NOTE: TOMORROW, TUESDAY, MAY 17 IS MIDTERM PRIMARY ELECTIONS THROUGHOUT THE STATE OF PENNSYLVANIA - SO I'M
GOING TO GRANT YOU A ONE-TIME PERMISSION TO SKIP ALL THE WAY DOWN TO
THE CANDIDATES LISTINGS AND READ THAT FIRST BEFORE YOU READ THE
BEGINNING OF THIS ARTICLE. IS THAT OKAY WITH YOU?
SKIP
ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE PART THAT SAYS "YOU DIDN'T ASK ME, BUT I'M
ENDORSING THE FOLLOWING!" Read the candidates info,vote accordingly,
then resume reading all the information i've provided below:
Okay,
so here we are - the day before the day of the primary MIDTERM
ELECTIONS in Pennsylvania!! And you are all poised and ready to do the
right thing - get out there and let your voices be heard - so that we
can send the right people to office to represent us for the next 2, 4, 6
years! RIGHT!?!
WE
have a job to do, and we know how to do it, we're gonna do it, so that
we don't have to revert back to the bad old days of lunacy at the hands
of the henchmen of the ersatz former "president" - aka Orange Faced
Fool (OFF) miscreant, racist reprobates, who are looking to transform
America into sort of automaton Neo-nazi backwash country.
Here
in Pennsylvania, a record number of voters requested mail in votes!
However, the trick is whether or not those were "completed properly;"
and if not, whether or not those who mailed in their votes were notified
in a timely manner so that they could either, (1) redo the mail in
ballot and get it to a drop box; or (2) get to the polls on May 17 and
vote in person.
The
fact that there are so many Pennsylvania voters who allegedly didn't
complete their ballots appropriately seems a little extreme to me - as
in "lies you tell." It appears that the repuglycons might be up to
their dirty tricks again, trying to make it appear that as may as 2/3rs
of the voters are somehow feckless to the point they can't follow simple
instructions, and therefore somehow managed to totally screw it up -
some 537,000 out of 835,000 who mailed in their votes, and are now not
going to be counted.
Again,
lies you tell!!! If the number is that high, then it is up to
Pennsylvania to either give them replacement ballots and allow them an
additional week to get it done and mailed off correctly; or allow them
an extra day to vote at the polls. It's clear that if there is that
many margin for errors on a mail in ballot, the ballot and the
instructions are obviously not prepared in a manner that is
understandable by all who use it. I am, of course, assuming the problem
are a result of the machinations of the repuglycon party - in which
case the Democrats in Pennsylvania must not allow them to get away with
it - regardless of how long it takes. If, on the other hand, this major
glitch is the result of some incompetence on the part of the Democrats -
what the sam hill is wrong with you - please get it rectified
immediately - if not sooner.
According to the Philadelphia Inquirer:
"So far, 3 out of 5 mail ballots — nearly 537,000 in all — have been returned
Nearly 537,000 mail ballots have already been returned.
That’s
more than 60% of the more than 885,000 ballots that voters requested,
according to data released Friday by the Pennsylvania Department of
State, which oversees elections.
A
strong partisan divide in the vote method continues, with registered
Democrats requesting more than three times as many ballots as
Republicans.
A
strong partisan divide in the vote method continues, with registered
Democrats requesting more than three times as many ballots as
Republicans.
Mail
ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Tuesday, when polls close. Postmarks
don’t count, so elections officials urge voters to return their ballots
as soon as possible — mail delivery can take a few days, meaning
ballots returned by mail at this point run the risk of arriving after
the deadline.
Voters can ensure timely delivery by hand-delivering their ballots to their county elections office or a mail ballot drop box.
Once a ballot has been returned, voters can use the state’s ballot tracker
to see when it has been marked as received. There can be a several days
when they start to pile up, though, so just because your ballot hasn’t
been marked doesn’t mean it hasn’t yet been received.
Basically,
as the article says, most of the placing ballot boxes were in
predominately white and asian areas during the 2020 election, which
essentially means that you have to make sure there are boxes in your
area, your votes are counted and your rights are not violated - and
that you are not disqualified for bogus reasons.
It's
as important as who you vote for, because we want to end the habit of
people sitting out the MID TERM ELECTIONS as though they are not as
important as he presidential that comes around every 4 years. Our
local, MID TERM ELECTIONS are extremely vital, and spell out what the
president who is the current incumbent is able to accomplishe during the
balance of his remaining time in office!!! Make no mistake about it!
If we don't get this right, we'll face the same problems we faced when
we didn't come out for the MIDTERMS OF 2010, AND 2014 - which rendered
Obama's administration helpless to get things done, and cost us a
Supreme Court Justice because the repuglycons outnumbered the Democrats.
We
let the orange faced fool become ersatz president because no one put
their feet down and called the 2016 elections a sham and a scam. But we
got it together by 2018 - basically because he had done so much harm by
that time, to have allowed him to go any further would have been an act
of masochism and stupidity all rolled into one.
We
backed it up in 2020 when we elected Joe Biden president - and believe
me, he's doing a damned sight better job than T-rump ever did - so don't
let the propaganda and meanstream media fool you.
Now
we are in the MidTerms of 2022 - and if we don't get out and defend our
incumbents, and out vote the repuglycons, we run the horrific risk of
returning a megalomaniacal fool to power - and plunging the country into
darker days then even Nazi Germany endured.
