I have commented on the race for the 20th Senatorial district twice in the past 5 weeks, and what I have written is there for everyone to see. That’s why I blog openly. I use my full name because I want to be responsible for what I write. I refuse to take the coward’s way out, and hit someone from behind a sobriquet. I don’t hide because I am not afraid. Politics should brook no coward, but alas, cowardice abounds in this "game".
Stupidity also abounds, but thats somewhat understandable given today’s educational climate, with standards perpetually deteriorating. Too many people leave school unable to think critically, or even rationalize well. It’s unfortuneate, but "c’est la vie". I do believe that candidates for public should be able to differentiate between common sense and stupidity, and when their supporters make stupid statements, the candidates should immediately move to correct them. With all this as a backdrop, I hope that Eric Adams and Anthony Alexis would get a grip on their supporters like immediately.
I sensed there was a problem, when one candidate (Alexis) asserted that I had attacked him, in my last article about the race. I was amazed. When I read excerpts of my article to him, he seemed to be frozen. Then another candidate (running for another seat), informed me that word on the street was, that I had savaged Adams because Alexis was a Trinidadian like me. Again I was amazed. All I did was report on what I had verified through reliable sources, that suggested the race was going to get nasty. Nothing more, nothing less. What I offered about his prior attempt to run for office,was the truth as far as I recalled, if it isn’t then let Eric correct me, I am easy to find, and I will surely print a retraction.
What ran through my mind immediately, was a breakfast meeting with Eric Adams, Maurice Gumbs and myself ( Sugar Hill/ Nostrand Ave), when we pleaded with him to run for this very seat, and pledged our support. I am sure that senility hasn’t set in with Eric as yet, so he must recall this meeting in early 2002. We thought that he would make a great candidate then, and I still think so today. In fact I know all 5 candidates here personally (Bill Phillpots included), and there is merit to their candidacies. They are all likeable individuals with some track record in the community. Eric probably stands out because of his high media profile and the activism over the years, and I do wish him well. In fact , I beleieve that Eric is going to win, however, that doesn’t stop me from rooting for Alexis to run a competitive race, or for any of the other candidates from running competitively. I like to see races where candidates really pump up the volume, and where voters are informed and wooed. I hate to see blowouts.
Look, I have no axe to grind in this race, so I am hoping that all the candidates just shut to f*** up and campaign. It’s up to the voters to decide, not to me and my opinions. Even in countries where free speech is squelched,opinions are like ass-holes, everyone has one. Leave me to mine. Please.