Capital New York

needparks commented on In Bed-Stuy, loud Barron supporters and quiet Barron critics

This article did not convey a greater understanding of the incidents it described, nor of the area what's happening there. This article begins by describing an encounter that occurred on election day when volunteers from two opposing candidates (Charles Barron and Hakeem Jeffries, Congress, District 8) met up with each other while leafletting for their candidates at a major intersection in the community (Nostrand & Fulton). As anyone who actually lives in the area knows, there are many underemployed African American men at that corner, networking for jobs; taking advantage of the inexpensive food options and using the subway station and bus stops. Just because they do not have the college-educated vocabulary of the reporter is not reason to dismiss them. I was a white supporter of Barron, campaigning against Jeffries spineless support of "limited fracking," and had a very different encounter with this community resident. This community resident explained to me that he volunteered without pay or perks (that he could have gotten with the Jeffries campaign) because he had been involved in community improvement advocacy for decades and seen almost all politicians "forget where they came from" as soon as they were elected to Albany or Washington, DC. He had seen Charles Barron stay active in the Bed-Stuy community and walk the streets for decades and sincerely believed in him. I found that very inspiring that this local resident could, despite his outward poverty, have such a rich inner hope and long-lasting commitment to his community. One does not have to be African American to report more deeply on African American residents of a community they are not part of. But one does have to actually listen to people and be committed to reporting their voices in context that gives the reader a greater understanding of what actually happened. The lack of empathy of this reporter for his subjects is palpable, whether it is class or race-based is hard to figure out. Capital, you and your reporters can do better.

Posted on June 29th, 2012 11:24pm

needparks commented on What has Ed Towns done for Charles Barron?

Why such an unfairly negative article? Ed Towns did not have to endorse Barron? He believed Barron would be the stronger community advocate, not one to crumple before national powers-that-be. Something most residents believe. So you have not seen the two of them together campaigning? That says a lot more about you and your lack of local and African American connections than anything real about Ed Towns support for Charles Barron. I have seen them together in Bed-Stuy recently, but never at places you'd ever be at. That is news?! This is not real news, this is an unfair, pro-Jeffries hit piece. The Capital should not be so sectarian as to publish little diary entries like this.

Posted on June 29th, 2012 10:51pm

needparks commented on The City Council distributes money a little like how Charles Barron said it does

Actually, Charles Barron has developed way more affordable housing units than any other city councilman. Developed three large parks keeping thousands of kids out of trouble and neighborhoods more stable. Why? Because he is a devout Christian and does not steal. Whatever you think of his politics, he is completely honest and works really hard; he believes he has a calling to help his constituents and acts like it. It is not true that he can't get things done, check his record, not his soundbites.

Posted on June 14th, 2012 2:14pm