Does
it sound somewhat extreme to posit it in such a manner?? - NO!! - I
wish I could yell even louder. By now it should be patently clear that
there is nothing they wouldn't stoop to doing to deprive you of your
rights. They're doing it right under your very noses. And, while
voting is not going to end it completely, it's a part of our arsenal -
our tool box - to make sure we don't end up in a fascist regime with
powermad individuals driving Black people back into racist
segregationistic lifestyles - pre-60s, perhaps even back as far as
jimcrow and slavery combined.
So
GET OUT THERE TOMORROW, MAY 17, 2022
AND
VOTE VOTE VOTE BLUE -
NO MATTER WHO!!!
You didn't ask me, but I'm endorsing the following:
Josh Shapiro (Democrat)
In Pennsylvania, the lieutenant
governor does not run on a shared ticket with the governor, so the
candidates don’t officially pair up as running mates since they’ll
appear on the ballot separately.
Austin Davis (Democrat) - Pa. lieutenant governor (The
LG’s job includes presiding over
the Pa. Senate and chairing the Board of Pardons - are just some of the
many responsibilities he has - we want to make sure we have someone in
that position that understands the needs of Philadelphians - as well as
Pennsylvanians statewide.)
Conor Lamb (Democrat) - U.S. SENATE (We must replace Toomey
(Guys if we mess this up and don't get Lamb in, there is something
seriously wrong with us!! So don't sleep this opportunity to get someone
in to the US Senate who will work diligently on our behalf!!)
DWIGHT EVANS - CONGRESS - 3rd CD
(Dwight
Evans went into Congress and rolled up his sleeves and has been making
great things happen for Philly - we need to have him there to continue
the good work!)
Brendan Boyle - CONGRESS - 2nd CD
State Reps
ANTHONY WILLIAMS - PA STATE SENATE - 8th District (I'm
endorsing Tony Williams because he's done a fine job, and also because I
was appalled at the way Prescodd's campaigners tried to smear him by
falsely saying he was with the ersatz former president!! An insult and a lie! This makes Prescodd someone not to be trusted)
Sajda Blackwell (Democrat) - 10th District (new 10th District which includes
Walnut Hill, Belmont, Mill Creek, Mantua, parts of Logan Square,
Powelton, and parts of Cobbs Creek. She is a wife, a mother, a youth mentor, and a community organizer, who
co-founded Blackwell Culture Alliance Inc which feeds over 2000 families
a month, and the organizer of B.C.A. Actionist, one of the only active
Town Watch Groups in the city of Philadelphia taking a stand against Gun
Violence.)
STEPHEN KINSEY - PA STATE REPRESENTATIVE - 201st District
Anthony Bellman - 203rd District
There
are others who are running unopposed - but that doesn't mean that you
don't have to vote for them on the ballot. I sometimes wonder how
Philadelphia has any representation at all. I've seen such low numbers
in the past that it's embarrassing - but I hope that now that you've had
a taste of what happens when a pseudo dictator takes over the country
and tries to destroy democracy, you'll totally understand that ALL VOTES
COUNT, there is absolutely NO SUCH THING AS NEUTRAL! - that NOT TO
DECIDE IS TO DECIDE against your own best interests; and to SIT IT OUT,
or SITTING ON THE SIDELINES IS IRRESPONSIBLE, IGNORANT, AND TAKES AWAY
YOUR RIGHTS ALTOGETHER!
SO VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!
PENNSYLVANIA'S MAY 17TH Primary is only the preliminary - ONLY HALF THE JOB!
You
then have to bring it home in November and make sure that all along the
way you are building up the strength and participation necessary to
keep PENNSYLVANIA BLUE!! There are so many things that are going to
rely on your vote now and in the future - including RE-ESTABLISHING OUR RIGHT TO VOTE, AND A WOMAN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE- among other things.
Let's
not squander our opportunities, rights and responsibilities by sitting
on the sidelines and hoping someone else will do our job for us!
Don't know who they are? Click on https://billypenn.com/2022/05/08/procrastinators-guide-may-primary-election-2022-philadelphia/#pasenate
In the spirit of good sportswomanship, I must first of all congratulate James Kenney for emerging victorious from the 6-candidate primary that took place yesterday, May 19 in Philadelphia.
Anthony Hardy Williams
Of course you know, if you read my blog, that I was in favor of Anthony Hardy Williams. However, he didn't win - he did come in a decent second behind Kenney who garnered 55% of the votes at the last tally I was present for.
All in all a well run race - skillfully engineered, with all forces, sources and energies garnered and gathered to ensure that all corners of Philly's constituencies were on board.
Kudos to the Northwest Alliance for having done a superb job. It's just too bad that all that energy, unfication, solidarity could not have been mustered for either of the three African American candidates who were running - Douglass Oliver, Milton Street, or Tony Williams - or someone else of their choosing. I for one definitely believe in Black unity - especially when it's around our own Black people.
However, someone said that Williams campaign failed to muster a campaign that dealt with the racial currency of the mayoral election, or to respond to the attacks against his record. His was definitely not a vicious campaign - it was one that was designed to engage the people and appeal to those areas of interest that most affected them: education, jobs, family development; decent affordable homes - stuff that Philadelphians need and are supposed to care about - but you also have to be slugging it out toe to toe - to be seen.
Someone said that Williams had not "kissed the papal ring and gotten the blessing of the head honcho in charge," which is why he did not get the backing of the Philly Dems. Kind of sad, isn't it, that Philly may have to endure 4 years of an ersatz mayor because of infighting and power struggles within it's predominant party. In the meantime the voters are apparently big fans of Kool-Aid - because they had to do the actual voting. One has to wonder what flavor they represented as they emerged?
