Note from "Sojourner Truth"

I got this note from an anonymous e-mailer today using the name of Sojourner Truth.
I haven't checked the facts or numbers or claims.
I'll put up an open letter to this writer in my next post.

From: Sojourner Truth [mailto: xxxrailroad@gmail.com ]
Sent: Saturday, April 04, 2009 1:41 AM
Subject: Report card on pubic officials? So join me in truth!

Dear Friends,

Are you interested in becoming a steward of your city—environment? Are you interested in monitoring actions, legislative or otherwise, that impact life in our communities for all? A Public Report Card on public officals and CDC's would send a powerful message that their actions will be examined, not just their (smooth-talking) words.

I apologize to the citizens of New Orleans for borrowing an overused and exploited term but I am disturbed by the economic, social, cultural and political "Katrina" that swept through Cleveland (commencing at the start of the 21st century) while government slept and let it keep coming back—in waves—wiping out homes, lives and once lively neighborhoods in the process.

This unnatural force didn't effect nearby Akron, Pittsburgh or even Youngstown, or any other city in the USA, the way it did Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland lost 100,000 residents, in seven years, an exodus that only rivals New Orleans. Neighborhoods were falling apart like toothpicks and city residents were losing their homes to foreclosure at the same time "developers" uprooted people and trees to make room for new hospital and museum wings, a botanical shopping mall, a fake trolley, and lots of parking lots. Cleveland public officials have a questionable track record as property developers but they can't help but paint broad strokes, using the city as a canvas, even if it's only with red ink and their mistakes last longer than their jobs! Thus the flats were leveled for yet another "revival," Medmart got a booster shot, the ironically named "Heritage Lane" turned duplexes into super complexes. I'm surprised no one bothered to get rid of the lake yet, or at least move it out of the way!

League of Humane Voters of Cleveland,

You can help people, animals and our natural resources!

You can hold politicians accountable!

Help create a Report Card now!

Elections are forthcoming. Who voted for what, where did your taxpayer dollars go, how do elected officials stand on the environment, gay rights, gender issues, animal rights, childcare, development, natural resources, food and shelter, Chief Wahoo, the port and beehives— and what exactly is their approach to governance. Direct democracy or feudalism?

Your ideas, thoughts, opinions are welcome. Volunteers also.

Interested in moving forward? Please contact the following e-mail address: xxxrailroad@gmail.com.

Sincerely,

Sojourner Truth

And (FYI) the following article...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/magazine/08Foreclosure-t.html

Change!