The subject matter of the disagreement isn’t as important as the fallout from the disagreement. In this case it is about trees, oak or palms? It was reported in the Miami Herald this morning: Without palms, is Biscayne Boulevard royal?
We have Bob Flanders spokesperson for the mighty oaks and Elvis Cruz and Teri D’Amico in support of the royal palms on Biscayne Blvd.
There are very few activists that are good community leaders so when they work against each other I worry. Can they ever heal rifts when working on the opposite ends of an issue? Activists are passionate about the issues they take on. Their time is precious because there are so many issues. Some activists, like Flanders, have ties to the administration. He supported Manny Diaz way back when. Activists are divided, seeing this as much a liability as an asset — and it is both. I think Flanders remains a good activist although he has become more moderate. Is that good or bad?
My inclination is to tell all activists in Miami that it is the issue, not the person, so don’t make it personal. We need you all out there making the community work. We are not going to always agree. We are not always going to be interested in your issue.
Activists are pulled in so many directions, it is a wonder they keep going. So let me take a moment to salute one that just keeps going like the pink battery powered bunny: Steve Hagen. He is one of our most passionate City of Miami activists – I don’t always agree with you Steve, but I admire you for working on what you believe in with such passion.
6 comments:
Good work to everyone who works locally for a better Florida!
Nothing says tropical better than walking down a shadeless B Blvd on a sunny afternoon.
People walk?
FDOT has no soul.
Royal palms or oaks? What is your preference?
plant natives! A mixed bunch that could include oaks and still provide canopy and cover for wildlife.
Leave out those weak wooded exotic flowering trees like they are planting alongside US#1 (sidebar: have you seen the size of the thorns on some of those roadside trees? Can you imagine landing in one after an auto accident?)
And let the Morningside folks have their palms at their entrances and in their neghborhoods.
Has anyone seen the massive wide concrete sidewalks on Biscayne between approx NE 50th and NE 60th? Nothing green, just concrete. Winton fell in love with concrete. Commissioner Sarnoff is trying to get us more green.
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