As Tony Williams' mother stated after the 90% of the tally had been announced, "No one minds losing - if Tony had lost to a man of equal stature, intelligence, ability or accomplishments - it would have been understood and accepted. But to Kenney - who has done little to nothing in 23 years, it's an insult."
The only thing I can say is Philadelphia's voters are going to wake up and say, "Oh My God! What have we done!!!!"
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Hello All It was a balmy evening, yesterday, Sunday - and folks could have been home watching TV, at Penns Landing, watching sports, or just snoozing - but at St. Matthews Church on Wingohocking and 16th, they had other things on their mind. A Faith Rally was coming together for Anthony Hardy Williams, with none other than Congressman Chaka Fattah, Representative Jordan Harris, Rochelle Bilau, and myriad others from the community to lift up Tony Williams and his campaign in prayer. I am going to take a point of departure from the order of program and share Tony Williams statements first, followed by Rochelle Bilau, Chaka Fattah and Jordan Harris. For the most part I'm paraphrasing the statements and comments - but I want you to read carefully, because there are some salient points that you may not have encountered if you were just relying on the meanstream media to keep you abreast of what was happening in the campaign.
ANTHONY
HARDY WILLIAMS Ministerial introduction: "I don't need a paper in front of me to introduce this man – I
don't need a prewritten speech to demonstrate a heart felt
appreciation for all he has done so far the people, who for the last
three decades the disparity in education when he's been dealing with
it all his adult life. He hasn't just begun to talk about proper
policing, in our city. He hasn't just started talking about economic
development in our community. He hasn't just started talking about
people receiving jobs and making the kind of money where they can
take care of their families. He's been doing this – he has
dedicated himself to this his entire life. He watched his daddy do
it and saw that it was worthy enough the he would serve the public as
his father did And that's something when a son can look at a father
and see the depth of passion and commitment to raising up the least
among us and say “that's what I want to do with my life.” How
amazing is that that he would come behind his father and continue
the same good work!"
The minister continued his introductory remarks: "It's
strange that our folk are so lethargic, and seeming to be unengaged,
when this is a critical time for us in the City of Philadelphia. It
is a critical time, it is a turning point; it is a mission- we have
to be very careful and, and the understanding that we've got to put
the right people in the right place at this time. Because when we
make the wrong decision, you become like Abraham and Sarah – making
the wrong decision can cost you for generations to come. We've got
to make the right decisions, and we've got to make the right decision
and I know from the depth of my heart that TONY WILLIAMS WILL BE A
GREAT MAYOR AND HE IS THE BEST PERSON FOR THIS JOB IN THIS DAY, AT
THIS HOUR – HE IS THE BEST ONE! STAND ON YOUR FEET AND GIVE THIS
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA A GREAT ROUND OF APPLAUS –
ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS"
ANTHONY
HARDY WILLIAMS: “This
is the best time to pass the basket” he stated, starting off with a
joke.
I'm
very appreciative of all the kind words tonight. I'm ost appreciative
of all you who have come here tonight to come to a place of faith
that I would worship in, even it if' it's not your place of faith.
I'm appreciative of all the faith leaders and public figures who have
come together in my support who are here to express their feelings
about an event which is about to take place in the next 48 hours. I
will tell you that while my name is reflected, in terms of how you
look a t a particular date, it's really not TONY TIME, IT'S PEOPLE
TIME!!!
Elections
always should be about people and where they are in their lives.
That's what I learned from both my parents. Both of them chose to
give their lives to the public. A public that was in dire need of a
young couple who would sacrifice their entire lives for a community
that would sometime understand them, some times not. I happen to be
a stitch in that time. I happen to be reflective of values that
raised me and shaped me as a man. There is more to me than just
running for office; the community needs more of me than just my
running for office, and make a lot of money doing it. God saw fit to
change my selfish me moment into a need for me to come back and
participate. I can't tell you that there would be a moment that I
thought that I would be running for mayor, because I never did. I
never dreamed I would have this opportunity. I don't calculate like
that. But I will tell you that the moment I entered public service –
I entered with a different perspective. There are certain things you
say as a Democrat and as an African American, there are certain
things you are required to say.
ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS FOR MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA
"Truth
is the reason a person should exist. Some
people lie and make it should like they're telling the truth, and
some people are telling the truth, but others think it's a lie.
So
when I entered politics, I earnestly thought about issues that were
problematic. I've been in office 26 years. And I want you to
understand somethng. Some people's election cycle it amazes me the
things that they say.
Me,
I'm supposed to run on my record – while other people are supposed
to kind of apologize for theirs. I don't have anything to apologize
for.
Let
me be very clear about that – schools didn't get bad in
Philadelphia when the charter schools showed up – the school system
in Philly didn't become broken when the SRC showed up; I'm 58 years
old and there were bad schools then and there are bad schools now.
And the system needs more money and by the way, the only person who
was doing something about it is ME in this election cycle. And for
some reason people don't like me to say that. They want me to say
the charter school needs funding more than public schools – but
I've funded both because I'm an independent African American
democrat, not an idealogue democrat.
It's
not me who says “Tony I want you to fund public schools – and
then wait next year and next year and next year, because the next
year he'll end up either in prison or dead. I need change NOW! So I
introduced legislation with ended up providing billions of dollars in
fundings for our hurting schools – but that fact didn't make the
papers. I don't hold press conferences, I just do work. I don't
need someone to introduce me to Philadelphians of Christian, Islamic,
Jewish, Polish, Germanic, Hispanic, or Italian descent because I know
them; we grew up together, we've worked together, gone to school
together. I visit all the neighborhoods, and did it way before this
campaign. They're all my friends, I've done this work; I've earned
my moment.
