First: let me give a shoutout to the Milwaukee Streetcar folks. Apparently that my previous blog was linked on their Facebook Page (aka The Milwaukee Streetcar) and yes, I didn’t know that it had about 54 views here, and 35 views on their page. So for those who “actually” liked the page on Facebook, from my own black point of view, thank you! And for those who probably had to comment crazy on the page via my blog link, I think you didn’t get my gist of why it matters to the jobs for the city. Or is it because I had to bring up the segregated climate angle, and those having the “conflicted viewpoints?” Some of you know it’s true. Don’t start illing! Now after my commentary letter to the Milwaukee Common Council is up for their review, now it’s time to ask the question: Would I ride the Milwaukee Streetcar if it were to be built? Would I contribute the Streetcar funding by paying fares, getting off and on at selected stops, or maybe help the tourist part with a potential of I don’t know, Photography? Reference Atlanta. Would I do the photography thing if the construction of the streetcar were to be constructed? Would the Streetcar continue with jobs beyond the completion if I were to apply? All of that, I’ll admit: YES! Now, you’re probably saying, well that’s all in fine BUT why would you use it when you drive a car? Yes I do drive. However I wouldn’t mind if I were to ride the Streetcar and possibly get paid for tours. Or maybe to have a side gig or full time gig in promoting the streetcar via my college studies. One of my past UW-Stout classes was in Project Management and I do remember that when the company wins, everybody wins. That was the mantra. When the company wins, everybody wins. Also when I mentioned the “Conflicted Viewpoints” thing, that took me back to my college studies, yet again. It was a course in Organizational Leadership in referencing the good behaviors and bad behaviors. On that Facebook Page, out of that 2,000 plus folks who clicked the like button, there were some male and female pundits showing their polarized side in assuming they know everything. They really don’t! Just making excuses of not moving forward. Partially, Milwaukee and Wisconsin is known for that the most. And folks like them per say, like to get the calculating this and that, and having this attitude that it would not work or operate. How do they know?!!! Yeah I’m calling them out! If they are so caring about the calculating with transit per say, why can’t they calculate the help of getting jobs connecting to Milwaukee? Especially for those who don’t drive and having concerns?! Where is the calculating in that?! Polarized Politics and segregation climates are a dangerous mix. Even if you’re black! Now, non black folks, I know what your saying. “I’m not a racist. I have black friends….” Stop it! And black folks, do not go in that “negropean angle” and thinking its not going hurt you. In some ways, it can hurt! Just today, even thought it’s a day to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have thought about him and the days he went through of having these distortions in public, and his work of equality of justice. Despite of the marches, speeches, and the nonviolent acts of freedom, Dr. King kept on his mission until his untimely death at 39 years old. And yes, in his absence, the struggle continues! He wasn’t just about the dream, also insert the words “Radical and Revolutionary” in that as well! Every black student and other students alike as well as the now grown folks nation, needs to realize that! We face new struggles in all things everyday even in this technological 21st Century full of Apps, Social Media, and Drones. And blogging. And also, by the end of this day, I ask those who are so MLK supportive: Will you act on the dream already? Will you act on the dream that those who march in Ferguson, New York and Milwaukee for equal justice and not using distortion of hate? Will you act on the dream in your schools, church, your job, a Career Fair, a community center, or any other act of need for yourself and for those that need the act of needs? Even if it involves new structures that seemed distorted by those who do not want to move forward?! Towards the end of 2014, in speaking of distortions, my former UMC Pastor warned my church congregation about wolves in sheep’s clothing. I’m sure many have heard that in a way or another. But you’re probably asking, what does that have to do with the Milwaukee Streetcar and what’s going on with the Polarized Politics? Here is my answer: BEWARE OF WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING! Beware! Let me tell you why. Just this morning, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published a Purple Wisconsin Blog in regarding the Opponents of the Milwaukee Streetcar. And yes, this Wednesday is D-Day for the Milwaukee Common Council to either rock it or drop it, due to the referendum idea out of Aldermans Joe Davis and Bob Donovan. We all know that they went to different parts out side of the metro area to pull the strings about derailng this Milwaukee Streetcar Project. Alderman Davis has said that it’s racist and immoral. And having the thought of Black Millennials will not be part of this as well as dealing with shootings such as the death of Dontre Hamilton. Speaking of that, many here in Milwaukee have already heard the radio spot in which Nate Hamilton expressed his liberties about the hate of the Streetcar, and not getting justice for his late brother shot by the Milwaukee PD. Now, again I feel for the Hamiltons and the ongoing efforts to get justice. Yes, I know they are hurting and it’s democracy in action. But after reading this article from the blog:
As has previously been reported, radio advertisements have been running on certain Milwaukee radio stations that attempt to rhetorically connect a public transportation project with the tragic death of Dontre Hamilton. The ads say they are sponsored by a group called the Black Lives Matter Coalition, although according to Milwaukee radio station WNOV the ads are actually paid for by Craig Peterson of Milwaukee based public relations firm Zigman Joseph Stephenson. Peterson, a resident of River Hills, is the same individual behind the group Citizens for Urban Justice, which sponsored advertisements supporting Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke and Scott Walker.
