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IBNN Editors notes: The corner of Penn Avenue and Golden Valley Road in north Minneapolis has been a long-time spot of drug deals, prostitution and crime. Recently, an employee of a local re-entry program (that actually is working) was caught in the crossfire and now lives with a bullet lodged in her chin. Those in the community who want to evoke White Privilege, (including a former Ward 5 City Councilwomen), are in on the store be closed and torn down.  Should this lynch-mob mentality be used towards local non-profits that have not delivered successful measurable outcome to the community in spite of receiving millions of dollars over the past 40 years? Back in the day, my mother would tell me, “This is the pot, calling the kettle black.” ~D. Allen

By Larry Tucker – Contributing Writer Extraordinaire and long-time resident of north Minneapolis

Tucker

Minneapolis, MN. (June 30, 2010/IBNN NEWS)…From a micro perspective Wally’s Foods must be held responsible for activities surrounding his store period.  He makes more than a “shovel full” of money giving his pricing. Therefore he can’t just take the money and leave community at closing without a commitment to the community in which he is located.  In other cities these stores have been brought by the residences, which in turn are operated with respect and profits remaining in the community.

To close down small stores will not stop the shootings and drug dealings.  Previous closings of convenient stores have not solved our community problems, nor will the closing of Wally’s.

From a macro perspective the “Compacting of the 5th Ward” after the 2000 census has resulted in segmenting the Ward mainly into a high concentration of low to moderated income persons with limited skills, education and willingness to take part in the political process. The results are: “We are viewed and treated as a community of persons easily manipulated.”

Therefore some you with the skill set have the responsibility to question and demand-needed changes, notwithstanding the concept of privilege some have. Use this privilege to foster the betterment of the community not just your personal desires. We are in this together.  As a noted politician stated “Our country allows injustice to take place as long as we feel our personal desires and fears are being addressed”.

The incestuous relationship within several of the 200 plus non-profits in our community employing family members and friends without regards to measurable outcomes, has led to an catastrophic failure in human services for the residents of north Minneapolis.

The meeting at the Capri Theater concerning the Project noted as 1250 Broadway and the so-called inclusion of target groups mainly African-American and or other minority groups was conducted in an extremely unprofessional manner with loud escalated voice from monitor representing the school board, in addition the caustic and surly overall tone of the meeting was and is a excellent example of the disrespect shown to our community without any correction being demanded.

The question based on the flow chart was not addressed, and the flow chart if I interpreted it correctly reflects the School Board role of the principle Minority player as a “Front”, therefore further contributing to the High Employment rate in a cause of building a new headquarters.

If the Minneapolis Public Schools put this much passion in graduating children of color, our (Minneapolis) public schools would not have the worse and widest education gap in the country. It’s obvious the new MPS headquarters is definitely not about serving our children, by looking at a part of a master plan authored by those in a back room who have power to corrupt, absolutely.

Here’s a solution, the Minneapolis Public Schools along with the other 200 plus non-profits should be closed down. Maybe we can start over with organizations who have people and skill sets that would be apart of the community, versus take-apart the community.

In closing, Wally’s demise will not stop the ongoing crime problem in north Minneapolis. The only thing it will create is another blighted, dark area where the economic development of the day are drugs, guns, crime and death.

Mr. Larry Tucker has lived in north Minneapolis for over 40 years. He is a professional real estate appraiser and consultant. Comments for Mr. Tucker can be left on this blog.