WE, THE PEOPLE OF WASHINGTON SHORES

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Category: Politics

Published: Wednesday, 21 October 2015 03:00

Written by Attorney Ka'Juel J. Washington

By Ka'Juel J. Washington, Esquire - Candidate for City Commissioner, District 6
There once was a fox that came to a stream. As it was about to swim across, along came a scorpion. Because the scorpion couldn't swim, he asked the fox for a ride across the water. The fox knew the scorpion was dangerous and was very afraid. He said to the scorpion, "I will not give you a ride because if I do, you will sting me." The scorpion responded, "Why would I sting you?

If I do, I will drown right along with you." The fox thought about what the scorpion said, "Okay, I will

give you a ride across the stream." The scorpion got on the foxes back and soon the fox was swimming across the water. As soon as the fox got in the middle of the stream, the scorpion stung him. The fox tried to continue swimming, but the sting began to paralyze him. As he began to drown he said, "Why did you sting me? Now, we'll both drown." The scorpion replied, "I know, but I just couldn't help it."

Such is the case with our community. Despite the danger of the scorpion, we continue to trust it. By doing so, we are ensuring our own deaths and we don't even know it. Our community is undeveloped, impoverished and there's no end in sight. If you don't believe me, just ask yourself why is almost the entire population at Jones High School on free or reduced lunch? Then ask yourself, why is at least 80% of that population at or below the poverty line? Now ask yourself, what economic development and jobs plan is there to change all that?

If you can't answer any of these questions, ask yourself why do you keep electing the same man to guide your future? I understand what I'm up against in this election. The incumbent is Orlando born, Orlando breed and when he dies he'll be Orlando dead. Many of the residents of the district have known the Ings family for decades and those loyalties run deep; so do the memories. Loyalty is why we now continue to give the scorpion a ride across the stream. It's comfortable, it's easy and it's familiar, but as a community, we're dying a slow death. And, if we don't wake up soon, it will be too late.

My people; let me be clear. I don't need a job. The Lord has blessed me with gainful employment. Through his blessings, I'm able to feed my four (4) children. This is about us as a community. Remember, I live in Washington Shores as well. Who will deny the scorpion a ride and allow us to cross the stream in safety? Certainly, it's not the incumbent. Our needs are many, our time is short and our champions are few. All around us we see the Land of Milk and Honey. I-Drive, Downtown, Metrowest; the list goes on and on. Drive through these areas yourself and tell me what you see.

I will fight the Legal Pit-bulls in city hall. I will let them know that kicking Noel Carter on camera is not okay. What elected official advocates that position for us now, the incumbent?  He has not and he will not.  I will advocate for our upliftment.

We've been giving the scorpion a ride across the stream for many moons now. If we don't hurry, they'll be no saving us.

I advocate for a living; for the poor and the homeless. Now, let me advocate for you and for us.