By
the way, I will accept the grade, but what I will not accept is
people diminishing the grade, or changing the grade or the appearance
of it – or a fictitious event or moment. Some people would try to
distort this moment – we're in a church praying. Yes we're in a
church! Thank God! I'm a Christian. That's where I should be on
Sunday. Matter of fact, when I was a kid in church – this here is
a vacation – because it (his church) started at 6:00pm and would go
until midnight – that was with my grandmother back in the good old
days. There are white people who don't understand this. This is not
an affirmation of prayer for election day – it's a recommitment to
what we know to be true. First it's the faith that has moved these
African American communities for generations. When we started having
trouble is when they started removing God out of the African American
generations. The Civil Rights Movement is not just about Dr. King. They talk about him from a very narrow perspective; Dr.
King represented a very broad based range of Black people who were
presecuted, persecuted, arrested, hung for the right to vote. That
Civil Rights Movement kicked open the door for a generation of
African Americans. Women – women will tell you that the Civil
Rights Movement kicked open the door for them; the disabled, those
who had any conditionor affirmation that America did not embrace, the
Civil Rights Movement kicked open the door for them. The Civil
Rights movement embraces all of us even if we don't understand it.
And for me I am very proud that I am an African American kid who grew
up in Southwest Philadelphia, grew up around countless gangs and got
my education and my degree in economics. But I want you to
understand something – all that did was make me a better human
being; not just a better Black human being.
He
spoke of attending a Quaker school and learning to be nicer and
gentler – and attending Franklin Marshall College where he and his
Jewish classmates would argue over who was more oppressed Black
people or Jews.
What
type of Philadelphia do we want – I'm a Christian and some of my
friends are Muslims; and some times that made us nervous – but the
city has evolved in that respect. He's remaining Christian but it
does not mean that there isn't common ground and areas of agreement
between himself and his Muslim friends and associates.
It's
much more important for the that I stand for the truth – not what
is convenient for me
The
community of Philadelphia is not apathetic – they're just tired of
waiting for good schools. They're tired of waiting for politicians to
stop dancing around and to begin to get the job done for them and
their families. And to stop arguing about charter schools vs. the
neighbor schools and FIX ALL THE SCHOOLS – that's what they want.
They're
tired of talking about jobs and no jobs appear; or job training
programs that don't train you for jobs in your city. They are glad
that Philadelphia is beginning to rebuild herself; but they want to
see some of the contractors license plates be from Philadelphia
instead of Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey. They want to see
license plates from Philadelphia!!! Hell, I want to help the guy
who's getting trained – I want to lift a brick too – in other
words Philadelphians are getting tired of being passed over in their
own city!!!
President
Barack Obama not just because he was the first Black president of the
United States, they voted for him because he was the first smart
president; the first cool president; the first president with a good
looking wife; the first president who spoke to all the people
regardless of what their affiliation was. Whether they grew up in
the suburbs, rural Pennsylvania – or wherever - “my kid can grow
up and become the president of the United States, because he could
to. I stand on the possibility and an on equality in the eyes of
God.
He
increased our strength – they that wait on the Lord shall renew
their strength – they shall mount up with the wings as eagle –
they shall walk and not faint. This is our time – OUR PHILADELPHIA
TIME – GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU
Rochelle
Bilau: Did not mince her words when she spoke in terms of the opposition and his johnny come lately to the Black community -
“I'm
going to keep this momentum going. How many registered voters out
here? I need to give you the facts. I'm going to let you know. How
many of you have seen that other guy (kenny) in your community or in the
field, other than when they made him run for mayor? How many have
seen him? (answer is NEVER); No, he didn't want to run. They made
him run. Don't get it twisted! It's not in his heart to do it!
Somebody had to push him to it. So how many of you have seen him in
your neighborhood before now? (ans. NEVER). I didn't even know he
was here; in fact the only place I saw him was in the MUMMERS PARADE
– I'm just trying to keep it real. You need to weigh this over!
You need to look at the facts! Don't believe that crap – oh,
somebody numbers – you know how they did it. And they're trying to
do it now, which is very unfortunate because they're going to lose
with it! Ain't nobody stupid anymore!!!
Let's
look at the little facts: our schools are in trouble; they've been
in trouble. You had a person on city council that could have dealt
with this situation a long time ago – why is he talking it now?
Has he ever put forth legislation in the 23 years of his career in
city council? Has he ever said any of this? 23 years in City
Council! All right, Pre School – Everybody's talking it now!
Have you ever heard him put any legislation through supporting
schools – pre-K, universal pre-K? Now? 23 years ago? How about
15? Anybody heard him say it in 10 years? How about two weeks before
he resigned?
Somebody-
GET THE FACTS STRAIGHT! If he (Kenney) hasn't been in your community before
now, he's not going to be in it afterwards. If he hasn't been
dealing with the schools before now, he's not going to do it
afterwards. He's being forced to run. It's not in his heart, so you
shouldn't believe the hype! For you and your family if you wan't
something you've never had before, that's a mayor for all of us
today, then you've got to do stuff you've never done before.
They're
talking about raining on Tuesday! You should make that the water
you're going to need to fill your cup so you can drink it and keep it
moving all day back and forth! Everybody's got facebook, twitter,
instagram – if you don't know how to use it – let your son or
daughter show you how to use them so you can reach our friends and
associates and get them out to the polls.
