You know, Michael Adams gets a lot of credit - rightfully so - for his depth of knowledge about Upper Manhattan history and architecture. But this is the second time that I've heard him make reference to rioting over this issue. Though he has stopped *just* short of inciting such a riot, it is clear that he thinks this is worth rioting over - and that he thinks the ends justify the means in that regard.
For anyone - Michael Adams included - to recommend a riot in Harlem over this issue is IRRESPONSIBLE, SELFISH, and incredibly SHORT SIGHTED. As one blogger effectively pointed out the other day, 125th Street has dealt with blight for decades now - and without rezoning, it will only continue for decades more. http://thegayrecluse.com/2008/02/29/on-the-harlem-watch-why-the-city-sho...
The VAST MAJORITY of folks who live in Harlem want the neighborhood to continue on its upward trajectory. Despite those to throw up their arms and wail to the heavens about how "their" neighborhood is being overrun, most people want a safer, more vibrant, economically thriving, neighborhood. I think that without rezoning 125th Street (taking into consideration some of the concerns expressed), it dooms Harlem into a second-class status that we just don't deserve.
So shame on Michael Adams for giving safe verbal passage to those who think that a RIOT is the right answer for their fears and angst!
You know, Michael Adams gets a lot of credit - rightfully so - for his depth of knowledge about Upper Manhattan history and architecture. But this is the second time that I've heard him make reference to rioting over this issue. Though he has stopped *just* short of inciting such a riot, it is clear that he thinks this is worth rioting over - and that he thinks the ends justify the means in that regard.
For anyone - Michael Adams included - to recommend a riot in Harlem over this issue is IRRESPONSIBLE, SELFISH, and incredibly SHORT SIGHTED. As one blogger effectively pointed out the other day, 125th Street has dealt with blight for decades now - and without rezoning, it will only continue for decades more. http://thegayrecluse.com/2008/02/29/on-the-harlem-watch-why-the-city-sho...
The VAST MAJORITY of folks who live in Harlem want the neighborhood to continue on its upward trajectory. Despite those to throw up their arms and wail to the heavens about how "their" neighborhood is being overrun, most people want a safer, more vibrant, economically thriving, neighborhood. I think that without rezoning 125th Street (taking into consideration some of the concerns expressed), it dooms Harlem into a second-class status that we just don't deserve.
So shame on Michael Adams for giving safe verbal passage to those who think that a RIOT is the right answer for their fears and angst!