Marion Barry does it again
According to the Post, former Washington Mayor and current councilman, Marion Barry, tested positive for cocaine this fall in an investigation into his tax evasion charges. Here's the story. My first thought, when I heard this, was that maybe this is the break we needed to get a deal made to build a stadium on the Anacostia and keep the Nationals in DC. But, that's really not cool. This guy needs help. And I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that despite the personal problems Barry is struggling with, he might not be that far off when it comes to representing the best interests of the people of Southeast DC.
The stadium would almost definitely revitalize the Anacostia waterfront neighborhood and wipe out alot of urban blight, just like the MCI Center (home of the Wizzards) revitalized China Town. But who will that benefit? Probably not the poor people who live there now. the redevelopement of China Town has made real estate too expensive for many of the past Asian business owners, and China Town these days is remarkably not Chinese. The same thing will probably happen to Southeast. The stadium will bring jobs and a new chic to the area (see Baltimore's inner harbour), but almost all of these will be low-paying service jobs that will not give the people already living in Southeast the resources to hold on to their homes. The people of Southeast won't be the one's owning the businesses and investing in the developement, and they won't be the ones profiting from it either. I suspect the people who will reap the greatest benefits are wealthy businessmen close to Major League owners who are rubbing their hands over the dollar signs they see in a new entertainment district. So is a stadium in Southeast really a good solution? I say yes, but if I were on the council, the plan would have to be coupled with a comprehensive package of progressive policies that give the current residents control over more of the revenues, a stake in new business ownership, and rent, mortgage, and property tax controls/subsidies.
This message provided by the Miles Travis for mayor of Durham '08 committee.
Can I be your campaign manager?
Sweet Dan! I'll move back to Durham just to vote for you!
I'm really impressed at your thoughtfulness on the matter and your searching to find a solution that would both build the stadium and bring economic growth and city renewal as well as renewal and growth for the current residents of the area. I think you've got the makings of a great future political candidate that could serve the people.
In light of that and of Marion, some advice. DON'T START SMOKING CRACK. It could be attractive to you, but resist.
I like your optimism, Miles, but I doubt that the extensive planning and consideration needed to make sure the poor are not displaced or crushed would really happen. I believe that your consideration of the poor is a great reflection of the Lord's heart, and I hope that there are advocates like you in positions of power in DC if this happens. I'm not certain, but I think I handed out VBS fliers in Anacostia on a Spring Break urban trip in 1994. I was a freshman and looked like I was 12 years old; I;m glad I was clueless about where I was!
Miles for MAYOR OF THE WORLD!