CHAKA
FATTAH: “Choose ye this day whom you will serve – but for me and
my family... You know the gracious thing about the fact that God
allowed each and every one of us to live is that we get a chance to
make choices. And when we make those choices, God allows us to reap
the rewards or to suffer the consequences of the choices we make.
Now there's a big decision moment on Tuesday, and there are some
people who are trying to play a trick, and act as if the game is
over. I was amazed to read in the local newspaper from my hometown
last week that the election for mayor was over. Now the desparing
thing about this is that this is the same paper who two days later
said, “Oops! The election's not over.”
U.S. CONGRESSMAN CHAKA FATTAH
It
just reminded me of when I ran for the United States Congress, the
poll takers said “oops!” I was pulling up to my victory party.
I had won a landslide victory. And all news radion – KYW – was
reporting, after the polls had closed, that I had the lead, but that
I was going to lose when all the votes got counted. Now of course
they had already counted the votes. I was getting ready to give a
victory speech. But they were reporting to the people of
Philadelphia that I was going to lose. And I point this out because
it's very, very important that between now and the finish line that
we keep our eyes on the prize. And that we know with a certainty
that elections are won when voters vote. And not one vote has been
cast; in any of almost 2000 divisions or precincts in our districts;
and we also know that there's support for Senator Williams in every
corner of our city. Now they have selective amnesia somehow the fact
that Senator Varnazy (?) and
in north philadelphia is supporting Senator
Williams; or that the leading elected official the Lieutenant
Governor, Michael Spratt, in Northeast Philadelphia is supporting
him. Somehow it hasn't been fit for print, or for notice. Like
strong labor unites and are working on
behalf of Senator Williams – somehow it doesn't deserve as much
notice as others.
All
I want to tell you is this – it was said that we can rebuild a loss
of the city if we have a mind to work. Now I was with Senator
Williams early this morning – we were in church. And I know that
he's got all his chief campaign staff here this evening – I saw his
campaign manager here; and Senator Williams said that he was going to
pause his campaign for this prayer service tonight, because as we go
forward, either that article of faith, that this is a victory for
this office. For when Nehemiah went to rebuild the wall, he
collected people from all the different families, and all of the
different groups, and they worked together, on their part of the
wall. Now I've been traveling the city all day; I've seen people
preparing for this victory. People working in the vineyards. For
we know that our faith is critically important – that's why Faith
is the key. We have come here to pray and to reflect on the moment
that has arisen. This is ---- that when it is finally written, it
will be written as a victory. Not for those who wish that voters
didn't have a vote, but for those who know with a certainty that when
they vote, they will vote in their interest and will send Senator
Tony Williams to the second floor of City Hall. Thank you God Bless
you all!”
STATE
REP. JORDAN HARRIS: “Praise the Lord everybody – it is fitting
that we host this righteousness rally in our house faith – and for
many of us it has only been our faith which helped to deliver us to
where we are today. When African American boys continue to drop out
of school, and drop into either graves, or cells. It is befitting
that this takes place in a place of faith. It is befitting because
we know that as African Americans the leaders of the Civil Rights
Movement were pastors and preachers and teachers. We call him Dr.
King, but we often forget that he was Rev. Dr. King; and that
churches were used – basements, bacl yards (sanctuaries) were used
to empower people who found themselves disenfranchised - who had
found themselves depressed, oppressed, and suppressed by their
government; so it is betting that this righteousness rally is here in
a house full of Faith.
Now
the question becomes why is it a righteous rally? It is righteous
because the issue that we continue to fight for remain righteous.
That child, regardless of whether they're from South Philadelphia,
North Philadelphia, West Philadelphia – whether their parents
worked on the mainline, or whether their parents worked in a pie
factory – that that child, regardless of zip code, or skin color,
deserves a quality education.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE JORDAN HARRIS
And
while people will continue to have an argument or fight over what
type of school, what I know is that in my community that mother has
to make a decision; that father has to make a decision; that
grandmother has to make a decision based off what is the best school
for their child. Because that parent understands that, while they
may not have been able to obtain a college degree; or technical
certification, that if they want better for the future of their
children – it's going to be education – and if they equalize it
to raise them out of poverty and provide for them a better
edeucation. So that's why this is a righteous rally. It is
righteous because very man, woman and child deserves to walk down the
street and feel safe in their own community, and not have to fear
whether they will be stopped and frisked because they have on a
hoodie. Because every now and then I'll want to wear a hoodie; and I
step out of my State Car – and I might not have my State License on
me, and at that time I'm just still Jordan from South Philly. And I
don't deserve to be acosted by anybody because of the color of my
skin. That's why this is a righteous rally
Let
us not be dismayed – I am always encouraged to be the “underdog”.
I love it! I love the people who have counted me out. I love the
people who have discounted and discredited my work. And in the end,
we just need to ensure that our folks understand that on Tuesday the
only thing we can do to send a point, to prove a point is to show up
at the polls, and push the button for ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS as your
next mayor, because he gets it! He doesn't just get it when it's
popular, he get's it all the time. And I'll leave you with this, Dr.
King said something that reminds me of Tony for this rally:
Cowardice acts if it's safe; expedience asks if it's politics; is it popular; but courage asks the question, is
it right. And there comes a time when a man or woman must do
something that is not popular, political or safe, or expedient –
but they do it because their conscious tells you that it's right. We
need a leader that does what is not popular, but does what is right.