What is really going on? Is the folks behind the making of the ads are using the feelings of the Hamilton family for their political distortion? Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! I have a question to the Black Milwaukee Millennial folks: Has Alderman Davis “ACTUALLY” talked to you about jobs for the Streetcar? Have any of you “ACTUALLY” gone to those Milwaukee Public Meetings on the Milwaukee Streetcar? Have any of you “ACTUALLY” written letters to Mayor Tom Barrett about the Streetcar period? I want to know that question! Again: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! Another viewpoint from the article:
In what has become a sadly predictable pattern, Milwaukee area right wing talk radio hosts are leading the media campaign against the streetcar. Charlie Sykes, Vicki McKenna, Mark Belling and others wear their anti-Milwaukee rhetoric as a badge of honor, and the street car is just the latest in a long line of initiatives which would have benefited people living in Milwaukee, but were blocked in part due to the coordinated opposition from conservative talk radio. In this case, Sykes’ show has been actively promoting anti-streetcar efforts. Vicki McKenna was the featured speaker at a meeting of streetcar opponents. In a recent broadcast, Mark Belling highlighted the public transportation initiatives he has opposed and succeeded in blocking over the last twenty-five years on the air. Talk radio hosts have deliberately crafted and relish in their status as an anchor around the neck of the city of Milwaukee with craven attempts to exploit anti-urban sentiment, exascerbate suburban hostility and fear, and drive their ratings. Aldermen Davis and Donovan have enlisted the support of this coalition of anti-Milwaukee conservatives, most of whom do not live in the city, to achieve their political ends.
Again: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! Lot of folks are probably saying, “show us the proof!” I don’t have to show it, because it’s already been written in the actions. It’s being scripted for those who want to be played, tabloid, hoodwinked, teased, manipulated, being hyper sensitive, bamboozled, brainwashed, whimper out, arm twisted, wanting to sellout, wanting to be (excuse my french), “bootlickers”, wanting to be sold to the highest bidder in order to do what is best for business in all for the money, their jobs to feed families and ratings. I’m saying this now! Plus I know this might hurt, but it’s the truth! I know it’s MLK day. But there was time that there were certain folks back in his heyday didn’t like what Martin Luther King Jr was doing, but he kept marching! He didn’t just expressed that in the pulpits, nor the March on Washington or any other place he went and preached. No matter where he went, he kept marching. And even getting on America’s case about the bombings in Vietnam. He was telling the truth, even folks who did not want to hear it! He died for what he fought for at age 39. How many black 39 year olds today in 2015 would continue to fight for the positives right now? Think about it. So to The Milwaukee Streetcar folks: I have some advice: One: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. No matter who or what comes up, correct folks not just online, but in person, the radio, the blogging, and definitely Facebook. Two: Always express the truth in which you present! Not the negative media, not those who think they know, but it comes from you and you only! Three: Get positive feedback or should I say “True Positive Feedback!” Even if you hear good radio spots on Black Milwaukee Radio of the Milwaukee Streetcar via the African-American Chamber of Commerce and Matters of the Heart Church. And for the record, they have promoted the positive light of the project for Economic Development and mostly for black folks looking for work even more. Again from my last blog story to the Common Council, and look for this again for the support thing via Urban Milwaukee, I support the idea of the Milwaukee Streetcar for one and one reason only of fresh, out of the box, innovative and new careers. This is my statement and opinion.
