This column appeared first in the July 30, 2012 print edition of the St. Louis Metro Evening Whirl. For this weeks column Click Here for a location near you!
OUR VIEW:
MO State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed and candidate for MO State Senate
Nasheed: Should It Be Donald Suggs’ Way Or The Highway?
One minute you could be sitting in a room with American newspaper publisher Donald M. Suggs, having a warm and candid conversation, and he’s praising you, about let’s say the strong endorsement of a very qualified and polished State Rep Tishaura Jones, who is running for City Treasurer, and that might even follow with a proverbial pat on the back in a public forum — there you are now as proud as a NBC Peacock.
Well, Suggs is noted for plunking your feathers like a restless house guest past dinner time. One has to respect him for it, whether we at the St. Louis Metro Evening Whirl agree with it or not. It’s an opinion. Our triumvirate of newspaper leadership includes two-behind the scene decision-makers, and one extroverted personality who helps us shape our editorial and political positions, and we might not always agree, but unlike Suggs, we respect that person, after all 75 years selling a newspaper over the counter, makes us unique and if nothing else individualism in deeds and thoughts will also make us have conflicts from our choices of aldermen, mayors, governors, congressmen, senators and yes, even candidates for state offices.
The St. Louis Evening Whirl staunchly supports Tishaura Jones as City Treasurer, and we’ve actually played a de facto ambassador.
The point is we’re not going to always agree with the American, Sentinel, Limelight, or Argus and even the electronic media. But we will always respect the decision of others to say what they wish without second-guessing, and questioning one’s personal credibility, and integrity.
We support without reservation, Jamilah Nasheed with a few jagged political and social warts. Nasheed is a people’s person, always putting her constituents first. It’s not a power trip for this young lady, but she has chosen to be sophisticated enough to work across the aisle with the Republicans. What is the difference between dining with them, accepting their advertisements – there are critical policy decisions impacting various segments of our society, and we need someone there to make sure that we are not shut-out of the process. Nasheed should be your choice for the City’s second senatorial state district.
Nasheed also inspires our youth, and the downtrodden who have seen that her tragic personal life has been transformed into a well-being public servant, and who she hangs with should be no one’s business.
We’ve gotten calls, letters and emails from people who look up to a person like Nasheed who doesn’t always go with the pack, and exercises the spirit of individuality.
The most precious right as a free American, with an African-American standing at the helm of the Democratic process of freedom is freedom of selecting your own candidate; endorsing your own senator, congressman, and city treasurer — and your political allies — freedom of expression, freedom of choice is healthy, a chance to stand outside of that so-called ever-expanding liberal tent of the Democratic Party.
Bullying and even lying on people because you want them to remain in the politics of the past, and spend time fighting amongst each other instead of working across the aisle is counterproductive. We must cultivate our young, gifted and black politicians to learn the art of independence, especially if it’s going to benefit their neighbors.
Jamilah Nasheed, is a puzzlement to say the least, but she’s an accomplished Missouri State Rep, who understands how to count votes – for instance has gotten further than any other elected official in the history of her party on local control.
The reality if you want to get anything done in Jefferson City, clearly learn to count your votes, to represent and work across the aisle, and do what you are doing and stand your ground. Ms. Nasheed don’t let male chauvinistic bullies take on the order of your day.
This off-centered political ideologue is old fashion, and doesn’t grow the young elected officials, nor their constituents or colleagues. Continue to think outside of the box, Jamilah this makes you what you are today, a well-qualified and well-rounded political public servant, with so much potential to inspire others.
Cut a path of your own, so you can build your own highway.