And not what's right for downtown Philly, but what's right for all of
Philly. Not what's just right for neighbors but for all of the people
– that's why this rally continues to be righteous. Because if
we're going to go anywhere in the future, we must go at it because
our conscious tells us that it's right. God Bless you “
Rev. Avinger led the congregation in prayer, as all the ministers gathered around and laid hands on Anthony Hardy Williams and the entire congregation joined hands in solidarity. Philadelphia has 24 hours to make the best choice - that choice is Anthony Hardy Williams - and while prayers are wonderful, the only way he is actually going to win is when we all get up and get to the polls - take your friends, loved ones, children - but make it your business to vote on May 19, 2015 for ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS - MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA
It's May 18, 2015 - scarcely 24 hours before the polls open and
Philadelphians go to cast their votes for their choice of Mayor, Judge,
City Council At Large Representation, and a host of other offices and
issues.
I truly hope you've been following the campaign
with interest and concern, because it impacts the future of
Philadelphians all over the globe - as well as right here at home.
I
am neither diplomatic or subtle when it comes to voicing my choice, or
in recommending that others follow suit. I have a tendency to do my
homework up front; scrutinize the individual, his or her track record,
how they interact with other people; what they've done or tried to do
for people, whether they were running for office or not - i.e., what are
they doing when we're not paying attention - and based on that, make a
decision as to whether or not I would back them.
So I'm using the "keep it simple sweety -(KISS)" method in terms of relating my support for them to you - I think their records have been exemplary and speak for themselves:
KAI SCOTT JUDGE COURT OF COMMOM PLEAS
As you can see, my
choice for Judge in the Court of Common Pleas is KAI SCOTT - because
she's intelligent, well thought out, personable, humane, down to earth,
disciplined and dedicated - I found this through observing her
interactions with some of the senior citizens in the community, as well
as with recent college graduates, and rank and file residents of
Philadelphia. She's not just a "glad hander", but a person who
remembers you the next time she sees you, and is fully engaged in who
you are and what you're about. That should in large measure stand her
in good stead for the role as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas.
BLONDELL REYNOLDS BROWN FOR CITY COUNCIL AT LARGE
Again, personable, down to earth, is fully engaged in programs for youth, and is hands on in her approach. This is her fourth term for a good reason - she cares and continues to put people first.
Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown is the only woman to win a Philadelphia At-Large Council
seat since 1999. On January 2, 2012 she was
elected Majority Whip, and is the only woman serving in City Council
Leadership. Councilwoman Reynolds Brown is dedicated to enriching the lives of Philadelphia residents by “Putting People First.” She is an educator, community activist, political leader and concerned
parent, committed to helping others. Born, raised, and attended school in Philadelphia all her life, she earned a
Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Science in
Education, both from Penn State University. She taught elementary school in Philadelphia School District. After pursuing a dancing career, she taught dance and subsequently became a member of Phildanco (The Philadelphia Dance Company).
TONY WILLIAMS - ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS FOR MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA
His track record in Harrisburg, as well as in his own community; his interaction with organizations and individuals who have the interests and concerns of Philadelphia residents as their priority; the fact that he makes the hard choices and the heart choices with the future of Philadelphians across the board in mind - his savvy about dealing with legislators from the state level to the local level, and has consistently been the unsung hero behind a great many legislations that have benefited Philadelphians. He's congenial, easy to talk to, down to earth, well thought out, disciplined, discerning, disciplined - with just the right touch of humor. He's also not a push over, and not for sale. He also knows who he is and what and who his constituency is in Philadelphia and has consistently stated:
Black Americans in Philadelphia are not "minorities" - we represent the largest ethnic group in the state of Pennsylvania - there is no way we should be called "minorities" or treated like one. It's time to make sure that the "majority" rules, and has a mayor who will stand for what we need - good paying jobs, quality education in quality schools, with qualified teachrs; decent, clean, affordable homes; decent affordable available health care, and an environment in which all Philadelphians can thrive, grow, interact and benefit from having a mayor who puts them first. Not someone who is being pushed forward by a group who wants to set us back 50 years.
This is why I'm supporting Anthony Hardy Williams for Mayor of Philadelphia -
When you go to the polls on Tuesday, make sure you take some friends and relatives with you - make it a positive outing and VOTE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDED ON IT - BECAUSE IT DOES!!! NOW THAT YOU KNOW, WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT? Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Hello All: I know earlier I sent out an Event Alert for Lincoln University Philadelphia Alumni's Chicken and Fish Fry, which takes place Saturday, May 9 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. And, yes! It's still happening!! But another important event just came to my attention, and I know you want to be a part of that as well - sooooo, before you come to the Fish Fry, why don't you stop in at Anthony Hardy William's Campaign Headquarters and become part of TEAM TONY. They are putting together strategy teams of Philadelphia residents who are looking to make sure that he is Philadelphia's next mayor. What a great way to reward yourself after spending some quality time this Saturday by reaching out to neighbors, friends, associates urging them to get out and vote - reminding them how much is at stake with this pivotal election, and then follow it up by going to the Chicken and Fish Fry you can treat and reward yourself royally for a job well done. What a great way for Black education, politics, and scholarships all around -- having participated outreach to make sure Black people exercise their responsibility to vote. I'm sharing my TEAM TONY Email/invite with you, in case you didn't receive yours yet. They're very flexible - you can choose early, midday, or late afternoon/evening - but do choose something. It's not only our civic duty, it's how we guarantee that we get the Philadelphia we say we want and need - by being actively and integrally involved in the process from the jump. A lot of people say that they're not politically inclined, or politically involved - but you are, whether you know it or not - if you sit it out, just as what happened during the General Election of November 4, 2014, you are going to wind up with snakes in your yard - literally.
