Comments on And Now, Anacostia: Guest Post: Time for a New Ward 8

I have read through the primary observation of the...

2012-01-26T14:23:18.491-05:00

I have read through the primary observation of the ward and the many negations and proponents for the message. I am on the outside looking in and must admit there is validity in the posting created by anonymous. However I get a very bad vibe that those of you that are most educated and/or sensible enough to post the things that matter via the internet are quarrelling and not taking these opinions to those who need to hear the messages the most. I feel that there is a divide amongst residents. There are mixed messages and mindsets. In order to get on the same page, we need to define community and understand that at some point in our histories the entities that made a community counted for something. I plan to start on the streets. I would like to clean up the neighborhoods; literally. How can we become organized if we are unorganized?

Fantastic article! As a recent Ward 8 resident and...

2011-10-19T18:22:39.807-04:00

Fantastic article! As a recent Ward 8 resident and a Washingtonian, I applaud your honesty. Thank you!

I agree 110% with the message...who cares if the p...

2011-10-19T12:57:33.057-04:00

I agree 110% with the message...who cares if the poster was anonymous...focus on what matters most.

The rubber met the road a long time ago, and prese...

2011-10-17T20:24:00.220-04:00

The rubber met the road a long time ago, and present day Ward 8 isn't winning. I think future Ward 8 will be a winner. "Anonymous" is here, while "it" is currently going down and thus the "Guest Post". The best teachers in the best schools can't teach unruly kids facing multiple challenges. Don't believe the hype. That's why the better teachers won't be found in Ward 8, despite the biggest need being here.

This is anonymous. What difference does it make, w...

2011-10-17T20:13:11.665-04:00

This is anonymous. What difference does it make, whether I post anonymously or "open" in this age of social media with so many people, including employers, having access to everything? Too many people want to focus on the messenger, versus the merits of the message. What's important is that the communication is happening. People have various reasons for posting anonymously...

AMEN. And the same goes for downtown Ward 7. Ugh. ...

2011-10-17T13:06:06.128-04:00

AMEN. And the same goes for downtown Ward 7. Ugh. How difficult is it to put something in the trash?! Often I have to pick up a potato chip bag or something from around my walk way. It used to be bad, but it's gotten a lot better. It is too difficult to dump it in your trash when you go home? What are people raising for kids? Who tells their child it's ok to dump some trash in your own neighborhood? Who lives like that? UGH.

Perhaps your sentiment about our Ward is right on ...

2011-10-13T08:07:35.658-04:00

Perhaps your sentiment about our Ward is right on but I have to say the Anonymous authorship is really off putting. Take the blame/praise for your writing.

I can agree with the poster of the article. Much o...

2011-10-13T01:20:35.173-04:00

I can agree with the poster of the article. Much of what is stated is going on in many of the EoR communities. Yet, I also agree with the respondents of the post as well. Change must happen, but if you are not willing to at least partake or participate in the change then it is pointless. With that being said, what is needed is awareness-for people to be aware in the community. People perish, or at least stay stagnant with lack of knowledge. Only in many of our communities is it acceptable to carry the non-chalant attidudes towards businesses and services that really to not fully or positively serve the community. Only in our communities is it acceptable for our streets to be litter lined and were residents would have to call to schedule street cleanup services-yet would have to wait almost a month for anything to be done in regards to the services requested by a department of the government who we pay taxes to. Change must come, but before it is to come the renewing of the mindsets of the residents who live in these communities must change for the better first. I've lived on both sides of the fence, so I know what I'm talking about when I see, what I see on the daily.

Yes, it would be nice to come out of the class clo...

2011-10-12T23:45:13.338-04:00

Yes, it would be nice to come out of the class closet and own your privilege. It is much better for an open and honest dialogue. But it is still too risky for some who are attacked for wanting to live in a nice neighborhood, regardless of race.

More people need to stop hiding behind the comp, attend critical meetings and campaign for candidates that we believe in. Going to the voting booth is not enough. In order for sweeping improvements, you need a groundswell that reflects organized thought.

here! here!

2011-10-12T23:35:55.494-04:00

here! here!

I may be blasted, however, I've got to ask why...

2011-10-12T18:07:35.707-04:00

I may be blasted, however, I've got to ask why be "anonymous?" One of the reasons change doesn't happen is because the status quo counts on us to be anonymous--talk a lot but then hide our hands. One of the things weighed when running for office is visibility of the public you want to represent. What's more powerful "Anonymous said..." or "Ms. Smith said..."? When the rubber meets the road will anonymous be there?

Yes, thanks for posting. We need somewhat of an aw...

2011-10-12T06:25:51.405-04:00

Yes, thanks for posting. We need somewhat of an awakening over here to get the type of change needed. Ultimately, a unified Ward 8 will get much more accomplished, versus individual communities. Although change can start at the community level. Our ANCs need to get it going!

I say --OCCUPY WARD 8! Instead of galvanizing for...

2011-10-12T06:05:07.903-04:00

I say --OCCUPY WARD 8! Instead of galvanizing for statehood, Ward 8 residents must initiate a movement to Occupy Ward 8! Our message would be crystal clear: Time for new leadership, direction, and vision. I'm ready to occupy; are you ready?

I just linked to this post from my blog.

2011-10-11T21:59:07.023-04:00

I just linked to this post from my blog.

Great post! I agree 100%.

2011-10-11T15:09:24.954-04:00

Great post! I agree 100%.