Stephen's Spot 
Blog Followup: Would I ride the Milwaukee Streetcar if it were to be built?
Posted: January 19, 2015 in #BlackLivesMatter, #blacktwitter, African American Stories and Viewpoints, Black America, Black stories that all should know and realize, Commentary by all means, Decision Factors, Editorial, Facebook, Local News and Politics, Midwest African American Commentary, Milwaukee African American Commentary, Milwaukee Community Ideas, My Special Commentary, News and politics, Wisconsin African American CommentaryTags: Alderman Bob Donovan, Alderman Joe Davis, distortion, Facebook, Martin Luther King, Polarized Politics, The Milwaukee Streetcar, Wolves In Sheep's Clothing
First: let me give a shoutout to the Milwaukee Streetcar folks. Apparently that my previous blog was linked on their Facebook Page (aka The Milwaukee Streetcar) and yes, I didn’t know that it had about 54 views here, and 35 views on their page. So for those who “actually” liked the page on Facebook, from my own black point of view, thank you! And for those who probably had to comment crazy on the page via my blog link, I think you didn’t get my gist of why it matters to the jobs for the city. Or is it because I had to bring up the segregated climate angle, and those having the “conflicted viewpoints?” Some of you know it’s true. Don’t start illing! Now after my commentary letter to the Milwaukee Common Council is up for their review, now it’s time to ask the question: Would I ride the Milwaukee Streetcar if it were to be built? Would I contribute the Streetcar funding by paying fares, getting off and on at selected stops, or maybe help the tourist part with a potential of I don’t know, Photography? Reference Atlanta. Would I do the photography thing if the construction of the streetcar were to be constructed? Would the Streetcar continue with jobs beyond the completion if I were to apply? All of that, I’ll admit: YES! Now, you’re probably saying, well that’s all in fine BUT why would you use it when you drive a car? Yes I do drive. However I wouldn’t mind if I were to ride the Streetcar and possibly get paid for tours. Or maybe to have a side gig or full time gig in promoting the streetcar via my college studies. One of my past UW-Stout classes was in Project Management and I do remember that when the company wins, everybody wins. That was the mantra. When the company wins, everybody wins. Also when I mentioned the “Conflicted Viewpoints” thing, that took me back to my college studies, yet again. It was a course in Organizational Leadership in referencing the good behaviors and bad behaviors. On that Facebook Page, out of that 2,000 plus folks who clicked the like button, there were some male and female pundits showing their polarized side in assuming they know everything. They really don’t! Just making excuses of not moving forward. Partially, Milwaukee and Wisconsin is known for that the most. And folks like them per say, like to get the calculating this and that, and having this attitude that it would not work or operate. How do they know?!!! Yeah I’m calling them out! If they are so caring about the calculating with transit per say, why can’t they calculate the help of getting jobs connecting to Milwaukee? Especially for those who don’t drive and having concerns?! Where is the calculating in that?! Polarized Politics and segregation climates are a dangerous mix. Even if you’re black! Now, non black folks, I know what your saying. “I’m not a racist. I have black friends….” Stop it! And black folks, do not go in that “negropean angle” and thinking its not going hurt you. In some ways, it can hurt! Just today, even thought it’s a day to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I have thought about him and the days he went through of having these distortions in public, and his work of equality of justice. Despite of the marches, speeches, and the nonviolent acts of freedom, Dr. King kept on his mission until his untimely death at 39 years old. And yes, in his absence, the struggle continues! He wasn’t just about the dream, also insert the words “Radical and Revolutionary” in that as well! Every black student and other students alike as well as the now grown folks nation, needs to realize that! We face new struggles in all things everyday even in this technological 21st Century full of Apps, Social Media, and Drones. And blogging. And also, by the end of this day, I ask those who are so MLK supportive: Will you act on the dream already? Will you act on the dream that those who march in Ferguson, New York and Milwaukee for equal justice and not using distortion of hate? Will you act on the dream