You have the opportunity to make sure that that does not happen in Philadelphia. You are in charge here. This your city. You have to stand for it and make sure the person who is going to do the best job for you across the board is elected. And, quiet as it's kept, you know just who that person is already. You always know who the front runner - and you know that it's not just about who funds his campaign, or who he's friends with - it's also his approach to issues, and how he carries himself. The opponents know who the front runner is too, and they try to undermine him by saying negative things about him; by the bogus criticisms leveled at him - which are little more than masked jealousy; by the way coalitions are formed to block him or divide the community to weaken his influence. And make no mistake about it, Anthony Hardy Williams, as the front runner, has had some harsh, out and out lies leveled against him from his opponents. You can also tell who the front runner is because he continues to maintain his cool in the face of negativity, lies and distortions.
ANTHONY HARDY "TONY" WILLIAMS FOR MAYOR OF PHILADELPHIA - GOTV!!
It is unfortunate, however, that there are some among us who don't delve that deeply into negative motives. This makes it absolutely necessary for us to participare in reaching out to and providing those who have been bombarded with propaganda with the truth - and also to find out what is on your mind to make sure those interests and concerns are integrally involved in both his campaign and his administration. I'm sharing my invite with you - now you please share it with someone else. And don't forget to selecr which shift you want to participate in. Let's all get it together and G-O-T-V ---GET OUT THE VOTE!!!
STAY BLESSED
On Thu, May 7, 2015 at 6:30 PM, Team Tony wrote:
Hi GLORIA,
This is our campaign's make-or-break moment. If you've been waiting to get involved, you’re running out of time.
Good thing you have the perfect opportunity to join the team and learn the ropes this weekend!
Join us this Saturday for a Get Out the Vote training -- RSVP for a shift right now to save your spot:
By Gloria Dulan-Wilson Hello All: Well it's two weeks and counting until the primary election for Mayor of Philadelphia. This is going to be a pivotal campaign for several reasons - the new mayor gets to preside over Philadelphia's progress along side a new Governor - and the right person in that position can work wonders for all concerned.
ANTHONY HARDY WILLIAMS AT ADA FORUM (Photo by Gloria Dulan-Wilson)
Philadelphians may think they have a tough choice, but to me it's a no-brainer! When I was in high school, our teachers used to meet with our parents early in the school year and begin helping them in the process of making informed decisions for our future. They could tell by our actions, behavior, mindset, accomplishments, and conversation whether we were or were not "COLLEGE MATERIAL." In looking at the line up of the six people running for mayor, I've pretty come to be able to make the same determination. There are things that distinguish one candidate from the rest of his opponents - And I hesitate to point it out, because the others may to appropriate the idea and behavior and try to fool the public into thinking they have the same character and qualities. But, more than wearing a suit and tie, or speaking colloquial English, the actions, behavior, mindset, accomplishments and conversation also earmark a person who is good MAYOR MATERIAL, as well. What was interesting about this was that I was looking right at these traits in action, but didn't really notice it, because at the time I wasn't aware that the individual was planning to run for mayor. But what I saw was this - a level of participation in issues of interest and concern to the community, even though the constituents were not a part of his district. A working knowledge of issues and problems beyond the headlines in the newspapers. Being supportive of individuals in the community even if it didn't put him in the limelight. Handling insults and affronts without rancor, while dealing effectively with them so that they are harmless.
The candidate to whom I refer is not just good mayor material for Philadelphia, but Great Mayoral Material for Philadelphia - and he didn't just begin building that reputation and traits just in time to throw his hat in the ring. In fact, what was interesting was that Anthony Hardy Williams has quietly shown up at community gatherings, the charter school hearings, and other events that were of vital importance to Philadelphia for quite some time. And while, as State Senator, he could certainly have thrown his weight around, he continued to play low profile and participate in the process where possible. When the parents gathered at the School District of Philadelphia the cold winter morning in order to participate in the hearings for Germantown Community Charter School Coalition, but were locked out because of overcrowded capacity, Anthony Hardy Williams stood out in the cold with them, waiting until they could be given admission. Good Mayor Material comes through whenever he answers a question on a panel or a forum - it is clear through his answers that he's already given the issue some considerable thought and looked at it from the standpoint of what the Mayor of Philadelphia can do, as opposed to what has been done. He's great Mayor Material because he goes beyond the perfunctory answers to the burning questions of what about the overtaxing of Philadelphia residents is so onerous {residents, who by the way, are being pushed out of their homes through egregious foreclosures due to heinous tax increases that are based on an overpriced valuation system - these rates are move indicative of New York's excessive or New Jersey's exhorbitant rates - most Philadelphians are barely scraping by and to be hit with triple inflated property values and an artificial tax rate overlay is somewhere between robbery, thievery, and just plain greed on the one hand and stupidity on the other; corporations should have been required to pay their fair share of taxes long ago not Philadelphian residents - of course I said the "stupidity" part, not Anthony Hardy Williams - but he came close to saying the same thing.} Anthony Hardy Williams is Mayor Material because he sees the city of Philadelphia as a whole - and realizes that it's time for the different communities to interact and communicate with each other. Anthony Hardy Williams is great Mayor Material because he not only is in favor of the $15.00 an hour income increase, but also the vocational and training programs being brought to the schools so that students can receive the requisite education to be able to sustain gainful employment. Having been a businessman himself, he understands the issue of wages, taxes, earned income tax adjustments. Even more positive and advantageous is that you have a mayor whose experiences in Harrisburg will make a world of difference in getting around the red tape that often keeps Philly from moving forward. His relationships forged across the years will make a considerable difference in getting laws passed and concessions implemented that will benefit all Philadelphians.
