There has been quite a bit of discussion of the following 42 words in a recent “Conversations with Nicole” column, published in our May 7 issue:
“It is sad that the mostly all white so-called LGBT Redistricting Committee is working on a new 3rd District that would be about 70 percent all white and would kick out our first gay person of color elected to the city council.”
The words have been called race baiting and suggestions have been made that Nicole Murray Ramirez should apologize to the chair of the LGBT Redistricting Task Force, Linda Perine. First, let’s take a closer look at what actually was said in Murray Ramirez’s commentary.
Did he say that Perine was racist? No. Clearly that is what many inferred from the comment. Is the committee for LGBT redistricting 70 percent white? Yes. Would the new district lines suggested by the committee create a situation where Councilman Todd Gloria would have to move to seek reelection, effectively “kicking out the first gay person of color elected to the city council?” Yes.
Murray Ramirez has a right to his opinion, as does every other person who is interested in redistricting. The LGBT Redistricting Task Force has had its share of disagreement with members resigning, as well as notable discord with a certain member, as evidenced by their abrupt departure from a meeting. This is not to call into question the leadership of the committee, but simply highlights that passions are running high for those interested in redistricting.
There are those who believe that the current District 3 has elected Chris Kehoe, Toni Atkins and Todd Gloria. Let’s call them the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” group.
Of course, there are those who believe that redistricting provides an opportunity to make the most LGBT-friendly district based upon opposition to Proposition 8, in addition to where same-sex couples and members of the Human Rights Campaign live. Let’s call them the “LGBT first” group.
The new proposed district brings in higher educated and wealthier voters, while LGBT-friendly, they may elect a councilmember based upon other concerns. For example, the majority of the population is women, but we overwhelmingly elect men.
Then there are those who believe that District 3’s diversity is its strength. Simply, diverse groups are forced to work together to solve the issues facing the district. Let’s call them the “diversity is a plus” group.
Any reasonable person can understand the merits of the arguments of each group. The problem? As usual, some members of each group have made redistricting personal. Many seem to be “reading between the lines,” which in essence says I can manufacture an insult or slight from anything said by someone who disagrees with me.
How can I tell? 42 words by Murray Ramirez have generated thousands of words in response. Moreover, this is about LGBT politics. Some Gloria supporters have never forgiven the San Diego Democratic Club’s decision to endorse Stephen Whitburn over Todd Gloria. During the redistricting process, there have been inappropriate suggestions about those who live in City Heights by members of our community. Linda Perine made a “joke” that was questionable about Nicole Murray Ramirez at a community leadership meeting. The result; a political showdown that has divided our community.
When will we learn that we can agree to disagree.
STAMPP CORBIN, Publisher
San Diego LGBT Weekly
