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Picking on black leaders?

A caller suggested today that I never write anything complimentary about black leaders, especially Skip Alston.

She also said I probably don't live in the black community.

She's right. My northwest Greensboro neighborhood is mixed.

As for Alston, the best I could tell her is that I call it as I see it, and my most recent column's reference to Alston stands. He should do better by poor black folks when wearing his hat as a landlord.

By the way, I have written a number of complimentary words about Alston. He is a smart businessman and a shrewd politician. He and Jones had the vision and follow-through to plant the seeds for the civil rights museum.

I admire his fortitude.

I don't think he fully uses all of his talent. And I believe he could be an incredibly positive force in this community if he were a more selfless leader.

I even suspect he knows that.

Comments (8)

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meblogin said:

Do you think one day that Skip will be found guilty of anything illegal? He seems to be on the fringe of some pretty nasty topics where people profited and no work or minimal work was performed?

If he is innocent...he is a very bright businessman...if guilty...just another crook living off the taxpayers.

thanks

me...I like him...smart guy who knows how to keep his name in the news. Similar to you I think he could do a better job as a leader.

Allen Johnson said:

No, I don't foresee any legal problems for Alston. I question his ethics.
But he is a personable, charismatic man who might be holding a statewide office now, if he had not insisted on playing hardball politics all the time.

Stormy said:

Well, Skippy would be a great fit in a state office. He could have his office right next to Jim Black.

Allen Johnson said:

Touche.

jaycee said:

Skip is all about Skip; always has been, always will be.
Any community leadership contributions from Skip are a by-product, not an intentional accomplishment.

TruthaccordingtoDeena said:

Allen,
you think its mixed but Deena would say its a white clicky neighborhood.

Truth said:

BA, I know you love the Block and your daughter has done very well. My eldest will also do very well but her sister may not so.

I also think that if my eldest were on traditional she would not need to be "reviewing" AP history in the secnd semester one hour earlier in the morning or after school. I think our children spend enough time at school as it is. I guess the review time makes up for the difference in teaching hours (180 Trad vs 135 block).

There is one other thing. With Block schedule you can take 32 courses vs 24 for trad through the four years. I have tried to map out my daughters 4 years and I really have a hard job filling in the full 32.

My conclusion is 24 is enough. What the rush?

My vote is still for traditional!

Truth said:

Oops!

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