Anthony Hardy is great Mayor Material because his vision for Philadelphia includes all Philadelphians - those who have lived here all their lives; those who have recently arrived here and are just beginning to appreciate the merits of this historical city; and those who are considering making Philadelphia their home. In a recent debate, when the subject of tax abatements came, he stated, "Tax Abatements is a false argument, it really comes down to who's building what, where. And so for me, I have the Diversity Apprenticeship Program (DAP) - people of color in neighborhoods - African Americans, who are not minorities, but are the majority, making up the largest ethnic group in Philadelphia - see people from Delaware, New Jersey, Baltimore all working in trades that are not diversified. My position on this is if the abatement program is to go forward, we will work to restructure who gets to build where and when That is what will drive the abatement process for having its fullest promise for all of Philadelphia. He possesses the warmth associated with the City of Brotherly Love - Affable and approachable - but focused, creative and imaginative.
Despite his detractors, people are seeing through their machinations and are watching as he emerges victoriously as the front runner in a six-way campaign. One, that can be lost, however, if any one for one minute listens to those detractors who would have Black people turn on each other than to turn to each other; who think it clever to use personal vendettas and ambitions to undermine Philadelphians by playing divide and conquer poltical games, and trying sway Black Philadelphians to vote against their own self interest, and support a candidate who has just discovered the Philadelphia Blacks even have a history worth noting.
Remember - this is a 6-way campaign - there is no margin for error - you cannot split your vote just because you "like" a person - in this instance the entirely wrong person can end up being the front runner if you don't do a laser focus and decide to make sure your vote counts across the board - later will be too late - just like Philly suffered under 4 years of Tom Corbett as governor; it could likewise suffer if we fool around and split our vote and Kenney, Abrahams, Diaz or any of the other candidates get in instead of Anthony Hardy Williams - sometimes, by the way, people are paid to run for office, to crowd the field so much that voters can't decide - and make the wrong decision, leaving the field open for their hand chosen candidate. It would be tragic to get to the polls on May 19, the birthdate of Malcolm X, and split your vote six ways because of indecision or misinformation - it would be insane to take all the progress that has been being made in Philly through hard work and effort and throw out the baby with the bath water by supporting Jim Kenny, when Anthony Hardy Williams is clearly the best and most viable candidate. It would be foolish to think that electing Kenney would somehow show some sense of misbegotten egalitarianism on our part. Such commentaries as who supports Williams is of little merit - the fact that he can garner a broad based variety of financial supporters bodes well for the future of Philadelphia, whose budget suffered mightily under the yoke of Tom Corbett, who spent his entire tenure stripping Philadelphia in every possible way he could - from school budgets, affordable homes, jobs, medical assistance and facilities. Being great Mayor Material means being able to identify and utilize sources and resources that will augment and enhance the advancement of the city and its residents. Those who would take Philadelphia backwards 25 years are not people acting in the best interest of Philly - and when you have individuals or groups posturing in that manner, you may want to check out what their hidden agendas are; you might want to ferret out who benefits if Anthony Hardy Williams loses this pivotal primary - what will it do for those of us who, as Williams has stated are not the minority, but the mighty Majority and the largest viable ethnic group in Philadelphia - African Americans. In the closing statement from the forum of ABCTV 6, Williams, next mayor of Philadelphia, stated: "Let these words ring in your ears on May 19th, you can go backwards in the City, compromised by the practices of special interests from the past; or do we build upon the growing prosperity of Philadelphia, that needs to go across the entire city itself? Tough choices will be made; improving schools - certainly - but improving all schools, in all neighborhoods for all families is essential! The economy that we need will allow for a PhD and a GED to process; and most significantly, respecting our police officers, but listening to the cries and the demands of the mothers across Philadelphia that believe their sons should be respected as well. For those who believe that this is an impossible dream, that my vision just can't happen, I believe differently. I think on May 19th we can prove that we are the city - a caring city; a warm city. And I believe on May 19th, I'm asking you for your support and your vote - Thank you very much!" Positive, powerful, in command - definitely Great Mayor Material! Does this sound like a campaign piece for Anthony Williams? It could be - but what it really is is a wake up call to all Philadelphians to not squander an opportunity to continue progressing and carrying forward. The good thing about Philly is that you've got some good folks who are interested in being mayor - but the great thing is that you have one who is outstanding Mayor Material and will not only be the best choice, but make Philadelphia the envy of other cities - that is Anthony Hardy Williams. If you aren't familiar with him, this is the time to go to one of the forums, or read up on his policies. Take a visit to his campaign headquarters, volunteer to do some door knocking, phone calls, and helping those who have disabilities to get to the polls on May 19. This, by the way, is not a paid political announcement - as the "partisan press" I reserve the right to have an opinion and vested and enlightened concern about who our mayor is, as well as other neighbors, officials, friends. And lining the traits, accomplishments, experiences, side by side - Anthony Hardy Williams comes out way ahead of the opponents as the next and best mayor of Philadelphia!
Now that you know,what are you going to do about it? Join Team Tony!! 215-545-1258
www.anthonyhwilliams.com
Stay Blessed & ECLECTICALLY BLACK Gloria Dulan-Wilson
