. Furthermore, Norwood notes my opposition of segregation and assumed I meant integrated but with only whites in charge. As you can see for yourself, I have not written nor implied any such thing.
Listen: this country, state, region, city, neighborhood has a long way to go to achieve what many call “American equality.” I can’t stand the fact that as of 2004, we as a society have not come further along in that endeavor. But violence, whining, preaching, incorrect assumptions, and accusing people you do not know of racism certainly won’t help in the effort. Norwood, you obviously are very passionate about this subject – as well you should be. But if you want to make a difference, I suggest you try building the support you need to get the laws changed, instead of just bitching about it. And it might help if you listened once in a while. You might find that we have similar goals in mind, and because of that, I can’t understand why you would want to attack me personally – that gets you nowhere and does not promote your cause…
Tags: tampa
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