Clarke: We Must Exit Iraq
“There must be an independent investigation of the CIA, Department of Defense and The Bush Administration. If Bush’s prewar statement about Iraq having weapons of mass destruction is found to be a lie, he should be impeached. Bush should have listened to his former Secretary of State Colin Powell ‘Break Iraq and you have to fix it.’" Yvette Clarke
posted by Yvette Clarke | 6:04 PM
1 Comments:
Yvette, I retrieved your blog in an attempt to learn more about your candidacy, and to offer my support as a volunteer. Unfortunately, as a resident in the eastern section of congressional district 11 I am saddened and disappointed to see that you have shaped your candidacy as "a Progressive Reformer for Park Slope * Prospect Heights * Caroll Gardens * Brooklyn Heights." With such a proclamation I infer that the other sections of the district- not coincidentally, the less affluent areas- are unimportant to you. Should I infer that you are not the progressive reformer for Brownsville, East New York, or Crown Heights?
As a person of Caribbean ancestry I was excited to see another person of Caribbean ancestry become a voice for an area that has been underrepresented in the Congress. I was excited about the prospects of finally having someone in Washington attuned to the daily issues impacting the day to day lives of local residents. I was excited with the prospect of knowing that finally there would be someone who knew that she spoke not only for those who would vote for her but also those in the district undocumented or otherwise unable to vote, but visibly present in the 11th congressional district. Instead, what I have seen so far is someone who appears focused on the national stage.
Tip O’Neil, I believe, reminded up that all politics are local. While focusing on the Iraq war and other national issues may move the voting levers in the progressive section of the district--issues that I too am concerned about and may even support your sentiment--economic and quality of life issues are as important to the that many in the district. Why not provide some insight on how you will help improve the quality of life by directing development or jobs this way? How about position papers on producing more quality affordable housing and promotion of homeownership or the importance of direct federal assistance to fight urban blight?
I want a representative who sees her job as representing not just the more affluent sections of the district but also the parts that are overburdened by crime, low homeownership rates, and disconnection from the greater society. If you intend to represent the district, be truly in tuned with the greater needs of the entire district.
Post a Comment
<< Home