in your schools, church, your job, a Career Fair, a community center, or any other act of need for yourself and for those that need the act of needs? Even if it involves new structures that seemed distorted by those who do not want to move forward?! Towards the end of 2014, in speaking of distortions, my former UMC Pastor warned my church congregation about wolves in sheep’s clothing. I’m sure many have heard that in a way or another. But you’re probably asking, what does that have to do with the Milwaukee Streetcar and what’s going on with the Polarized Politics? Here is my answer: BEWARE OF WOLVES IN SHEEP’S CLOTHING! Beware! Let me tell you why. Just this morning, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel published a Purple Wisconsin Blog in regarding the Opponents of the Milwaukee Streetcar. And yes, this Wednesday is D-Day for the Milwaukee Common Council to either rock it or drop it, due to the referendum idea out of Aldermans Joe Davis and Bob Donovan. We all know that they went to different parts out side of the metro area to pull the strings about derailng this Milwaukee Streetcar Project. Alderman Davis has said that it’s racist and immoral. And having the thought of Black Millennials will not be part of this as well as dealing with shootings such as the death of Dontre Hamilton. Speaking of that, many here in Milwaukee have already heard the radio spot in which Nate Hamilton expressed his liberties about the hate of the Streetcar, and not getting justice for his late brother shot by the Milwaukee PD. Now, again I feel for the Hamiltons and the ongoing efforts to get justice. Yes, I know they are hurting and it’s democracy in action. But after reading this article from the blog:
What is really going on? Is the folks behind the making of the ads are using the feelings of the Hamilton family for their political distortion? Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! I have a question to the Black Milwaukee Millennial folks: Has Alderman Davis “ACTUALLY” talked to you about jobs for the Streetcar? Have any of you “ACTUALLY” gone to those Milwaukee Public Meetings on the Milwaukee Streetcar? Have any of you “ACTUALLY” written letters to Mayor Tom Barrett about the Streetcar period? I want to know that question! Again: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! Another viewpoint from the article:
Again: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing! Lot of folks are probably saying, “show us the proof!” I don’t have to show it, because it’s already been written in the actions. It’s being scripted for those who want to be played, tabloid, hoodwinked, teased, manipulated, being hyper sensitive, bamboozled, brainwashed, whimper out, arm twisted, wanting to sellout, wanting to be (excuse my french), “bootlickers”, wanting to be sold to the highest bidder in order to do what is best for business in all for the money, their jobs to feed families and ratings. I’m saying this now! Plus I know this might hurt, but it’s the truth! I know it’s MLK day. But there was time that there were certain folks back in his heyday didn’t like what Martin Luther King Jr was doing, but he kept marching! He didn’t just expressed that in the pulpits, nor the March on Washington or any other place he went and preached. No matter where he went, he kept marching. And even getting on America’s case about the bombings in Vietnam. He was telling the truth, even folks who did not want to hear it! He died for what he fought for at age 39. How many black 39 year olds today in 2015 would continue to fight for the positives right now? Think about it. So to The Milwaukee Streetcar folks: I have some advice: One: Beware of wolves in sheep’s clothing. No matter who or what comes up, correct folks not just online, but in person, the radio, the blogging, and definitely Facebook. Two: Always express the truth in which you present! Not the negative media, not those who think they know, but it comes from you and you only! Three: Get positive feedback or should I say “True Positive Feedback!” Even if you hear good radio spots on Black Milwaukee Radio of the Milwaukee Streetcar via the African-American Chamber of Commerce and Matters of the Heart Church. And for the record, they have promoted the positive light of the project for Economic Development and mostly for black folks looking for work even more. Again from my last blog story to the Common Council, and look for this again for the support thing via Urban Milwaukee, I support the idea of the Milwaukee Streetcar for one and one reason only of fresh, out of the box, innovative and new careers. This is my statement and opinion.