I got a call last night from the campaign headquarters of one of the candidates for city council in Oakland. The conversation went something like this:
Campaigner: “Hello, John. I’m calling to see if you know about Abel Guillan, who’s running for Oakland city council.”
Me: “Yes, I’ve heard of him. He’s another one of those corporate politicians.”
Her: “Well, Abel has been endorsed by the Alameda County Police Officers Association.”
Me: “Well, in that case I won’t be voting for him. I’m just disgusted with how the police are getting away with murder – literally – right across the country.”
Her: “Oh. Okay. Well, Abel has also been endorsed by the ____ Democratic Party (something or other).
Me: “Well, in that case I most definitely won’t be voting for him. I’m sick of how the Democrats, as well as the Republicans, are allowing the cops to do this. I think it’s been something like 400 people the cops have killed so far this year. And both parties are equally responsible for it.”
Her: “Would you mind holding for one second.” Then, after a minute to so: “Well, John, I guess you won’t be voting for Abel.”
Me: “No, I won’t”
Her: “Well, that’s your right.”
Me: “I’m well aware of that. And all I can say is that I wish you the worst of luck.”
End of conversation.
Categories: John Reimann's personal blog, Oakland, politics
John,
You are still the fiery young man I remember from school. My father would have loved to have met you while he lived in Oakland; the Oakland of Jack London and many other ”radicals” of the
days gone by.
I hope that you’ll be coming to NY for the 50th.
Jim Roberts