Submitted by Makeba Lloyd, Jan 21, 2008 12:48

As a former Harlem resident born and raised in Harlem, I'd have to agree with Mr. Whye's comments. It is one thing to say that you are in full support and understanding of a community but it is something different to actually take consistent action in order to make "real change"

Over the last few years since former President Clinton set up offices in Harlem, I've witnessed the community transform into a new Metroplis. New luxury developments and businesses emerging on almost every corner. It was obvious that Mr. Clinton's move would soon be a sign that developers were going to seize the opportunity to create a new market. Although, I can appreciate such a change (afterall, I am a NYC real estate broker by trade) it is hard to witness such change at the expense of existing residents and small business owners. These are the people in our African-American community that were part of the old renassaince and therefore deserve respect during a "New Renassaince", as I like to call it. I feel that the Clintons failed to acknowledge this by not implementing more ownership programs that funded and educated the community (specifically lower-middle class residents) about the change to come.

Yesterday at Abyssenian Baptist, Senator Clinton made reference to the fact that it was a shame a hospital like North General (formerly the Hospital for Joint Diseases) should have to continue to struggle. That it should be recognized by the congregation and the community of the sacrifices that the staff there are making by just choosing to commute to Harlem (I'm assuming rather than working at a hospital more convenient or appealing). She said something that we as a community should be gracious and thankful of these sacrifices, something along those lines. She than went on to say that it was going to be up to the community to continue to fight for better.

I found these comments very interesting. I thought to myself, "wow...is she serious?" I would think that if the Clintons set up shop here over half a decade ago, there would be no excuse for any Harlem hospital to struggle. There should be no reason for any member of North General's staff to feel as if they were making a sacrifice by being there, for Harlem deservies hospitals with the best staff and facilities - especially when you have a so called "Clinton Powerhouse" residing just a few blocks away.

After listening to her well delivered speech, I was left feeling as if the Clintons looked at Harlem as sort of a "poor step child" only worthy of whatever "hand-me-downs" they were willing to offer. Senator Clinton's comments about the community's responsibility to be gracious and appreciative for a struggling hospital simply did not resonate well, at least not with me. Yes, I agree we as a community must continue to support our institutions but it also will be the policies and funding that are spear-headed by our politicians that will ultimately give us the foundation of support we need.

I just don't believe that the Clintons have a full understanding of the African American experience ( no matter how many plates of soul food eaten at Sylvia's or Baptist church services attended) needed to ignite a level of passion that will actually bring about "real change". Perhaps they were or were not raised in well-priviledged environments but their actions over the last 6 years or so have been cloudy and inconsistent and not necessarily in sync with a movement towards positive and genuine change (i.e. After a failed healthcare bill during the Clinton administration, Hilary's sudden substantial payouts from healthcare lobbyists and special interests groups.).

Lastly, Senator Clinton is quoted saying "I know how difficult this choice is." What does she really mean by this. Could it be that she even knows that the best candidate for our communities is Barack Obama or anyone besides her for that matter? If she truly and whole-heartedly believed that she was the best candidate for Black America and therefore America as a whole, why on God's beautiful green earth would the decision to vote "Hilary Clinton for President" be a difficult choice to make. Just something to think about...

Respectfully Submitted,

Happy and Proud to Be Alive!

Note: Comments are screened, and in some cases edited, before posting. We reserve the right to reject anything we find objectionable.