April 6, 2008
Akin Smith, “Where do we go from here?”
Akin Smith was among the speakers at Friday evening’s Lincoln-Douglass-Mahone dinner. In particular, he gave a speech honoring both MLK and Petersburg, asking and addressing ‘where do we go from here?’ Listen to him here, on the PetersburgTV site.
An outstanding Petersburg community leader honors a great American at a wonderful city event!
Do I see a council candidate here?
Anyone else willing (and able) to step up?
“Change” seems to be the watch word in national politics now day (and I’m tired of hearing it) but I think we could use some change on council.
Nice speech.
Not TOO much petersburg leadership bashing, nor too much bashing outsiders, the rich, etc.
I see he has taken the first step towards seizing the center: he cut off the dreads! Now no one has to worry that he worships the former emperor of Ethiopia! :)
“Not TOO much petersburg leadership bashing, nor too much bashing outsiders, the rich, etc.”
Seems like you know me from a former life. Anywho, your critique and assessment are perceived to be with good intent.
“I see he has taken the first step towards seizing the center: he cut off the dreads! Now no one has to worry that he worships the former emperor of Ethiopis!:)”
That is funny:), however, anyone that is worried about that, will find something else to worry about. FYI: The book of Numbers and the vow of the Nazarite doesn’t mention the Emperor. However, it did lead me to want to change my behaviors and my life that I may become less hyped, less sarcastic, less egotistical, less judgemental, less angry, less agitational and confrontational and….. Hey, less really is more.
See you at the round tables of discussions and in the footwork of action to make our community a nice and safe place to live.
My critique can hardly be called that. I thought it was a good speech.
I know you from former videos, poster here. :)
And yes! less really is more. I have to learn that lesson myself, over and over…
Of course, no one is worried about Salassie, mon. But for many people, dreads convey a vauge anti-western sentiment.
We’re not really talking about hair are we?
So much for “content of one’s character.”
I never thought of dreads as anti-western, only that they were too influenced by ganga.
Akin’s bilblical explanation puts considerable weight and dedication to his faith.
Bruno,
*I* don’t really care about any man’s hair.
But if you think voters don’t care about hairstyles, you don’t know politics.
We’re not really talking about religion here are we? :)
Shawn
Its not what other voters think about hairstyles, just you.
Not talking religion, but Akin’s dedication to carrying out his faith.
Hey bruno, I don’t think you know me and my preferance for hairstyles any better than I know Atkin S.
I was trying to be funny when I brought up the change in hairstyles. If it offended you, that’s just what happens when people try to communicate.
Hairstyle has cultural signals that people judge one on whether you like it or not, whether you are you, me, peter tosh, barack obama, john mccain (notice how close all THREE pres. candiates’ hairstyles are to each other) or osama bin laden.
I would never get elected dogcatcher in the US if I had a long beard like osama, yet guys that look like me grow them long when they serve in so. afghanistan… go figure.
When Dr. King asked where do we go from here, I am sure that he and others would prefer that we do not judge one another based on the color of skin, the length of hair or the particulars of religious belief.
However, as Shawn states, he was just trying to be funny. Putting that aside, let us go about the very serious business of being examples of people who will not be judgemental, who will look for the content of character and join with those who are like minded and about the business of moving forward together.
Whatever side of the barricade or aisle you stand will be determined by content of character and the tenents of action. The devil is in the details, so be careful. Factual information is often a moving target, so I am going to turn off the blame thrower about what western civilization (or lack thereof) has done, good, bad and indifferent to the world. It is time to move on.
Thank you Bruno, I was most definitely sharing my faith towards commitment to do the right thing to the best of my ability. Religiosity notwithstanding, I offer my volunteer service to the community as time will allow.
See you at the round tables of discussions and the footwork of action.