Thanks, Fathi! None of my comments were meant to be racist. I made
observations as someone who has grown up mn highly racially and ethnically
mixed neighborhoods; and, as someone who has lived in the Riverside Plaza
Neighborhood since before East Africans began to arrive. I also am the
adopted dad and friend to several Ghanaians in Ghana, and friends who are
Ugandan refugees also in Ghana.
Calls of racism were pretty loosely made. Hussein Samatar and I went to
two parties together, and he asked if I would help him run for MN State
House of Representatives if Karen Clark resigned. I have sent thousands of
dollars to Ghana for medical and educational purposes, and to assist my
"daughter" with her farming needs for last planting season and this. I
have also paid for my "son's" surgery after he strained himself playing
soccer last spring. I will be paying the medical bills for the lady who
took him in, as he was an orphan from age 14 to age 16. She asked for
nothing in return, and now has medical bills for a heart attack she
experienced two Fridays ago.
It is really important to not condemn someone's comments who is from
another race as "racist," until you know them and have a reason to believe
that they are mean and malicious people. Had I been an African and made
the same comments in my first letter, no one would have batted and eyelash.
I continue to refer to people of Somali origin as Somali's, because the
group has a rich social culture, as people who have not mainstreamed into
the "average American" lifestyle -- and I hope you don't, as most American
immigrants, even as mine arrived in the 1700's from Ireland and France,
most watch television to no end. I am so very proud of the school-aged
kids of this neighborhood who really take a serious interest in math and
science. I am especially proud of Fathi, MJ's younger sister, for her
dream of wanting to become a brain surgeon. If she applies her
intelligence and poise and honesty, she will become a great woman.
MJ is not talking to me anymore after I wrote a very direct letter to him
about his own behavior at the caucus, seen from the eyes of a 52-year old
man who has been involved in the political process for 35 years. I tried
to remind him that we all make errors, and that no one is entirely mature
or wise. I also shared with him a statement that Governor Wendell
Anderson, from the 1970's, share with me: "If you want to succeed in
business or politics, you must develop a thick skin and sense of humor."
"Thick skin" means the ability to not get hurt from criticism, whether it
is right or wrong. Also, Phyllis Kahn and I have known one another for
over 20 years, and I believe it is safe to say that we are friends. One
thing that she once told me was that I shouldn't let criticism affect my
day. This is something that I hope MJ will learn, as he is still young,
still a little prone to acting kid-like when excited (the word "impetuous"
comes to mind, although fopr the most part, he really has his act
together). I will miss his friendship.
Regardless of how anyone feels about me after the first letter that I
wrote, I will continue to assist those of you who feel uncomfortable going
to administration with problems. I have a nice relationship with Mimi,
although I haven't met our new executive director. yet. I care about
everyone in this neighborhood, regardless of who they support for House,
and I do not hold grudges.
Dinner is ready now, so I must go. I hope this note clears up any
upsetting feelings. Steven Clift was wrong to use the heading regarding
"Major Complaints," as only three people other than Fathi Gelle, mentioned
above in friendship and acceptance, complained.
To MJ: I will never desert you. I will try to be more diplomatic when I am
infuriated with your behavior. I will consider any of your criticisms of
me; and, I will always consider you as my friend.
Now, time for chicken with garlic and ginger, and Brussels sprouts!
With respect to all,
Barry N. Peterson
Co-Chair, Ward 6, Precinct 3
DFL Caucus,
Cedar-Riverside Resident since June 3, 1993
Barry N. Peterson
1600 South Sixth Street - 334
Minneapolis, MN 55454
USA
<email obscured>
1-612-276-6266
Rest of post
On Fri, Feb 7, 2014 at 6:13 PM, Fathi Gelle <<email obscured>> wrote:
> I personally don't think his post was racist but I was offended, however
> Barry has a right to speak his mind and he did so. I replied to him how I
> felt as well. If others feel the same way as Barry or as I feel, then speak
> up. If not then sit back and go along with your business. This is a safe
> open space where we can share our thoughts. We need to grow up and learn to
> have civilized conversations, and not get bad over someone's' thoughts.
>
> Again I apologize if I offend anyone.
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> > On Feb 7, 2014, at 2:34 PM, "Jack Ferman" <<email obscured>>
> wrote:
> >
> > This entire incident can be made into a learning experience for for
> everyone regardless of one's ancestry. The incident was unprecedented,
> within my memory from 1972, and so never has been subject to any official
> resolution. As any discussion will quickly overwhelm the specificity of the
> CR forum or the Mpls forum, I would suggest the debate be taken to the Minn
> Politics forum. When I get time I will sketch my take and post it there.
> >
> > Jack Ferman
> > Kingfield, Minneapolis
> > About/contact Jack Ferman: http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/johnferman
> >
> > View full topic:
> > http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/4onWibs2lYlKxw6O8ze4fd
> >
> > * Shape our online redesign - http://e-democracy.org/design
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> >
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> Fathi Gelle
>
> About/contact Fathi Gelle:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/p/1ZKwiMGjlscdVugy0WnfLk
>
> View full topic:
> http://forums.e-democracy.org/r/topic/2w2kN2ZgXepgzkTTEH0yEC
>
> * Shape our online redesign - http://e-democracy.org/design
> * Draft design coming soon. Get out your arrows and praise.
>
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